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Hiotographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STRICT 

WIBSTER,N  Y.  14580 

(716)172-4503 


■I 


CIHM/iCMH 

Microfiche 

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d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

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dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbole  — ►  signif ie  "A  SUiVRE".  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN". 

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et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  ndcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mdthode. 


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SKETCHES 


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THE  WAR, 

BETWEEN  THE 

UNITED  STATES  AND  THE  BRITISH  ISLES: 

INTENDED  AS 

A  FAITHFUL  HISTORY 

3F  ALL  THE  MATERIAL  EVENTS  FROM  THE  TIME  OF  THE  DECLIIRATION  IN  U12 , 

TO  AND  INCLUmNO  XIIB  TRBATT  0»  PEACE  IN  ISM: 
INTBRSPBRSED    WITH 

GEOGRAHPICAL  DESCRIPTIONS  OF  PLACES, 

AND 

BIOGRAPHICAL  NOTICES  OF  DISTINGUISHED  MILI- 
TARY AND  NAVAL  COMMANDERS. 


VOLUMES  L  AND  II. 


RUTLAND,  Vt. 

PUBLISHED  BT  FAT  AND  DAVISON. 
1815. 


Fs'oTS 


2  »  4  6  i  0 


I 


Oist)  tct  of  ycnnont,  to  init : 

2  «£  IT  REMEMBIiHED.  that  on  the  twepiietb  d«y  of  January,  in  the  thirty 
fa  ninth  year  ol' the   iiiUepeiideiice  of  the  United  Stfttei  of  America,  Meisn* 
(L.  S.)  Fay  and  Davison,  or  the  said  district.  Iiave  df  |>osited  in  thii  office  the  title  of  a  ' 

book,  tiie  right  wliereot'  tliey  claim  a»  proprietor),  in  tlie  wordi  following,  to 
wit: 

"  Sketches  of  tlie  War  between  the  United  States  and  tbe  British  Islet    intended  as  a  Taithrul 
'*  history  ot  all  the  ranterial  events  from  the  time  or  the  declaration   in  1812,  to  and  iiicludioK  the 
'  treaty  of  praci'  in  t8l>;  iiitersperied  with  geoi^raphical  descriptions  of  places,  and  biograpbical 
"  notices  ol'  distinguished  military  and  naval  cummanden." 

In  conformity  to  the  act  of  the  cunfpress  of  the  United  States,  entitled  "  an  •t^t  for  the  encourage" 
mtnt  of  learning,  by  securing  the  copies  ot  maps,  charts  and  books,  to  the  authors  and  pioprietars  of 
such  copies  during  the  times  tlierein  mentioned." 

JESSE  GOVE.  Clerk 
of  the  District  »f  Fiermont. 
A  true  ctfiy, 
Examined  and  sealed  bv 

J.  GOVE,  Cierk. 


♦*«  HEADERS, 

Who  may  not  have  perused  this  work,  as  it  progressed  from 
the  press,  will  perceive,  that  these  numbers  were  commenced, 
and  that  part  of  them  were  written  for  a  family  record,  while 
the  war  was  continually  proclaiming  its  events  from  the  embat- 
tied  field.  Hence,  the  work,  from  a  seeming  necessity,  and  from 
the  then  unknown  duration  of  the  war,  assumed  its  present  form. 
Had  ail  the  events  herein  registered  in  our  numbers  been  matter  of 
history,  before  tbe  first  was  printed,  they  would  have  enabled  us 
to  ii»ve  given  to  this  work  a  more  dignified  character.  Perhaps, 
liowever,  what  we  may  lose  in  respect,  the  reader  may  gain  in 
information.  The  simple  *<  unvarnished  tale»»  often  more  instructs 
than  the  leisurely  composed  and  rounded  periods  of  some  better 
writer,  but  semi-romantic  historian* 


m 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  T  — The  pre«ulent's  manifVttto— Act  of  congreM  declarinff  witr— Vresideut**  pw>. 
cla  nation— Gviieral  Bloomfield  iuiiet  Ui  oidtci— Cuininodore  Kodgcn  lails— First  priwner 
aiKl  first  prize— Naval  ibrce  of  the  United  StatM— Sehedule  ol  the  apyortioninent  of  100,000 
militia  by  act  oi'  eongreu  oT  the  iztli  A  prii,  tSlt— Instnietioiu  I'or  private  armed  vessels,  a 

CMAP TER  II  — tfarthweitera  army— General  Hull— hi*  march  and  advance  into  Canada— 
His  retreat,  capitulation,  surrender  and  trtal,  11 

CHAPTER  III.— Capture  of  Michillimackinae  tod  geosraphical  description  of  the  upper 
lakes,  i9 

CH/^lTEH  IV —Operations  of  the  army  oT  the  centre— Battle  uf  Queenstown— Bombanl- 
ment  of  t'nrt  Niagara-^- Attack  on  the  British  lines  opposite  and  below  Black  Rock— Geogra' 
phical  ilescription  of  the  Niagara  frontier,  97 

CHAPTER  V  — Maoacri!  at  fort  Dearborn— Gallant  deflenee  of  Torts  *larrison  and  Bellevue— 
Forsyth's  expedition— Defeat  of  the  enemy  at  Ogdensbnrgh— Observationt  on  the  campaign 
of  iSli,  73 

CHAP  PER  VI.— Naval  operations  on  lakes  Oiitirio  and  Erie— Attack  on  Sacket's  Harbour— 
The  Julia— Capuiii  Chauncey's  croiw— Battle  in  Kingston  harbour- Capture  uf  the  Detroit 
and  Ciilednnia— Biography  ol  Captain  Elliot,  80 

CHAP  TBR  VII  —Naval  operations  on  the  ocean— Commodore  Rodgen'  cruise— Chase  o«'  the 
Conrtituiion-  Capture  of  thf  Guerriere— Cumparison  of  American  and  British  frigates— Bio- 
graphy of  Captain  dull,  OC 

CHAPTER  VIII— Cruiwof  the  Esses— Cruise  of  the  Wasp— Capture  of  the  Frolic— Loss  of 
the  Wasp  aud  Frolic— Biugraphv  of  Captain  lones,  10^ 

CHAPl'ER  IX  — ttomjuudote  Rodgers'  second  cruise— Capture  of  the  Swallow— Capmre  of 
the  Micedonian— Chase  oi'  tlie  Areiis— BioKntphv  of  Commodore  Decatur.  us 

CHAPTER  X.— Cruise  of  the  Constitution  and  tlomet— Capture  of  the  Java— Biography  of 
Captain  Buinbridge,  m 

CHAP  TEH  XI  —Private  armed  vessels— The  Atlas— Highflyer-Rossie— Young  Eaglo— Mont- 
gomery—Dolphin— British  vessels  capturtxl  in  18 11.  X42 

CHAPTER  Xll.-Official  despatches— Observations  on  Hull's  capture— Organization  of  the 
IKW  army— »<eliet'  of  Ibrt  iVayne— General  Payne's  expedition- Colonel  Wells' expedition— 
Colonei  Campbell't  expedition— Oeteat  of  General  Winchester,  149 

CHAPTER  XIII —Retreat  of  General  Harrison—Fort  Meigs-^ Expedition  to  Presque Isle- 
Attempt  upon  the  Queen  Charlotte— Preparations  for  a  fleet  upaa  lake  Erie— Detieat  of  the 
enemy  at  tort  Meigs— Gallantdefenceof  fort  iiiepheiison.  m 

CHAPTER  XIV.— Preparations  for  the  invasion  ot'  Canada— Capiturc  of  Maiden— furiuit  ant 
capture  of  the  British  army— Return  of  the  army  to  Detroit,  and  emiiarkaiiun  ior  Buffalo      169 

CHAPTER  XV.— Army  of  the  centre— Capture  of  York— Biography  of  General  Pike.  i7» 

CHAPTER  XVI.— Captue  of  forts  George  and  Erie-.  Battle  at  Stony  Creek— Defeat  of  Col. 
Boentler— Defeat  of  the  enemy  at  Jacket's  Harbour.  20O 

CHAPTER  XVII.— Expeditkm  down  the  St  Lawrence— iu  progress- Battle  of  William*- 
bttcgh— Abandunmenr  of  the  expulition.  309 

CHAPTER  XVIII  —Northern  army— Colonel  Clark's  expedition— Battle  of  Chataugay— Re- 
lusal  of  General  Hampton  to  join  General  Wilkinson  at  St  Regis— Close  of  the  campaign,       229 

CHAPTER  XIX.— Fort  George— Burning  of  Newark— Capture  of  fort  Niagara— Burnint  of 
of  Buffaki.  «c'.  OB  r  t,  2J» 

CHAPTER  XX.— Creek  war— Preliinitiavv  observations— Massacre  at  fort  Mims— Battle  at 
Tallushatches— Battle,at  Talledega— Baitle  at  Hillibee-towus,  2.73 

CH\PTER  XXL— Creek  war  continued— Battle  at  Autossc— Attack  upon  camp  Defiance — 
Expeditio.i  to  the  bend  of  the  Tallnpoosa.  t«t 

CHAP'TEH  XXII  —Conclusion  of  the  Creek  war— Brilliant  and  decisive  victory  at  the  bend 
of  the  lallaiNMua— Draft  of  the  scene  ot  action— Termination  of  hostilities  with  the  Creeks 
—Geographical  dcscriprion  of  the  Creek  country,  25  5 

CHAP  TER  XXiil— Naval— Lake  Erie— Battle  wltli  and  capture  of  the  British  fleet»-Inte- 
retting  wiecdotei  of  the  Iwttle— Biography  of  Commodore  Perry,  zr: 


IV 


CONTENTS. 


!'   S 


m   \ 


CIIA1>TEH  JCXlV.—iAke  OnUrio— Comparative  view  ol'  tbc  American  and  Britiib  rortet  in 
18:3— C<M)peration  of  thu  American  fleet  in  the  capturei  of  York  anil  Tort  Georife— Commo- 
dore Chauncey'i  flrtt  cruite— Lou  of  thu  Growler  uid  Julia— Chauncey'i  lecond  and  third 
criiiiei— Hit  louKh  cruiie— Capture  of  five  llriti«h  traniport*— Lake  Charoplain— Lou  of  the 
Growler  and  Eagle— Descent  of  the  enemy  on  Plattiburgh— American  naval  force  on  the 
lake.  See.  SSi 

CHAPTER  XXV.— Naval  event*  on  the  ocean— Cruiie  of  the  Hornet  and  eapture  of  the  Pea- 
cock—Return of  the  Hornet  to  the  United  States— Appointnent  of  Captain  Lawwnce  to 
ihe  command  of  the  Chesapeake- Action  with  the  Shannon  and  Iom  or  the  Chesapeake- 
Biography  of  Captain  Lawrence— Funeral  obsequies  of  Lawrence  and  Ludlow,  aiO 

CHAPTER  XXVI.— Cruise  of  the  Entcrprize— Capture  of  the  Boxet^Biograpiiy  of  Lieutob 
ant  Bumws, 

CHAPTER  XXVII —Cruise  of  Commodore  Rodgers-Cruise  of  the  Congress— Cruise  and  hws 
of  the  Argus— Biography  of  Capuin  Allen, 

CHAPTER  XXVtII  — Bktekade  of  the  Chesapeake  and  Delaware  bays— Loss  of  the  schooner 
Lottery— Loss  of  the  privateer  Dolphin— Burning  of  Frenehtown,  Havre-de-Graee,  Sec- 
Commodore  Cauin's  expeditkin— Outrages  at  Hampton— Attack  on  the  schooner  Asp— At- 
tempt  to  blow  up  a  British  74— Attaek  on  Lewistown— Blockade  of  Commodore  Deoitnr't 
squadron— Capture  of  the  Eagle— Private  armed  vessels— List  of  British  vessels  captured 
during  the  year  1813. 

CHAPTER  XXIX  —Northern  army— Battle  at  La  Cole— Atuek  on  Oswego— Geographical 
description  ol  Oswego  fort  and  village— Capture  of  a  British  force  at  Sandy  creek-3}«ath  of 
Colonel  Forsyth.  &c> 

CHAPTER  XXX  —Capture  of  fort  Erie— Battle  at  Chippewa— Draft  of  the  scene  of  action 
—Death  of  General  Swift'-Army  movements  and  battle  at  Bridgewater— Biography  of  Ge* 
neral  Scott. 


CHAPTER  XXXIX.— Point-Petre  and  .^t.  Mary's— Lon  of  the  U  S.  frigate  President— Cap- 
ture of  the  Cyane  and  Levant— List  of  British  vessels  captnied  in  I8i4-15— Close  of  the  war 
and  txeaty  of  peace, 


SOS 


su 


3S« 


337 


34S 


CHAPTER  XXXI— Repulse  of  the  enemy  at  Conioeketa  ereek,&c.— Bomfaaidment  and  ba^ 
tie  at  fort  Erie— Splendid  sortie  against  the  enemy's  batteries— Arrival  of  General  Iiard  on 
the  Niaffuni  frontier— Action  at  Lyon's  creek— Evacuation  of  fort  Erie— Biography  of  Gen. 

BiDwn,  W 

CHAPl'ER  XXXII  —Lake  Oiiunu— Michiran  Territory— Captain  Holmes'  expedition- Mi- 
chillimacklnac— Lake  Huron— General  M^rthur't  expedition,  |9S 

CHAPTER  XXXIII.— Lake  Champlain— Repulse  of  the  enemy  at  the  mouth  of  Otter  Creek 
—Gallant  expkiit- Siege  of  Pbtuburgh— Capture  of  the  British  fleets  &c.  30^ 

CHAPTER  XXXIV  —Depredations  of  the  enemy  in  Connecticut.  Massaehosetts  and  the  Dis- 
trict of  Maine— Burning  of  veuels  at  Petipaug  Wareham  and  Scituate— Attack  upon  Ston- 
ington— Capture  of  Eastport— Capture  o'  Castine  tScc.  and  Iom  of  the  U.  S.  frinte  AdaoM 
—Chesapeake  bay— Battle  at  Bfaklensburgh,  and  capture  of  Washington  city— Sonender  of 
Alexandria— Repulse  of  the  enemy  at  Baltimore  and  in  the  Rappahannock,  401 

CHAPTER  XXXV.— Naval— Cruise  of  the  Essex— Action  at  Valparaiso  and  ktss  of  the  Ei- 
tex- The  Alligator— Cruise  o<' Commodore  Rodger*— Capture  of  tiK  British  brig  Epervier— 
Cruise  of  the  Wasp— Capture  of  the  Reindeer  and  Avon— Cruise  til'  the  Heacock— Ouaboat 
action— Private  armed  vessels— Destruction  of  the  General  Annstiong— Listof  Brftiili  vet- 
sels  captured  during  the  year  1814,  430 

CHAPTER  XXXVI.— Arrival  of  General  Jackson  at  Mobile— S^lendkl  defence  of  fort  Bow- 
yer^Destruction ot  the  pirates  of  Barataria-Entnnee  of  General  Jackson  into  Pensacola— 
His  arrival  at  Neworleans-~Arrival  of  the  enemy  off  Ship  Island— Capture  of  the  Americas 
gunboau  near  the  bay  of  St.  Louis— Landing  of  the  enemy  below  Neworleana— Actions  of 
the  33d  and  of  the  28th  December,  450 

CHAPTER  XXXVII  —Action  of  the  1st  January- Burning  of  a  British  transport.  Sec— Aiv 
rival  of  the  British  reinforcements— Great  battle  of  the  8th  of  January— Retreat  of  the  Bri- 
tish-Parser Shields'  expeditfon,  8ie.  4tt 

CHAPTER  XXXVIII— Address  and  general  orders  of  General  Jackson  to  the  troops  under 
his  command,  after  the  retreat  of  the  enemy— Apostolic  mandate— Addren  of  the  ailminis- 
trator  of  the  dk>cese  of  Louisiana  to  General  Jacluon,  and  the  general's  answer— Capture  of 
fort  Bowyi'i^Cessaiion  of  hostilities— Biographical  tketcdhof  GenosI  Jackson— Description 
of  Neworleaus  and  the  surrounding  country. 


■4«» 


487 


PREFACE. 


To  our  fellow  citizens  we  do  not  promise  a  perfect  and  an  im* 
partial  history  of  this  war.  To  depict  with  perfect  accuracy  the 
embattled  plain^  while  the  roar  of  cannon  yet  lives  in  our  ears^  and 
the  dust,  excited  by  the  conflict,  yet  obscures  the  contending  le« 
gions,  is  more  than  the  discerning  public  will  demand  or  we  can 
perform.  The  agitations  of  the  flood  may  distort  and  render  in- 
distinct the  images  which  the  sun  has  painted  on  its  bosom.  We 
profess  to  love  our  country,  feel  for  its  honour  and  hope  for  its  glo- 
ry. With  this  partiality,  though  we  would,  we  may  not  always 
be  just.  We  may  also  be  embarrassed  by  the  necessary  policy  of 
war,  which  conceals  as  much  as  possible,  that  the  enemy  hy  no 
chance  of  information  may  profit.  Any  occasional  o^>.^essof  feel* 
ing  in  us  may  usually  be  either  restrained  or  rendered  harmless  to 
others,  as  we  shall  endeavor  to  collate  official  or  other  accredited 
public  documents,  to  present  rather  faithful  sketches  of  the  war, 
[than  ourselves  as  historians,  imposing  upon  the  world  the  hasty 
deductions  of  our  own  mind,  perhaps  often  partial  and  incorrect. 
In  the  compilation  of  this  work,  in  which  genius  can  take  no  part, 
we  would  labor  to  exhibit  concisely  and  truly  this  war  to  our  citi- 
zens. By  the  method  attempted  to  be  pursued,  the  illusions  of  fan> 
cy,  and  the  vagaries  of  a  distorted  ima(;iaation  will  Iw  excluded 
from  our  pages.  - 


PREFACE. 


I    I 

h  ii 


v\ 


Ii!    I 


The  present  is  a  nameless  moment.     Political  partizans,  like 

prophecy,  effect  not  the  past ;  they  operate  only  on  the  future 

In  this  presage,  even  honest  men  have  differed,  may  now  differ, 
and  will  hereafter  differ  :  but  the  evidence  of  the  past  is  testimony 
growing  into  historic  fact.  The  curses  of  the  law  are  against 
him  who  perverts  it.  This  is  a  hallowed  ark,  which  no  roan  may 
touch. 

One,  whose  political  sentiments  differ  from  those  of  the  pub- 
lishers, being  associated  with  this  press,  for  the  sole  purpose  of 
compiling  these  sketches  of  the  war,  opposite  politics  will  balance 
in  even  scales,  and  our  patrons  may  less  apprehend  any  of  the 
excesses  of  party. 

The  work  shall  be  for  our  country,  truth  shall  be  our  aim,  and 
we  hope  a  general  patronage  our  reward.  Surely  no  good  citi- 
zen would  be  regardless,  and  no  proud  one  ignorant  of  the  mar- 
tial achievements  of  our  country.  Useful  to  ourselves  and  to  pos- 
terity may  be  the  knowledge  of  the  causes,  which  have  occasion- 
ally  operated  victory  or  disgrace  to  our  arms.  It  is  profitable  to 
be  taught,  even  by  the  enemy,  and  to  learn  from  defeat  to  achieve 
victories. 

When  believed  to  be  necessary  for  understanding  the  subject, 
geographical  descriptions  and  biographical  sketches  will  be  inter- 
spersed, and  every  elucidation,  which  we  may  be  enabled  to  give, 
shall  appear  on  our  pages.  With  the  generous  patronage  of  our 
fellow  citizens,  our  mountains  may  echo  the  storm  of  battle,  and 
the  gleam  of  the  sword  of  out  warriors  be  seen  afar. 


/H'?i>i?4fti;f)ii{i.4.'jw  >!.. 


■30  #!..> : 


SKETCHES 

Of 


THE  WA 


Volume  I Number   ]. 


CHAPTER  I. 

The  PresidenVs  Manifesto ^ct  of  Congress  declaring  xvar 

President's  proclamation General  Bloornfield  issues  his  or- 

ders Commodore  Rogers  sails First  prisoner,  and  Jirst 

prize Naval  force  of  the  United  States Schedule  of  the 

apportionment  of  100,000  militia,  by  act  of  Congress  of  12th 
April,  1812 Instructions  for  private  armed  vessels. 

On  the  first  day  of  June,  1812,  President  Madison  sent  into 
Congress  his  manifesto,  in  the  following  words  : 

"  I  communicate  to  Congress  certain  documents,  being  a  contin- 
uation of  those  heretofore  laid  before  them,  on  the  subject  of  our 
affairs  with  Great  Britain. 

"  Without  going  back  beyond  the  renewal  in  1803,  of  the  war 
in  which  Great  Britain  is  engaged,  and  omitting  unrepaired 
wrongs  of  inferior  magnitude,  the  conduct  of  her  government 
presents  a  series  of  acts  hostile  to  the  United  States  as  an  indpen< 
dent  and  neutral  nation. 

•*  British  cruisers  have  been  in  the  continual  practice  of  violating 
the  American  flag  on  the  great  highway  uf  nations,  and  of  seiz- 
ing and  carrying  off  persons  sailing  under  it;  not  in  the  exercise 
of  a  belligerent  right  founded  on  the  law  of  nations  against  an 
enemy,  but  of  a  municipal  prerogative  over  British  subjects.  Brit- 
ish jurisdiction  is  thus  extended  to  neutral  vessels  in  a  situation 
where  no  laws  can  operate  but  the  law  of  nations  and  the  laws 
of  the  country  to  which  the  vessels  belong:  and  a  self  redress  is 
assumed,  which,  if  British  subject  were  wrongfully  detain'^d  and 
alone  concerned,  is  that  substitution  of  force,  for  a  resort  to  the 
responsible  sovereign,  which  falls  within  the  definition  of  war. 
Could  the  seizure  of  British  subjects  in  such  casts  be  regarded  as 


4 


SKETCHES  OV 


within  the  exercise  of  a  belligerent  right,  the  acknowledged  Uwa 
of  war,  which  forbid  an  article  of  captured  property  to  be  adjudge 
ed  without  a  regular  investigation  before  a  competent  tribunal, 
would  imperiously  demand  the  fairest  trial,  where  the  sacred 
rights  of  persons  were  at  issue.  In  place  of  such  o  trial,  these 
fights  are  subjected  to  the  will  of  every  petty  commander. 

**  The  practice,  hence,  is  so  far  from  afTccting  British  subjects 
alone,  that,  under  the  pretext  of  searching  for  these,  thousands  of 
American  citizens,  under  the  safeguard  of  public  law,  and  of  their 
national  flag,  have  been  torn  from  their  country  and  every  thing 
dear  to  them  ;  have  been  dragged  on  board  ships  of  war  of  a  for- 
eign nation,  and  exposed,  under  the  severities  of  their  discipline, 
to  be  exiled  to  the  most  distant  and  deadly  climes,  to  risk  their 
lives  in  the  battles  of  their  oppressors,  and  to  be  the  melancholy 
instruments  of  taking  away  those  of  their  own  brethren. 

"  Againit  this  crying  enormity,  which  Great  Britain  would  be 
80  prompt  to  avenge  if  committed  against  herself,  the  United  States 
have  in  vain  exhausted  remonstrances  and  expostulations.  And 
that  no  proof  might  be  wanting  of  their  conciliatory  dispositions, 
and  no  pretext  left  for  a  continuance  of  the  practice,  the  British 
government  was  formally  assured  of  the  readiness  of  the  United 
States  to  enter  into  arrangements,  such  as  could  not  be  rejected, 
if  the  recovery  of  British  subjects  were  the  real  and  sole  object. 
The  communication  passed  without  effect. 

**  British  cruizers  have  been  in  the  practice  also,  of  violating  the 
rights,  and  the  peace  of  our  coasts.  They  hover  over  and  har- 
rass  our  departing  commerce.  To  the  most  insulting  pretensions 
they  have  added  the  most  lawless  proceedings  in  our  very  har- 
bors ;  and  have  wantonly  spilt  American  blood  within  the  sanctu- 
ary of  our  territorial  jurisdiction.  The  principles  and  rules  en< 
forced  by  that  nation,  when  a  neutral  nation,  against  armed  vessels 
or  belligerents  hovering  near  her  coasts,  and  disturbing  her  com> 
merce,  are  well  known.  When  called  on,  nevertheless,  by  the 
United  States,  to  punish  the  greater  offences  committed  by  her 
own  vessels,  her  government  has  bestowed  on  their  commanders 
additional  marks  of  honour  and  confidence. 

"  Under  pretended  blockades,  without  the  presence  of  an  ade- 
quate force,  and  sometimes  without  the  practicability  of  applying 
one,  our  commerce  has  been  plundered  in  every  sea  :  the  great 
staples  of  our  country  have  been  cut  off  from  their  legitimate  mar- 
kets ;  and  a  destructive  blow  aimed  at  our  agricultural  and  mari- 
time interests.  In  aggravation  of  these  predatory  measures,  they 
have  been  considered  as  in  force  from  the  dates  of  their  notifica- 
tion ;  a  retrospective  effect  being  thus  add^d,  as  has  been  done 
in  other  important  cases,  to  the  unlawfulness  of  the  course  pursu- 
ed. And  to  render  the  outrage  the  more  signal,  these  mock 
blockades  have  been  reiterated  and  enforced  in  the  faceofof^cial 


:ii'! 


THE  WAR. 


communications  from  the  Britinh  government,  declaring,  as  the 
true  definition  of  a  legal  blockade,  "  that  particular  ports  must  be 
actually  invested,  and  previous  warning  giveu  to  vessels  bound  to 
them  not  to.enter." 

<*  Not  content  with  these  occasional  ex|)t>dierit8  for  bying  waste 
our  neutral  trade,  the  cabinet  ot  Great  Britain  resorted,  at  length, 
to  the  sweeping  system  of  blockades,  under  the  name  of  Orders  ia 
Council,  which  has  been  moulded  and  managed  ns  might  best  suit 
its  political  views,  its  commercial  jealou!<ies,  or  the  avidity  of  Brit- 
ish cruisers. 

**  To  our  remonstrances  against  this  complicated  and  transcend- 
ant  injustice  of  this  innovation,  the  first  reply  was,  that  the  orders 
were  reluctantly  adopted  by  Great  Britain  as  a  necessary  ret^tlia- 
tion  on  the  decrees  of  her  enemy  proclaiming  a  general  blockade 
of  the  British  isles,  at  a  time  when  the  naval  force  of  that  enerny 
dared  not  to  issue  from  his  own  ports.  She  was  reminded  with- 
out effect,  that  her  own  prior  blockades,  unsupported  by  an  ade- 
quate naval  force,  actually  applied  and  continued,  were  a  bar  to 
this  plea  :  that  executed  edicts  against  millions  of  our  property 
could  not  be  retaliation  on  edicts,  confessedly  impossible  to  be  ex- 
ecuted :  that  retaliation,  to  be  just,  should  fall  on  the  party  set- 
ting the  guilty  example,  not  on  an  innocent,  party,  which  was 
not  even  chargeable  with  an  acquiescence  in  it. 

"  When  deprived  of  this  slimsy  veil  for  a  prohibition  of  our  trade 
with  her  enemy,  by  the  repeal  of  his  prohibition  of  our  trade  with 
Great  Britain,  her  cabinet,  instead  of  a  corresponding  repeal,  or 
practical  discontinuance  of  its  orders,  formally  avovi'ed  a  deter- 
mination to  persist  in  them  against  the  United  States,  until  the 
markets  of  her  enemy  should  be  laid  open  to  British  products  :  thus 
asserting  an  obligation  on  a  neutral  power  to  require  one  belliger- 
ent to  encourage,  by  its  internal  regulations,  the  trade  of  another 
helligerent :  contradicting  her  own  practice  towards  all  nations, 
in  peace  as  well  as  in  war  ;  and  betraying  the  insincerity  of  those 
professions  which  inculcated  a  belief  that,  having  resorted  to  her 
orders  with  regret,  she  was  anxious  to  find  an  occasion  for  putting 
an  end  to  them. 

**  Abandoning  still  more  all  respect  for  the  neutral  rights  of  the 
United  States,  and  for  its  own  consistency,  the  British  government 
now  demands  as  prerequisites  to  a  repeal  of  its  orders,  as  they  re- 
late to  the  United  States,  that  a  formality  should  be  observed  in 
the  repeal  of  the  French  decrees  nowise  necessary  to  their  termi- 
nation, nor  exemplified  by  British  usage  ;  and  that  the  French  re- 
peal, besides  including  that  portion  of  the  decrees  which  operates 
within  a  territorial  jurisdiction,  as  well  as  that  which  operates  on 
the  high  seas  against  the  commerce  of  the  United  States,  should 
not  be  a  single  special  repeal  in  relation  to  the  United  States,  but 
should  be  extended  to  whatever  other  neutral  nations,  unconnect- 


•'I     . 


« 


It 


0  SKETCHES  OP 

ed  with  them,  maybe  aifected  by  those  decrees.  And  as  an  ad-^ 
ditional  insult,  they  are  called  on  for  a  formal  disavowal  of  condi. 
tions  and  pretensions  advanced  by  the  French  government,  for 
which  the  United  States  are  so  far  from  having  made-  themselves 
responsible,  that,  in  official  explanations,  which  have  been  publish* 
ed  to  the  world,  and  in  a  correspondence  of  the  American  minis- 
ter at  London  with  the  British  minister  for  foreign  affairs,  such  a 
responsibility  was  explicitly  and  emphatically  disclaimed. 

« It  has  become  indeed  sufficiently  certain,  that  the  commerce  of 
the  United  States  is  to  be  sacrificed,  not  as  interfering  with  the 

belligerent  rights  of  Great  Britain not  as  supplying  the  wants  of 

her  enemies,  which  she  herself  supplies  ;  but  as  interfering  with 
the  monopoly  which  she  covets  for  her  own  commerce  and  navi- 
gatibn.  She  carrier  on  a  war  against  the  lawful  commerce  of  a 
friend,  that  she  may  the  better  carry  on  a  commerce  with  an  en- 
emy  a  commerce,  pollrled  by  the  forgeries  and  perjuries  which 

are  for  the  most  part  the  only  passports  by  which  it  can  succeed. 

"  Anxious  to  make  ev^ry  experiment  short  of  the  last,  resort  of 
injured  nations,  the  United  States  have  withheld  from  Great  Brit, 
ain,  under  successive  modifications,  the  benefits  of  a  free  inter- 
course with  their  market,  the  loss  of  which  could  not  but  out- 
weigh the  profits  accruing  from  her  restrictions  of  our  commerce 
with  other  nations.  And  to  entitle  these  experiments  to  the  more 
favorable  consideration,  they  were  so  framed  as  to  enable  her  to 
place  her  adversary  under  the  exclusive  operation  of  them.  To 
these  appeals  her  government  has  been  equally  inflexible,  as  if 
willing  to  make  sacrifices  of  every  sort,  rather  than  yield  to  the 
claims  of  justice,  or  renounce  the  errors  of  a  false  pride.  Nay, 
so  far  were  the  attempts  carried  to  overcome  the  attachment  of 
the  British  cabinet  to  its  unjust  edicts,  that  it  received  every  en- 
couragement within  the  competency  of  the  executive  branch  of 
our  government,  to  expect  that  a  repeal  of  them  would  be  follow- 
ed by  a  war  between  the  United  States  and  France,  unless  the 
French  edicts  should  also  be  repealed.  Even  this  communication, 
although  silencing  forever  the  plea  of  a  disposition  in  the  United 
States  to  acquiesce  in  those  edicts,  originally  the  sole  plea  of  them, 
received  no  attention. 

"  If  no  other  proof  existed  of  a  predetermination  of  the  British 
government  against  a  repeal  of  its  orders,  it  might  be  found  in  the 
correspondence  of  the  minister  plenipotentiary  of  the  United 
States  at  London,  and  the  British  secretary  for  foreign  affairs,  in 
1810,  on  the  question  whether  the  blockade  of  May,  1806,  was 
considered  as  in  force,  or  as  not  in  force.  It  had  been  ascertain- 
ed that  the  French  government,  which  urged  this  blockade  as  the 
ground  of  its  Berlin  decree,  was  willing,  in  the  event  of  its  remov- 
al, to  repeal  that  decree  ;  which  being  followed  by  alternate  re- 
peals of  the  other  offensive  edicts,  might  abolisii  the  whole  system 


THE  WAR. 


on  both  sides.  This  inviting  opportunity  for  accumplishing  an  ob- 
ject so  important  to  the  United  States,  and  professed  so  often  to 
be  the  desire  of  both  the  belligerents,  was  made  known  to  the 
British  government.  As  that  government  admits  that  an  actual 
application  of  an  adequate  force  is  necessary  to  the  existence  of  a  le- 
gal blockade,and  it  was  notorious,  that,  if  sucha  force  had  ever  been 
applied,  its  long  discontinuance  bad  annulled  the  blockade  in  ques- 
tion, there  could  be  no  sufficient  objection  on  the  part  of  Great 
Britain  to  a  formal  revocation  of  it  ;  and  no  imaginable  objection 
to  a  declaration  of  the  fact  that  the  blockade  did  not  exist.  The 
declaration  would  have  been  consistent  with  her  avowed  princi- 
ples of  blockade,  and  would  have  enabled  the  United  States  to  de- 
mand from  France  the  pledged  repeal  of  her  decrees  ;  either  with 
success,  in  which  case  the  way  would  have  been  opened  for  a  gen- 
eral repeal  of  the  belligerent  edicts;  or  without  success,  in  which 
case  the  United  States  would  be  justified  in  turning  their  meas- 
ures exclusively'  against  France.  The  British  government  would, 
however,  neither  rescind  the  blockade,  nor  declare  its  non-exist- 
ence :  nor  permit  its  non-existence  to  be  inferted  and  affirmed 
by  the  American  plenipotentiary.  On  the  <;ontrary,  by  represent- 
ing the  blockade  to  be  comprehended  in  the  orders  in  council,  the 
•United  States  were  compelled  eo  to  regard  it  in  their  subsequent 
proce^edings. 

"There  was  aperiod  when  a  favorable  change  in  the  policy  of  the 
British  cabinet  was  justly  considered  as  established.  The  minister 
plenipotentiary  of  his  Britannic  majesty  here  proposed  an  adjustment 
of  the  differences  more  immediately  endangering  the  harmony  of 
the  two  countries.  The  proposition  was  accepted  with  a  promp- 
titude and  cordiality  corresponding  with  the  invariable  professions 
of  this  government.  A  foundation  appeared  to  be  laid  for  a  sin- 
cere and  lasting  reconciliation.  The  prospect,  however,  quickly 
vanished.  The  whole  proceeding  was  disavowed  by  the  British 
government,  without  any  explanations  which  could  at  that^ime 
repress  the  belief,  that  the  disavowal  proceeded  from  a  spirit  of 
hostility  to  the  commercial  rights  and  prosperity  of  the  United 
States.  And  it  has  since  come  into  proof,  that  at  the  very  mo- 
ment when  the  public  minister  was  holding  the  language  of  friend- 
ship and  inspiring  confidence  in  the  sincerity  of  the  negociation 
with  which  he  was  charged,  a  secret  agent  of  his  government 
was  employed  in  intrigues,  having  for  their  object,  a  subversion  of 
our  government,  and  a  dismemberment  of  our  happy  union. 

"  Iq  reviewing  the  conduct  of  Great  Britain  towards  the  United 
States,  our  attention  is  necessarily  drawn  to  the  warfare  just  re- 
newed by  the  savages  on  one  of  our  extensive  frontiers  ;  a  war- 
fare which  is  known  to  spare  neither  age  nor  sex,  and  to  be  dis- 
tinguished by  features  peculiarly  shocking  to  humanity.  It  is  diffi- 
cult to  account  for  the  activity  and  combiuations  which  have  foi" 


8 


SKETCHES    Of 


ll      * 


some  time  been  developing  themselves  among  tribes  in  coA« 
slant  intercourse  with  British  traders  and  garrisons,  without  con- 
necting their  hostility  with  that  influence ;  and  without  recollect- 
ing the  authenticated  examples  of  such  interpositions  heretofore 
furnished  by  the  officers  and  agents  of  that  government. 

"  Such  is  the  spectacle  of  injuries  and  indignities  which  have  been 
heaped  on  our  country  ;  and  such  the  crisis  which  its  unexampled 
forbearance  and  conciliatory  eiforts  have  not  been  able  to  avert* 
It  might  at  least  have  been  expected,  that  an  enlightened  nation, 
if  less  urged  by  moral  obligations,  or  invited  by  friendly  dispositions  ~ 
on  the  part  of  the  United  States,  would  have  found  in  its  true  in- 
terest  alone  a  sufficient  motive  to  respect  their  rights  and  their 
tranquility  on  the  high  seas  ;  that  an  enlarged  policy  would  have 
favoured  that  free  and  general  circulation  of  commerce,  in  which 
the  British  nation  is  at  all  times  interested,  and  which  in  times  of 
war  is  the  best  alleviation  of  its  calamities  to  herself,  as  well  as  the 
other  belligerents  ;  and  more  especially  that  the  British  cabinet 
would  not,  for  the  sake  of  a  precarious  and  surreptitious  intercourse 
with  hostile  markets,  have  persevered  in  a  course  of  measures 
which  necessarily  put  at  hazard  the  invaluable  market  of  a  great 
and  growing  country,  disposed  to  cultivate  the  mutual  advantages 
of  an  active  commerce. 

*'  Other  councils  have  prevailed.  Our  moderation  and  concilia- 
tion have  had  no  other  effect  than  to  encourage  perseverance,  and 
to  enlarge  pretentions.  We  behold  our  seafaring  citizens  still  the 
daily  victims  of  lawless  violence  committed  on  the  great  common 
and  highway  of  nations,  even  within  sight  of  the  country  which 
owes  them  protection.  We  behold  our  vessels,  freighted  with  the 
products  of  our  soil  and  industry,  or  returning  with  the  honest  pro- 
ceeds of  them,  wrested  from  their  lawful  destinations,  confiscated 
by  prize  courts,  no  longer  the  organs  of  public  law,  but  the  instru- 
ments of  arbitrary  edicts  ;  and  their  unfortunate  crews  dispersed 
and  lost,  or  forced  or  inveigled  in  British  ports  into  British  fleets  ; 
whilst  arguments  are  employed,  in  support  of  these  aggressions, 
which  have  no  foundation  but  in  a  principle  equally  supporting  a 
claim  to  regulate  our  external  commerce  in  all  cases  whatsoever. 

'*  We  behold,  in  fine,  on  the  side  of  Great  Britain,  a  state  of 
war  against  the  United  States  ;  on  the  side  of  the  United  States 
a  state  of  peace  towards  Great  Britain. 

"  Whether  the  United  States  shall  continue  passive  under  these 
progressive  usurpations,  and  these  accumulating  wrongs  ;  or,  op-^ 
posing  force  to  force  in  defence  of  their  natural  rights,  shall  com- 
mit a  just  cause  into  the  hands  of  the  Almighty  disposer  bf  events; 
avoiding  all  connections  which  might  entangle  it  in  the  contests  or 
views  of  other  powers,  and  preserving  a  constant  readiness  to  con- 
cur in  an  honorable  re-establishment  of  peace  and  friendship,  is  a 
solemn  question,  which  the  constitution  wisely  confides  to  the  le- 


TBK  WAll. 


»^ 


e,  in  which 


gislative  ^Department  of  the  government.  In  recommending  it  to 
their  early  deliberations,  I  am  happy  in  the  assurance  that  the  de* 
cision  will  be  worthy  the  enlightened  and  patriotic  councils  of  a 
virtuous,  a  free  and  a  powerful  nation.  . 

<*  Having  presented  this  view  of  the  relations  of  the  United  States 
with  Great  Britain,  and  of  the  solemn  alternative  growing  out  of 
them,  I  proceed  to  remark,  that  the  communications  last  made  to 
Congress  on  the  subject  ot  our  relations  with  France  will  have 
shown  that  since  the  revocation  of  her  decrees  as  they  violated 
the  neutral  rights  of  the  United  States,  her  government  has  author- 
ised illegal  captures,  by  its  privateers  and  public  ships,  and  that 
other  outrages  have  been  practised  on  our  vessels  and  our  citizens. 
It  will  have  been  seen  also,  that  no  indemnity  had  been  provided, 
or  satisfactorily  pledged,  for  the  extensive  spoliations  committed 
under  the  violent  and  retrospective  orders  of  the  French  govern- . 
ment  against  the  property  of  our  citizens  seized  within  the  juris- 
diction of  France.  I  abstain  at  this  time  from  recommending  to 
the  consideration  of  Congress  defiaitive  measures  with  respect  to 
that  nation,  in  the  expectation,  that  the  result  of  unclosed  discus- 
sions between  our  Minister  Plenipotentiary  at  Paris  and  the  French 
government  will  speedly  enable  Congress  to  decide,  with  greater 
advantage,  on  the  course  due  to  the  rights,  the  interests,  and  the 
honour  of  our  country.  JAMES  MADISON." 

On  the  18th  of  June  it  was  enacted  by  Congress,  **  That 
WAR  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  declared  to  exist  between  the 
United  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland  and  the  dependen- 
ces thereof,  and  the  United  States  of  America  and  their  territories; 
and  that  the  President  of  the  United  States  be  and  is  hereby  au- 
thorised to  use  the  whole  land  and  naval  force  of  the  United  States 
to  carry  the  same  into  effect,  and  to  issue  to  private  armed  vessels 
of  the  United  States  commissions  or  letters  of  marqne  and  gener- 
al reprisal,  in  such  form  as  he  shall  think  proper,  and  under  the 
seal  of  the  United  States,  against  the  vessels,  goods,  and  eflfects  of 
the  government  of  the  same  United  Kingdoms  of  Great  Britain 
and  Ireland,  and  the  subjects  thereof." 

The  declaration  of  war  was  announced  on  the  day  after  its  par- 
sage  by  Proclamation,  of  which  the  following  is  a  copy  : 

By  the  President  of  the  United  States  of  America, 
A  PROCLAMATION. 
Whereas  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  by  virtue  of  the 
oonstituted  authorities  vested  in  them,  have  decided  by  their  act, 
bearing  date  the  eighteenth  day  of  the  present  month,  that  War 
exist  between  the  United  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland, 
and  the  dependences  thereof,  and  the  United  States  of  America 
and  their  territories ;  Now,  therefore,  I  James  Madison,  Prefi- 

B 


10 


SKETCHES  OF 


''il 


dent  of  tbc  Tanked  States  of  America,  do  hereby  proclaini  the  saih^ 
to  all  whom  it  may  concern ;  and  I  do  specially  enjoin  on  all  pef 
sons  holding  ofiicesj  civil  or  military,  under  the  authority  of  the 
United  States,  that  they  be  vigilant  and  zealous,  in  discharging  the- 
duties  respectively  incident  thereto  :  And  I  do  moreover  exhort  lYre 
good  people  of  the  United  States,-  as  they  love  their  country  ;  ar 
they  value  the  precious  heritagf  derived  from  the  virtue  and  val*' 
or  of  their  fathers  :  as  they  feel  the  wrongs  which  have  forced  oft 
them  the  last  resort  of  injured  nations ;  and  as  they  consult  the 
best  means,  under  the  blessing  of  Divine  Providence,  of  abridging 
its  calamities  ;  that  they  exert  themselves  in  preserving  order,  in 
promoting  concord,  in  maintaining  the  authority  and  the  efficacy 
of  the  laws,  and  in  supporting  and  invigorating  all  the  measures 
which  may  be  adopted  by  the  constituted  authorities,  for  obtaining 
a  speedy,  a  just,  and  an  honorable  peace. 

In  testimony  whereof,  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  caused 
(L.  s.)   the  seal  of  the  United  States  to  be  affixed  to  these 

presents. 
Done  at  the  city  of  Washington,  the  nineteeth  day  of  June^ 
■   one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  twelve,  and  of  the 
Independence  of  the  United  States  the  thirty-sixth. 
{Signed)  JAMES  MADISON. 

By  the  President, 
James  Monroe,  Secretary  of  State, 

General  Bloomfield,  in  bis  orders  of  the  20th  June,  as  com- 
mander of  the  forts  in  the  harbor  of  New-York,  announced  the/ 
declaration  of  war. 

Commodore  Rodgers  immediately  got  under  way,  having  un- 
der his  command  the  frigates  President,  the  United  States,  and 
Congress,  ihejdbops  Hornet  and  Argus.  He  was  over  the  bar 
before  S  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  proceeded  to  sea  in  quests 
as  was  supposed,  of  the  British  frigate  Belvidera,  and  sloop  of  war 
Tartarus,  which  were,  for  some  days,  blockading  that  port  and 
capturing  our  shipping.  It  is  however  probable  that  the  enemy 
received  such  early  notice  of  his  intended  fate  as  enabled  him 
to  effect  a  timely  escape. 

The  Commodore,  in  an  address  to  his  crew,  told  them,  the 
time  had  arrived  when  the  country  required  their  services— "  If 
(said  he)  there  are  any  of  you  unwilling  to  risk  your  lives  with 
me,  say  so,  and  you  shall  be  paid  off  and  discharged."  Every 
man  huzza'd,  and  said  they  would  stand  or  fall  with  their  commO' 
dore. 

First  prisoner. — Before  the  declaration  of  war  was  known  at 
Norfolk,  in  Virginia,  a  stranger,  by  the  name  of  Wilkinson,  had 
arrived  in  that  town,  and  lodged  at  the  British  Consul's.  He  waft 
understood  to  be  a  British  officer,  though  habited  as  a  private  gen- 


THE  WAR. 


M 


le  ineasuret 


f1«man.  This  circumstance  was  not  noticed  till  the  declaration 
oi  vvar  was  received,  a  few  days  after  ;  when,  as  the  mail-boat 
was  about  to  depart  for  Hampton,  he  was  observed  making  his 
way  with  uncommon  speed  and  circumspection  along  the  back 
street,  which  leads  from  the  British  Consul's  to  the  wharf  where 
the  mail-boat  lay,  when  he  sprang  '  n  board,  darted  into  the  ca^ 
bin,  and  in  a  few  seconds  the  boat  was  under  way.  From  his  pre* 
cipitate  retreat  some  cf  the  leading  citizens  were  apprehensive  he 
intended  to  communicate,  without  delay,  the  news  of  the  war  to 
a  British  man  of  war,  known  to  be  hovering  on  that  coast.  Two 
boats,  one  from  the  navy-yard,  the  other  from  fort  Nelson,  were 
immediately  dispatched  in  pursuit  of  the  mail-boat,  which  they 
overtook,  and  re-conducted  Mr.  Wilkinson  to  the  navy-yard, 
as  a  prisoner  of  war.  He  was  supposed  to  be  a  captain  in  the 
Royal  Marines. 

First  prize. — On  the  25th  June  arrived  at  Norfolk,  the  schoon* 
er  Patriot,  J.  A.  Brown,  master,  from  Gnadaloup,  bound  to  Hali* 
fax  with  a  valuable  cargo  of  sugar,  as  prize  to  the  revenue  cut' 
ter  Jefferson,  Wm.  Ham,  master. 

Naval  force. — ^The  following,  at  the  commencement  tff  th* 
war,  was  a  list  of  the  naval  force  of  the  United  States  : 


Rated, 

Mounting. 

Constitution, 

44 

08 

Capt.  Hull. 

United  States, 

44 

58 

Decatur. 

President, 

44 

58 

Com.  Rodger^. 

Chesapeake, 

36 

44 

Ordinary. 

New  York, 

36 

44 

do. 

Constellation, 

36 

44 

do. 

Congress, 

36 

44 

Capt.  Smith. 

Boston, 

32 

Ordinary. 

Essex, 

32 

Capt.  Porter. 

Adams, 

32 

Ordinary. 

CORVETTE. 

John  Adams, 

26 

Capt.  Ludlow. 

SHIPS  OF 

WAR. 

Wasp, 

16 

18 

Capt.  Jones. 

Hornet, 

16 

18 

Lawrence. 

BRIGS. 

Siren, 

16 

Lieut.  Carol]. 

Argus, 

16 

Crane. 

Oneida, 

i6 

Com.  Woolsey, 

SCHOONERS^, 

Vixen, 

12 

Lieut.  Gadsden. 

Nautilus, 

12 

Sinclair. 

Enterprise, 

12 

Blakeley. 

Viper, 

12 

Bainbridg9« 

170  GUN^B0AT5 

,  20  at  New-Orleans, 

Captt  Shaw. 

J 


i\\ 


if! 


U 


SKETCHES  OF 


BOMBS. 

Vengeance,  7     o.,i:«««,     C  ^*na» 
Spitfire,       i    ^"^^'""y-  i  Vesuvius. 
Military  jfbrce,'-^A&  preparatory  to  a  state  of  war,  Coagresg,  by 
their  act  of  the  10th  of  April,  1812,  had  authorized  a  detachment 
from  the  militia  of  the  United  States  of  100,000  meo^  apportioned 
98  follows : 


New-Hampshire, 

3,500 

Maryland, 

6,000 

Massachusetts, 

10,000 

Virginia 

12,000 

Connecticut, 

3,000 

North  Carolina 

,  7,0C0 

Rhode  Island, 

500 

SouthCarolinaj 

.  5,000 

Vermont, 

8,000 

Georgia, 

3,600 

New- York, 

13,500 

Kentucky, 

5,500 

New-Jersey, 

5,000 

Ohio, 

5,000 

Pennsylvania, 

14,000 

Tennessee, 

2,500 

Delaware, 

1,000 

100,000 

Instructions  for  private  armed  vessels, — Mr.  Munroe,  as  Sec* 
retary  of  State,  by  command  of  the  President,  issued  the  following 
instructions  to  the  captains  and  commanders  of  private  armed  ves- 
sels. 

«  1.  The  tenure  ofyour  commission  under  the  act  of  Congress, 
entitled  *'  an  act  concerning  letters  of  marque,  prizes,  and  prize 
goods,  a  copy  of  which  is  hereto  annexed,  will  be  kept  constantly 
in  your  view.  The  high  seas  referred  to  in  your  commission, 
you  will  understand,  generally,  to  extend  to  low  water  mark  ; 
but  with  the  exception  of  the  space  within  one  league,  or  three 
miles,  from  the  shore  of  countries  at  peace  both  with  Great  Brit> 
ain  and  with  the  United  States.  You  may  nevertheless  execute 
your  commission  within  that  distance  of  the  shore  of  a  nation  at 
war  with  Great  Britain,  and  even  on  the  waters  within  the  juris- 
diction of  such  nation,  if  permitted  so  to  do. 

**  2.  You  are  to  pay  the  strictest  regard  to  the  rights  of  neutral 
powers,  and  the  usages  of  civilized  nations ;  and  in  all  your  pro> 
ceedings  towards  neutral  vessels,  you  are  to  give  them  as  little 
molestation  or  interruption  as  will  consist  with  the  right  of  ascer- 
taining their  neutral  character,  and  of  detaining  and  bringing 
them  in  for  regular  adjudication,  in  the  proper  case.  You  are 
particularly  to  avoid  even  the  appearance  of  using  force  or  seduc- 
tion, with  a  view  to  deprive  such  vessels  of  their  crews,  or  of 
their  passengers,  other  than  persons  in  the  military  service  of  the 
enemy. 

"  3.  Towards  enemy's  vessels  and  their  crews,  you  are  to  pro- 
ceed in  exercising  the  rights  of  war,  with  all  the  justice  and  hu- 
manity which  characterize  the  nation  of  which  you  are  members. 

"  4.  The  master  and  one  or  more  of  the  principal  persons  belong* 
]Qg  to  captured  vessels,  are  to  be  sentji  as  soon  after  the  cap- 


I^HK  WAJEk* 


13 


iure  ai  may  be,  to  the  Judge  or  judges  of  the  proper  eourt  in  the 
United  States,  to  be  examined  upon  oath,  touching  the  interest  or 
property  of  the  captured  vessel,  and  her  lading;  and  at  the 
lame  time  are  to  be  delivered  to  the  judge  or  judges,  all  passes, 
charter  parties,  bills  of  lading,  invoices,  letters  and  other  docu« 
ments,  and  writings  found  on  board  ;  the  said  paper;?  to  be  proved, 
by  the  affidavit  of  the  commandjer  of  the  capturing  vessels,  or 
some  other  person  present  at  the  capture,  to  be  produced  as  they 
were  received,  without  fraud,  addition,  subduction  or  embezzle- 
ment." 


h  Great  Brit- 


CHAPTER  II. 

Northxvestem  army General  Hull his  march..,.,advance  intd 

Canada his  retreat,  capitulation,  surrender  and  trial. 

In  April,  1812,  by  virtue  of  a  requisition  from  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  United  States,  Governor  Meigs,  of  the  state  of  Ohio, 
very  promptly  raised  the  1200  men,  required,  and  upon  his  own 
responsibility  300  more,  all  volunteers,  and  organized  them  into 
three  regiments.  Colonels  M'Arthur,  Cass,  and  Fiiidly,  by  the 
election  of  the  volunteers,  received  the  command  of  them.  The 
zeal  of  Gov.  Meigs,  and  the  ardor  of  his  people,  in  a  great  meas- 
ure supplied  the  deficiency  of  public  arsenals.  Dayton,  on 
Mad  river,  one  of  the  waters  of  the  great  Miami,  60  miles  by 
land,  and  about  75  by  water  from  its  mouth,  was  the  place  of 
rendezvous  of  the  volunteers.  Here  Gov.  Meigs  surrendered  hif 
command  of  them  to  Brigadier  General  Hull,  appointed  by  the 
President  to  command  them.  Gov.  MeigF,  before  be  left  the 
troops,  in  the  name  of  the  president,  thanked  them  for  their  patri« 
otism,  encouraged  their  ardor,  and  gave  them  his  own  benedic- 
tions. Gen.  Hull,  among  other  things,  observed  to  them,  *'  In 
marching  through  a  wilderness,  memorable  for  savage  barbarity^ 
you  will  remember  the  causes  by  which  that  barbarity  has  been 
heretofore  excited.  In  viewing  the  ground  stained  with  the 
blood  of  your  fellow  citizens,  it  will  be  impossible  to  suppress  thtf 
feelings  of  indignation.  Passing  by  the  ruins  of  a  Fortress*  erect- 
ed in  our  territory  in  times  of  profound  peace,  and  for  the  express 
purpose  of  exciting  the  savages  to  hostility  and  supplying  them 
with  the  means  of  conducting  a  barbarous  war,  must  remiiid  you 
«f  that  system  of  oppression  and  injustice,  which  that  nation  has 

•Fort  Miami,  erected  b^  the  Brit;ih.  in  !70»  iuruini  are  to  bo  seen  rn  tlie  left  baukofthe  Miami 
«rtl)elaki^ a  httle  below  Fort  Meigs,  w.'iichw  lituate  on  tbe right  bark  of  the  mme  riTer  neaitv 
Apposite  On  lapids,  and  eighteen  inilei  a'mre  ito  mouth. 


14 


SRETCHES  OF 


■  i 


constanti/pr  act  iced,  and  which  the  spirit  of  an  indignant  people 
can  no  longer  endure." 

At  the  close  of  the  General's  speech  the  troops  uncovered  and 
gave  six  cheers,  as  a  testimonial  of  respect  for  their  beloved  chief 
magistrate,  and  new  commander. 

On  the  27th  of  May,  Gen.  Hull  pitched  his  tent  in  camp  Meigs, 
on  the  western  bank  of  the  river,  when  the  United  States  flag 
was  hoisted  in  a  hollow  square  formed  by  the  troops.  Upon  this 
occasion  Col.  Cass  said, 

"  Fellow-Citizens the  standard  of  your  country  is  displayed. 

You  have  rallied  around  it  to  defend  her  rights  and  avepge  her  in* 
juries.     May  it  wave  protection  to  our  friends,  and  defiance  to  our 

enemies and,  should  it  ever  meet  in  the  hostile  field,  1  doubt  not 

that  the  eagle  of  liberty  which  it  bears  will  be  found  more  than  a 
match  for  the  lion  of  England." 

On  the  first  of  June,  the  fourth  regiment,  commanded  by  Col. 
Miller,  having  joined  Gen.  Hull,  the  army  resumed  its  march  for 
Detroit. 

Governor  Meigs  had  accompanied  the  army  a  few  miles  from 
Dayton  to  Urbana  for  the  purpose  of  holding  a  council  with 
twelve  Indian  chiefs,  of  the  lake  tribes.  It  was  agreed  to  renew 
the  treaty  of  Greenville.  After  smoking  the  caimut  of  peace, 
both  parties  called  on  the  Great  Spirit  to  witness  the  sincerity  of 
their  professions.  The  Indians  appeared  unusually  friendly,  and 
gave  Gen.  Hull  permission  to  march  through  their  country,  and 
to  erect  block-houses  every  twenty  miles,  which  he  did. 

From  Urbana  to  the  rapids  of  the  Miami  of  the  lakes  is  a  dis* 
tance  of  one  hnndred  and  fifty  miles.  The  route  of  the  army  was 
through  a  thick  and  almost  trackless  forest.  As  there  was  a  great 
number  of  baggage  waggons  attached  to  the  army,  it  became  ne- 
cessary to  open  a  new  road  the  whole  distance.  The  soil  of  the 
land  was  moist,  being  in  many  places  a  perfect  swamp.  The 
"weather  was  rainy,  and  man  and  horse  were  compelled  to  travel 
mid  leg  deep  in  mud.  Frequently  the  van  had  to  halt  for  the 
rear,  which  was  as  often  detained  in  its  march,  in  relieving  wag- 
gons and  horses  from  the  mire.  Almost  every  officer  and  soldier 
have  concurred  in  stating,  that  the  march  of  the  army  from  Day- 
ton to  Detroit  was  as  rapid  as  was  practicable,  considering  the 
natural  obstacles  to  be  overcome.  Most  of  them,  however,  charge 
the  General  with  a  vain  show  of  military  parade,  in  passing  small  riv^ 
ers.  His  plan  of  encampment,at  night,  was  a  hollow  sqiiare, defend- 
ed always  by  a  temporary  breast-work  of  felled  trees.  The  troops 
received  no  annoyance  from  the  enemy,  on  the  march,  if  we  ex-^ 
cept  the  wounding  of  a  centinel,  who  was  shot  through  the 
thighs.  The  army  arrived  at  the  rapids  of  the  Miami  of  the  lakes, 
18  miles  above  the  movith  of  the  river,  on  or  about  the  30th  .df 
June.  * 


THirWAR. 


IB 


The  Miami  of  the  lake  is  described  as  a  fine  river^  navigable 
ifdr  light  vessels  as  far  as  the  rapids.     It  is  formed  by  the  union  of 
If  he  St.  Mary's  and  the  St.   Joseph^  at  fort   Wayne  ;   thence  it 
[meanders  through  a  rich  level  country,  to  fort  Winchester,  (lately 
fort  Defiance)   where  it  receives  the  Au  Glaize  from    the  south- 
east.    Its  general  course  is  northeast :  its  banks  are  regular,  higb^ 
l>ut  not  abrupt  ;  sloping  gradually  to  the  waters'  edge,  and  cover-' 
id  with  a  beautiful,  luxuriant  verdure.     The  channel  of  the  river  i 
trom  the  rapids  to  within  three   miles  of  the  bay,  is  composed  of 
iimestone  rock,  formed  into  regular  strata,  by  parallel  fissures^: 
rhich   sink  perpendicularly   into  the  rock,   and  run  trausversly.' 
[across  the   river.     The  face  of  the  bank,  for  ten  or  twelve  feet 
I  above  the  water,  is  also  composed  of  solid  rock,  and  from  its  ap- 
pearance, it  is  evident  that  the  current  has  worn  the  channel- 
[many  feet  deeper  than  it  was  in  former  ages.     The  rich  open  in-n 
tervale,  extending  to  the  right   and  left  as  far  as  the  eye  can 
reach  ;  the  elevation  of  the  bank  ;    the  beautiful  Miami  flowing 
rapidly  through  the  centre  of  the  valley,  the  declivities  of  the  sur-; 
rounding  hills,  here  and  there  adorned  with  clusters  of  honey  lo-' 
oust,  plum  trees,  and  hathorn,   clad    with  the  wide    spreading 
grape  vine,  present  at  once  a   romantic  and  interesting  scenery. 
The  quantity  of  fish,  of  an  excellent  quality,  at  the  head  of  the' 
rapids,  is  almost   incredible.     So  numerous  are  they  at  this  place, 
that  a  spear  thrown  into  the  water  at   random   will  rarely  misi 
one.     Several  hundreds  of  them  have  been  taken  in  a  few  hours. 
The  soldiers  of  the  Fort  used  to  kill  then)  in  great  quantities,  with 
clubs  and  stones.     The  river,  swan  creek,  and  the  shoals  of  the 
bay  swarm  with  ducks,  geese,  and  other  water  fowl.    The  wood* 
are  filled  with  deer,  elk,  and  wild  turkies. 

The  whole  length  of  the  rapids,  on  both  sides  of  the  river,  will 
unquestionably,  at  no  remote  period,  be  lined  with  mills  and  vari- 
ous manufactories.     The  fa vcN*able  circumstances  of  the  situation^ 
[the  water,  and  a  very  extensive  navigation  will  invite  the  enter* 
prizing.     Cotton,  in  any  quantity,  may  be  procured  from  Tennes- 
jsee,  subject  to  a   land  carriage  of  not  more  than  twenty  miles^ 
[This  place  affords  a  beautiful  scite  for  a  town,  and  there  is  little 
jdoubt,  but  that  in  a  short  time  there  will  be  a  flourishing  village 
■where  fort  Meigs  now  stands.     Before  the  war  there  was  a  flour- 
dishing  French  settlement  on  the  river,  extending  for  several  milea 
above  and  below  the  town.     The  usual  yield  of  corn  is  80  bush- 
els to  the  acre.     There  was  also  a  small  settlement  on  Swan 
Creek,  on  the  Michigan  side,  which  falls  into  the  Miami,   seven 
miles  below  the  fort.     Within  three  miles,  below  the  fort,  are 
several  beautiful  islands ;  the  largest  of  which  contains  600  acres, 
and  has  been  cultivated.      The  river  Raisin  is  by  land  34  miles 
northwardly,  from  fort  Meigt. 


li^ 


^KTCHSS  OV 


The  Miami  river  falls  into  Miami  bay,  which,  like  that  of  San- 
dbihy  il  about  15  miles  long,  and  12  wide.  Vessels  of  70  tons 
burthen  can  pass  the  bar,  at  its  intervale.  Within  the  bason  of 
the  bay  grow  several  thousand  acres  of  foUe  avoine,  (wild  oats.) 
It  grows  in  about  7  feet  water ;  the  stalks  near  the  roots,  are 
•bout  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  grow  to  the  height  often  feet ;  its 
leaves  above  the  surface  of  the  water  are  like  the  reed  cane. 
In  other  respects  it  resembles  the  coinmon  oat  stalks,  excepting  its 
•ize  and  kernel,  which  is  of  the  nature  of  rice,  and  of  which  the 
French  people  make  free  use  in  their  favorite  soup.  Its  yield  is 
very  abundant,  being  half  a  pint  at  least  from  every  stalk.  This 
valuable  aquatic  grain  is  found  at  the  mouths  of  all  the  rivers 
which  fall  into  the  lakes  west  of  Sandusky,  as  far  as  the  south  end 
of  lake  Michigan,  and  is  the  chief  subsistence  of  the  prodigious 
Dumber  of  water-foul,  which  are  found  on  these  waters. 

On  the  1st  July  Gen.  Hull  dispatched  from  fort  Meigs,  at  the 
foot  of  the  rapids  of  the  Miami  of  the  lake,  a  schooner  and  a  boat, 
to  convey  to  Detroit  the  sick  and  the  baggage  of  the  army.  On 
■  board  the  schooner  were  30  persons,  among  whom  were  pay  mas- 
ter  Lewis  Dent,  Capt.  Short  of  Marietta,  a  Lieut,  of  the  4th  reg- 
iment, and  three  of  the  officers'  wives,  the  General's  baggage, 
flnd  that  of  most  of  the  officers  of  the  army,  all  the  hospital  stores, 
and  a  trunk  containing  the  official  and  confidential  papers  of  the 
General.  The  boat  was  laden  with  sick.  The  schooner  and 
boat  were  ordered  to  sail  in  company,  but  the  schooner  passed  the 
boat  the  first  night,  and  by  some  untoward  fatality,  which  seemt 
constantly  to  have  attended  this  army,  the  schooner  sailed  on  the 
British  side  of  the  Bois-blanc  island.  The  enemy's  armed  brig 
Hunter  bore  down  upon  her,  and  she  was  also  pursued  by  a  bat<^ 
teau  from  Maiden,  filled  with  armed  men.  Uni  jnscious  of  the 
war,  opposite  fort  Maiden,  at  10  o'clock  the  next  day,  the  schoon- 
er became  an  easy  prize.  Two  of  the  ladies  were  sent  to  De- 
troit, the  other  remained  with  her  husband,  at  Maiden. 

The  same  day,  in  the  evening,  the  boat  passed  Maiden  up  a 
tlilTerent  channel,  unmolested  by  the  British,  but  harra^sed  by 
the  Indians  that  night.  On  the  3d,  at  three  o'clock  in  the  after- 
Soon,  the  boat  arrived  at  Detroit,  and  its  crew  first  knew  that 
war  was  declared. 

The  town  of  Detroit  has  been  thus  described  :  "  It  is  situated 
on  the  western  bank  of  the  strait,  nine  miles  below  lake  St.  Clair 
and  eighteen  above  Brownstown.  The  town  contains  about  two 
hundred  houses,  which  are  inhabited  by  more  than  one  thousand 
two  hundred  souls :  under  one  roof  are  often  crowded  several 
families.  The  town  stands  contiguous  to  the  river,  on  the  top  of 
the  bank.  Which  is  here  about  twenty  feet  high.  There  are  sev- 
eral wooden  wharves  extending  into  the  river  upwards  of  one 
hundred  feet,  for  the  accommodation  of  the  shipping  :  the  largest 


t'HK  WAR. 


17 


WHS  built  by  the  United  States,  and  is  found  \ety  convenient  foi' 
the  unloading  of  vessels.  The  principal  streets  run  parallel  with 
the  river,  and  are  intersected  by  cross  streets  at  right  angles, 
["hey  are  wide,  but  not  being  |>aved,  are  extremely  muddy  in  wet 
/eather  ;  but  for  the  accommodation  of  passengers,  there  are 
}ot  ways  in  most  of  them,  formed  of  square  logs.  Every  house 
las  a  garden  attached  to  it ;  the  buildings  are  mostly  framed, 
lough  there  are  several  elegant  stone  and  brick  buildings.  Be< 
>re  the  great  fire  in  1806,  the  town  was  surrounded  by  a  strong 
ftockade,  through  which  there  were  four  gates ;  two  of  them 
>pen  to  the  wharves,  the  others  to  the  land  :  this  defence  was  in-* 
tended  to  repel  the  attacks  of  the  Indians. 

**  The  fort  stands  on  a  rise  of  ground  two  hundred  yards  in  the 
Irear  of  the  town  ;  the  fortifications  consist  of  a  stockade  of  cedar 
[pickets,  with  bastions  of  earth  ;  near  the  foot  Qf  the  ditch  is  a  row 
of  short  sharp  pickets,  innllning  outwards thirty  pieces  of  can- 
non can  be  mounted  on   the  ramparts  ;    the  fort  covers  about  an 
acre  and  an  half  of  ground. 

"  The  proximity  of  one  house  to  another,  from  lake  St.  Clair  to 
the  river  Rouge,  gives  the  street  the  resemblance  of  the  suburbs 
of  a  great  town.  The  farms  are  only  twenty  rods  wide  on  the 
river,  and  extend  back  one  mile  and  a  quarter  :  the  same  of  those 
on  the  other  rivers,  as  well  as  those  on  the  British  side.  The 
country  round  Detroit  is  very  much  cleared.  The  inhabitants 
have  to  draw  their  wood  a  mile  and  a  half,  from  the  United 
States'  lands,  in  the  rear  of  the  town.  It  sells  in  market  for  three 
dollars  a  cord  :  almost  every  farm  has  an  orchard  :  apples,  pears^ 
and  peaches  do  well several  hundred  barrels  of  cider  are  annu- 
ally made,  and  sell  as  high  as  six  dollars  a  barrel.  The  land 
rises  gradually  from  the  river  to  the  distance  of  three  hundred 
yards  :  then  it  recedes,  till  the  country  becomes  low  and  level, 
and  continues  so  for  four  or  five  miles,  when  it  rises  by  degrees, 
and  at  this  distance  is  represented  as  first  rate  land. 

**  The  United  States  have  a  long  elegant  brick  store  at  the 
water's  edge,  near  the  public  warf.....this  is  completely  filled  with 
the  spoils  of  the  enemy  taken  on  the  Thames,  and  the  arms  of  the 
volunteers.  This  building  is  80  feet  long,  and  30  wide,  and 
three  stories  high, 

"  The  streets  of  Detroit  are  generally  crowded  with  Indians 
of  various  tribes,  who  collect  here  to  sell  their  skins. 

"  The  inhabitantii  are    plentifully  supplied  with  many  kinds  of 

excellent  fish the   white  bass,   nearly  as  large  as  a  shad,   are 

caught  with  seins,  and  in  great  quantities.  The  population  is 
three-fourths  of  French  extraction,  and  very  few  understand  any 
other  language.  They  are  excessively  fond  of  music  and  danc- 
ing.   There  is  a  kind  of  nunnery,  a  Roman  chapel  for  devotion 

C 


19 


SKLTCHtiS    OF 


I 


!l 


1 

4> 


and  liuging  :  n  wretched  printing  office,  in  whiuh  religioui  Frencli 
books  are  printed  in  a  rude  style.  Learning  is  almost  wholly  neg- 
lected." 

«•  The  villnmo  of  Sondwich  lie«  opposite  Detroit,  about  one  and 
a  half  miles  below  Detroit  garrison,  and  is  situated  on  the  bank  of 
Detroit  river.     The   country  is  settled  alonjf  the  rive  r  from  lake 
St.  Clair  (ten  miles  above  Sandwich)  to  Maiden  or  Amhcrstburg, 
sixteen  miles  below.     This  part  of  the  country  is  handsomely  situ- 
ated :  the  land  good  and  unbroken,  with  excellent  roads.     Fort 
Maiden  is  situated  on  a  point  of  land  at  the  mouth  of  Detroit  liver, 
and  commands  a  view  of  lake  Erie  and  the  main   channel  of  the 
river.     (Hero  were  built  most  of  the    king's   armed  vessels   for 
lakes  Erie  and  Huron.)    It  is  a  port  of  considerable  importance,  and 
it  is  believed  the  only  fortification  place  between  fort  St.  Joseph's, 
near  the  mouth  of  St.  Mary's  river,  (outlet  of  lake  Superior)  and 
fort  Erie.     There  is  also  a  considerable  settlement  on  the  river  of 
Thames,  which  empties  into  lake  St.  Clair,  from  the  northenst, 
about  30  or   30  miles   above  Sandwich,  composed   principally  of 
persons  who  have    fled  from  the  United  States  to  escape  justice. 
There  are  several  settlements  on  the  north  side  of  lake  Erie,  but 
none  of  any  importance  except  those  about  Long  Point. 

**  The  land  from  Detroit  to  lake  Erie,  (on  the  American  side) 
along  Detroit  river,  is  low  and  marshy,  and  mostly  uninhabited. 
There  are  several  islands  in  Detroit  river,  some  of  which  are  in- 
habited. 

«  The  distance  from  Detroit  through  Canada  (from  Sandwich  to 
fort  Erie)  must  be  about  300  miles.  The  roads  arc  tolerable, 
though  the  country  is  new.  Formerly  people  travelling  from  De- 
troit to  the  eastern  states,  went  this  route  in  preference  to  going 
on  the  south  side  of  lake  Erie. 

"  A  considerable  proportion  of  the  inhabitants  opposite  Detroit 
are  French,  with  some  English,  Scotch,  Irish,  &c." 

The  army  had  arrived  at  Springwells,  otherwise  Bellefontaine, 
3  miles  below  Detroit,  on  the  5th  of  July.  On  the  6th  or  7th 
the  whole  army  marched  through  Detroit  in  the  morning,  and  re- 
turned   in    the   afternoon on   the    same  day  marched   from 

Springwells — on  the  8th  or  9th  marched  with  baggage  and  camp 
equippage,  and  encamped  in  the  rear  of  the  town  of  Detroit,  and 
there  remained  until  the  12th,  when  the  whole  army  crossed  in- 
to Canada.  As  it  approached  Sandwich,  the  peasantry  there  fled, 
and  General  Hull  here  erected  the  standard  of  the  United  States 
amid  his  troops  of  more  than  2000  men,  and  issued  the  following 
proclamation  : 

"  Inhabitants  of  Canada  ! Afker  thirty  years  of  peace  and 

prosperity,  the  United  States  have  been  driven  to  arms.    The  in- 


THE  WAR. 


10 


Juriei  and  agfjressions,  the  iniultv  and  indignities  of  Great  Uritaiii 
Riav?  once  more  left  them  no  alternative  but  manly  reiiitance,  or 
lunconditional  Bubniixion.     The  army  under  my  command  hai  in- 
Ivaded  your  country  .  the  standard  of  the  Union  now  waves  over 
■the  territory  of  Canada.      To  the   peaceable  unoiTendinp;  inhabit* 
lanti,  it  brings  urither  dangci  nor  ditliculty.      I  come  to  find  cnt- 
liea,  not  to  make  thern.     i  come  f  >  protect,  not  tn  injure  you. 
**  Separated  by  an  immense  ocean  and  an  extensive  wilderness 
^rom  Great  Britain,  }   u  have   no  participation  in  her  councils,  no 
Interest  in  her  conduct.       You  have   felt  her  tyranny,   you  have 
leen  her  injustice.     But  I  do  not  ask  you  to  avenge  the  one,  or  to 
[rcdrtss  the  other.     The  United  States  are  suliiciently  powerful  to 
'afTord  every  security   consistent    with  their  rights,   and  your  ex- 
pectations. I  tender  you  the  invaluable  blessings  of  civil,  pelitical, 
and  religious  liberty,  and  their  necessary  result,  individual   and 
general  prosperity  ;   that  liberty  which  gave  decision  to  our  coun- 

oils  and  energy  to  our  conduct  in  a  struggle  for  independence 

whicli  conducted  us  safely  and  triumphantly  through  the  stormy 

period    of  the   revolution the  liberty   which  raised   us   to  an 

elevated  rank  among  the  nations  of  the  world  ;  and  which  afford- 
ed us  a  greater  measure  of  peace  and  security,  of  wealth  and  im- 
provement, than  ever  fell  to  the  lot  of  any  people.  In  the  name 
of  my  country,  and  the  authority  of  government,  I  promise  you 
protection  to  your  persons,  property  and  rights  :  remain  at  your 
homes ;  pursue  your  peaceful  and  accustomary  avocations  ;  raise 
net  your  hands  against  your  brethren.  Many  of  your  fathers 
fought  for  the  freedom  and  independence  we  now  enjoy.  Being 
children,  therefore,  of  the  same  family  with  us,  and  heirs  to  the 
same  heritage,  the  arrival  of  an  army  of  friends  must  be  hailed 
by  you  with  a  cordial  welcome.  You  will  be  emancipated  from 
tyranny  and  oppression,  and  restored  to  the  dignified  station  of 
freedom.  Had  I  any  doubt  of  eventual  success,  I  might  ask  your 
assistance  ;  but  I  do  not.  I  come  prepared  for  every  contingen- 
cy. I  have  a  force  which  will  break  down  all  opposition,  and  that 

force  is  but  the  vanguard  of  a  much  greater If,  contrary  to  your 

own  interest,  and  the  just  expectation  of  my  country,  you  should 
take  part  in  the  approaching  contest,  you  will  be  considered  as 
enemies,  and  the  horrors  and  calamities  of  war  will  stalk  before 
you.  If  the  barbarous  and  savage  policy  of  Great  Britain  be  pur- 
sued, and  the  savages  let  loose  to  murder  our  citizens,  and 
butcher  our  women  and  children,  this  war  will  be  a  war  of  ex- 
termination. The  first  stroke  of  the  tomahawk the  first  at- 
tempt with  the  scalping  knife,  will  be  the  signul  of  one  indiscrim- 
inate scene  of  desolation.     No  white  man   found  fighting  by  the 

side  of  an  Indian  will  be  taken   prisoner instant  death  will    be 

his  lot.  If  the  dictates  of  reason,  duty,  justice  and  humanity 
cannot  prevent  the  employment  of  a  force    wbich   respects  no 


80 


SKETCHES   OF 


^i 


m' 


rights,  and  knows  ap  wrong,  it  will  be  prevented  by  a  severe  and 
relentless  system   of    retaliation.       I    doubt  not  your    courage 

and  firmness I  will  not  doubt   your  attachment  to  liberty.     If 

you  tender  your  services  voluntarily,  they  will  be  accepted  read- 
ily. The  United  States  offer  you  peace,  liberty,  and  security. 
Your  choice  lies  between  these,  and  war,  slavery  and  destruction. 
Choose  then,  but  choose  wisely;  and  may  he  who  knows  the 
Juiitice  of  our  cause,  and  who  holds  in  his  hand  the  fate  of  nations, 
guide  you  to  the  result  the  most  compatible  with  your  rights  and 
interests,  your  peace  and  happiness." 

Such,  however,  was  the  eventual  influence  of  Gen.  Hull's 
proclamation,  that  the  greater  part  of  the  Canadian  militia,  in 
that  vicinity,  having  at  his  approach  fled  to  swamps,  morasses, 
and  forests,  yet  afterwards  having  acquired  confidence  that  they 
were  to  enjoy  protection,  deserted  their  allegiance  and  many  of 
them  united  under  the  American  standard.  The  Indians  there 
seemed,  as  usual,  to  await  the  display,  rfnd  the  certainty  of  supe- 
rior power,  that  at  last  they  might  be  found  with  the  conquer- 
ors. 

The  American  troops,  impatient  to  march  into  Maiden,  and  ir- 
ritated from  delay,  soon  cea«ed  to  conceal  their  ardor  from  their 
general he  was  insulted  to  his  face. 

Col.  M'Arthur  was  detached  with  about  150  men  lo  the  river 
Thames,*  otherwise  La  Trenche,  which  discharges  its  waters  in- 
to lake  St.  Clair,  about  9  miles  above,  and  £.  N.  £.  from  Detroit, 
where,  unopposed,  he  captured  a  considerable  quantity  of  provi- 
sion, blankets,  arms,  and  ammunition.  Another  detachment, 
without  obstruction,  captured  some  hundreds  of  merino  sheep,  re- 
puted to  be  of  the  property  of  the  Earl  of  Selkirk. 

Col.  Cass  was,  on  the  15th  of  July,  detached  with  280  men  to 
reconnoitre  the  enemy*s  advanced  posts.  A  bridge  over  Aux 
Canards,  otherwise  duck  river,  5  miles  above  Amherstburg,  was 
found  occupied  by  the  enemy.  The  colonel  having  examined  the 
enemy's  position,  ascended  the  river  five  miles  to  a  ford,  thence 
descended  on  the  south  side  of  the  river,  and  on  the  17th  attack- 
ed and  drove  him.  This  is  recorded  as- the  first  time  since  the 
revolutionary  war,  that  American  militia  had  fought  British  regu- 
lars. Our  men  attacked  with  great  spirit.  Three  times  the  en- 
emy formed,  and  as  often  retreated.  Night  compelled  our  troops 
to  relinquish  the  pursuit.  They  encamped,  during  the  night,  on 
the  ground  where  they  had  fought.  Col.  Cass,  the  next  day,  led 
them  unmolested,  to  the  American  camp.  The  enemy  must  have 
feared  to  renew  the  conflict.  Ke  could  not  have  confided  in 
his  force,  or  fort  Maiden,  a  principal  depository,  in  this  quarter,  of 


•  Thi*  river,  in  Canatia,  in  n  fine  «tream,  navignUlc.  for  vrjsel*  ol'  ooiiiiucraWe  burden,  nfirr  >he 
passHgc  ol'the  iMir  nt  i's  mouth,  nvor  \v!iii'l)  there  is  [jciierally  6t\'.ii  I'eti  of  water.  Tkt  gun  bonh 
fi!cenilid  ri  milts  triim  its  mqudi. 


THE  WAR. 


21 


men  and  munitions  of  war,  and  within  five  miles,  as  Col.  Caes 
would  have  disturbed  his  repose.  Col.  Cass,  as  a  luminous  body, 
shone  from  behind  the  cloud  which  hung  in  the  west.  He  mark- 
ed its  confines,  while  his  brightness  displayed  the  adjacent  dark- 
ness with  greater  horrors.  Other  snr>all  detachmeuts  were  after- 
wards occasionally  sent  to  the  river  Aux  Canards,  further  to  dis- 
cover the  force  of  the  enemy,  and  the  position  and  strength  of  his 
works.  Hence  there  was  frequent  skirmishing  in  the  vicinity  of  fort 
Maiden.  The  Americans  at  one  time  had  seven  menkiUed,  and  ten 
wounded.  A  horse  of  Col.  M'Arthur  was  shot  under  him.  The 
Queen  Charlotte,  at  anchor  off  the  mouth  of  Aux  Canards,  fired 
several  broadsides  at  our  troops.  On  one  of  these  reconnoiteriiig 
excursions  Col.  M'Arthur  and  Capt.  Puthoff  very  narrowly  escaped 
an  ambush  of  the  Indians. 

On  the  4th  of  Aug.  Maj.  Van  Home,  with  200  men,  principally 
riflemen,  was  detached  to  march  to  the  river  Rasin,  to  escort  a 
convoy  of  provisions  to  the  array.  At  Brownstown,  nearly  oppo- 
site fort  Maiden,  and  near  the  mouth  of  the  river  Rasin,  a  large 
body  of  Indians  had  ambushed,  and,  at  the  short  distance  of  fifty 
yards,  fired  upon  this  detachn^ent,  which  was  thrown  into  disor- 
der, and  thus  retreated.  Major  Van  Home  attempted,  but  in 
vain,  to  rally  them.  He  lost  seventeen  of  his  party,  of  whom 
four  were  captains,  and  three  lieutenants. 

This  attempt  having  been  unfortunate  in  its  result.  Col.  Miller, 
on  the  8th  of  Aug.  with  600  men,  was  sent  to  protect  the  same 
provisions  in  transportation,  under  the  insufficient  escort  of  Capt. 
Brush.  This  detachment  was  composed  of  regular  troops,  and  of 
volunteer  militia  from  Ohio  and  Michigan. 

On  the  9th,  about  4  o'clock,  P.  M.  the  vanguard,  commanded 
by  Capt.  Snelling,  was  fired  upon  by  an  extensive  line  of  British 
troops  and  Indians,  at  the  lower  end  of  the  village  of  Magaugo, 
14  miles  from  Detroit.  At  this  time  the  main  body  were  march- 
ing in  two  columns,  at  the  distance  of  half  a  mile.  Capt.  Snelling 
maintained  his  position  in  a  most  gallant  manner,  under  a  very 
heavy  fire,  until  the  line  was  formed  and  advanced  to  his  relief, 
when  the  whole,  except  the  rear  guard,  was  brought  into  action. 
The  enemy  were  formed  behind  a  brest-work  of  felled  trees, 
which  they  had  been,  during  several  days  preparing.  The  mo- 
ment Col.  Miller  had  brought  up  his  troops  iu  line,  the  enemy 
sprung  from  their  hiding  places,  and  formed  in  line  of  battle.  A 
scene  that  would  appal  the  stoutest  heart  now  presented  itself. 
The  Americans  had  to  contend  with  a  force  one  third  greater 
than  their  own.  Five  hundred  Indians  almost  entirely  naked, 
were  fighting  on  almost  every  side,  led  on  and  encouraged  by 
British  officers  and  savage  chiefs. 

But  American  valour  rose  superior  to  every  thing.  Our  troops 
charged  and  drove  the  enemy  inch  by  inch,two  miles,  to  the  village 
of  Browjistown,  where  the  British  took  to  their  boats,  and  the  In- 


'-B«^*"~ 


22 


SKETCHES  OF 


■  i 


diaD«  to  the  woodi.        When  the  eneniy  were  in  full  rout,  Co!.  | 
Miller  directed  a  troop  of  cavalry  to  charge  and  cut  them  up... 
but  they  could  not  be  made  to  advance,   although  Capt.  Snelling  I 
ofiered  to  bead  them  in  person.     This  cowardice    of  the  cavalry 
alone  saved  the  enemy  from  total  destruction,  for  the  British  were 
in  complete  disorder,  and  their  guns  unloaded. 

Col.  Miller  having  thus  opened  the  way,  was  determined  to 
push  on  to  the  river  Rasin,  but  received  a  preremptory  order  from 
Gen.  Hull  to  return  to  Detroit,  which  he  obeyed  the  day  after  the 
battle.  On  their  return  towards  Detroit,  our  troops  were  frequent- 
ly fired  upon  from  the  brig  Hunter,  which  took  several  positions 
for  that  puroose  ;  even  the  wounded  who  were  conveyed  in  wag- 
gons, were  inhumanely  fired  upon. 

The  allies  lost  in  the  battle  of  Magaugo,  about  100  killed  and 
twice  that  number  wounded.  They  were  commanded  by  Maj. 
Muir  of  the  British  regulars,  who  was  wounded.  Tecuraseh, 
Marpot,  and  Walk-inthe-water,  directed  the  Indians. 

The  Americans  had  18  killed,  and  58  wounded  :  thus  was 
much  blood  spilt  without  achievinj;  the  object  of  the  detachment. 
Too  much  praise  cannot  be  bestowed  on  the  ofBcers  and  men  gen- 
erally, engaged  in  that  conflict.  Col.  Miller  proved  himself  by 
his  courage  and  judicious  arrangements,  equal  to  a  more  responsi- 
ble command.  Capt.  Baker  was  wounded  in  the  leg.  Lieut.  Lar- 
abee  lost  an  arm.  These  officers  distinguished  themselves.  Capts. 
Delandre  and  Brevoort,  of  the  Michigan  volunteers  conducted  in< 
a  brave  and  soldier-like  manner. 

On  the  8th  of  Aug.  Gen.  Hull  retreated  from  Canada  to  De- 
troit :  on  the  15th  he  was  challenged  by  Gen.  Brock  to  surren- 
der, and  on  the  16th  he  surrendered  himself,  his  army,  fort  De- 
troit,  and  the   Michigan  Territory,  according  to  the   articles  of 

capitulation and  under  the  circumstances  detailed  in  his  letters, 

and  that  of  Col.  (now  Gen.)  Cass,  all  which,  as  public  dopuments, 
are  here  subjoined. 

CAPITULATION. 

j^rticle  1st.  Fort  Detroit,  with  all  the  troops,  regulars  as  well 
as  militia,  will  be  immediately  surrendered  to  the  British  forces 
under  the  command  of  Maj.  Gen.  Brock,  and  will  be  considered 
prisoners  of  war,  with  the  exception  of  such  of  the  militia  of  the 
Michigan  territory,  as  have  not  joined  the  army. 

jirticle  2d.  All  public  stores,  arms  and  public  documents,  in- 
cluding every  thing  also  of  a  public  nature,  will  be  immediately 
given  up. 

Article  3d.  Private  property  and  private  persons  of  every  de- 
scription will  be  respected. 

jrticle  4th.  His  excellency  Brig.  Gen.  Hull  having  expressed 
^  desire  that  a  detachment  from  the  state  of  Ohio  on  its  way  to 


ui 


THE  WAM 


as 


nada  to  De- 


loin  his  army,  as  well  as  one  sent  from  fort  Detroit,  under  the 
Command  of  Col.  M'Arthur,  should  be  included  in  the  above  stip- 
blation,  it  is  accordingly  agreed  to.  It  is  however  to  be  under- 
itood,  that  such  parts  of  the  Ohio  militia  as  have  not  joined  the 
jrmy,  will  be  permitted  to  return  home,  on  condition  that  they 
;ill  not  serve  during  the  war their  arms,  however,  will  be  de- 
livered up,  if  belonging  to  the  public. 

Jrticle  5th.     The  garrison    will  march  out  at  the  hour  of  12 
'clock  this  day,  and  the  British  forces  take  immediate  possession 
^f  the  fort.  J.  M'DOWELL,  Lt.  Col.  Militia  B.  A.  D.  C. 

J.  B.  CRAIG,  Maj.  A.  D.  C. 
Approved.  WILLIAM  HULL,  Brig.  Gen. 

Commanding  the  N.  W.  army. 
JAMES  MILLERj  Lt.  Col. 
5th  U.  S.  Infantry. 
E.  BRUSH,  Col.  1st  Reg. 
Michigan  Militia. 
Approved.  ISAAC  BROCK,  Maj.  Gen. 

The  army  at  12  o'clock  this  day  will  march  out  of  the  east 
[gate,  where  they  will  stack  their  arms  and  will  be  then  subject 
|to  the  articles  of  capitulation.  WM.  HULL,  Brig.  Gen. 

Commanding  N.  W.  army. 
(Capitulation  herewith  published,) 
An    article  supplementary  to  the  articles  of  capitulation  con> 
[eluded  at  Detroit,  16th  August,  1812. 

It  is  agreed  that  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  Ohio  militid^ 
land  volunteers  shall  be  permitted  to  proceed  to  their  respective 
Ihomes,  on  this  condition,  that  they  are  not  to  serve  during  the 
jpresent  war,  unless  they  are  exchanged. 

(Sig^ed)  W.  HULL,  Brig.  Gen. 

Commanding  N.  W.  army. 
ISAAC  BROCK,  Maj  Gen. 
An  article  in  addition  to  the  supplementary  article  of  the  c&pit- 
jlation  concluded  at  Detroit,  16th  Aug.  1812. 

It  is  further  agreed  that  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  Michi- 
;an  militia  and  volunteers,   under  the  command  of  Major  Weth- 
;rell,  shall  be  placed  on  the  same  principles  as  the  Ohio  volun- 
teers and  militia  are  placed  by  the  supplementary  article  of  the 
fieth  inst. 

(Signed)  W.  HULL,  B.ig.  Gen. 

Commanding  N.  W.  army  U.  S. 
ISAAC  BROCK,  Maj.  Gen. 

GEN.   HULL'S  LETTERS. 

Fort  George,  Jug,  26,  1812. 

Sir Enclosed  are  the  articles  of  capitulation,  by  which  the  fbrt 

lof  Detroit  has  been  surrendered  to  Major  Gen.  Brock,  command- 


24 


SK£TCU£S  GF 


,  ; 


i'i  ' 


•  :  ■':l 


lit  EH' 


iog  his  Britannic  majesty^s  forces  in  Upper  Canada,  and  by  which 
the  trooDS  have  become  prisoners  of  war.  My  situation  at  pres- 
ent forbids  me  from  detailing  the  particular  causes  which  have 
led  to  this  unfortunate  event.  I  will,  however,  generally  observe, 
that  after  the  surrender  of  Michillimachinac,  almost  every  tribe  and 
nation  of  Indians,  excepting  a  part  of  the  Miamies  and  Dela- 
wares,  north  from  beyond  lake  Superior,  west  from  beyond  the 
Mississippi,  south  from  the  Ohio  and  Wabash,  and  east  from  every 
part  of  Upper  Canada,  and  from  all  the  intermediate  country, 
joined  in  open  hostility  under  the  British  standard,  against  the  ar- 
my I  commanded,  contrary  to  the  most  solemn  assurances  of  a 
large  portion  of  them  to  remain  neutral  ;  even  the  Ottawa  chiefs 
from  Arbecrotch,  who  formed  the  delegation  to  Washington  the 
last  summer,  in  whose  friendship  I  know  you  had  great  confi- 
dence, are  among  the  hostile  tribes,  and  several  of  them  distin- 
guished leaders.  Among  the  vast  number  of  chiefs  who  led  the 
hostile  bands,  Tecumseh,  Marpot,  Logan,  Walk-in-the-water, 
Split-log,  &c.  are  considered  the  principals.  This  numerous  as- 
semblage of  savages,  under  the  entire  influence  and  direction  of 
the  British  commander,  enabled  him  totally  to  obstruct  the  only 
communication  which  I  had  with  my  country.  This  communica" 
tion  had  been  opened  from  the  settlements  in  the  state  of  Ohio, 
two  hundred  miles  through  a  wilderness,  by  the  fatigues  of  the 
army  which  I  marched  to  the  frontier  on  the  river  Detroit.  The 
body  of  the  lake  being  commanded  by  the  British  armed  ships, 
and  the  shores  and  rivers  by  gun-boats,  the  army  was  totally  de- 
prived of  all  communication  by  water.  On  this  extensive  road  is 
depended  for  transportation  of  provisions,  military  stores,  medi- 
cine, clothing,  and  every  other  supply,    on   pack  horses All  its 

operations  were  successful  until  its  arrival  at  Detroit,  and  in  a  few 
days  it  passed  into  the  enemy's  country,  and  all  opposition  seem- 
ed to  fall  before  it.  One  mouth  it  remained  in  possession  of  this 
country,  and  was  fed  from  its  resou: ces.  In  different  directions 
detachments  penetrated  sixty  miles  in  the  settled  part  of  the  prov- 
ince, and  the  inhabitants  seemed  satisfied  with  the  change  of  situ- 
ation, which  appeared  to  be  taking  place the  militia  from  Am- 

herstburg  were  daily  deserting,  and  the  whole  country,  then  un- 
der the  controul  of  the  army,  was  asking  for  protection.  The  In- 
dians generally,  in  the  first  instance,  appeared  to  be  neutralized, 
and  determined  to  take  no  part  in  the  contest.  The  fort  of  Am- 
ber stburg  was  eighteen  miles  below  my  encampment..  Not  a 
single  cannon  or  mortar  was  on  wheels  suitable  to  carry  before 
that  place.  I  consulted  my  officers,  whether  it  was  expedient  to 
make  an  attempt  on  it  with  the  bayonet  alone,  without  cannon 
to  make  a  breach  in  the  first  instance.     The  council  I  called  was 

of  the  opinion  it  was  not The  greatest  industry  was  exerted  in 

making  preparation,  and  it  was  not  until  the  7th  of  Aug,  that  two 


TOIE  WAR. 


Ilti 


24  jioundersi  and  three  hovvitzera  were  prepared.  It  was  then 
my  intention'  td  have  proceeded  on  the  enterprize.  While  the 
operations  of  the  arnly  were  delayed  by  these  preparations,  the 
clouds  of  adversity  had  been  for  some  time,  and  seemed  still 
thickly  to  be  gathering  around  me.  The  surrender  of  Michilli- 
mackinac  opened  the  northern  hive  of  Indians,  and  they  were 
swarming  down  in  every  direction.  Reinforcements  from  Niaga* 
ra  had  arrived  at  Amherstburg  under  the  command  of  Colonel 
Proctor.  The  desertion  of  the  militia  ceased.  Besides  the  rein- 
forcements that  came  by  water,  I  received  information  of  a  very 
considerable  force  under  the  command  of  Maj.  Chambers,  on  the 
river  Le  French,  with  four  field-pieces,  and  collecting  the  militia 
on  his  route,  evidently  designed  for  Amherstburg ;  and  in  addi- 
tion to  this  combination,  and  increase  of  force,  contrary  to  all 
my  expectations,  the  Wyandots,  Chippewas,  Ottawas,  Pottawata- 
mies,  Munsees,  Delawares,  &c.  wit  hwhom  I  had  the  most  friend' 
ly  intercourse,  at  once  passed  over  to  Amherstburg,  and  accepted 
the  tomahawk  and  scalping  knife.  There  being  now  a  vast  num- 
ber of  Indians  at  the  British  post,  they  were  sent  to  the  river  Hu- 
ron, Brownstown,  and  Magaugo,  to  intercept  my  communication. 
To  open  this  communication,  1  detached  Maj.  Vanhorne,  of  the 
Ohio  volunteers,  with  two  hundred  men  to  proceed  as  far  as  the 
river  Rasin,  under  an  expectation  he  would  meet  Captain  Brush, 
with  one  hundred  and  fifty  men,  volunteers  from  the  state  of  Ohio, 
and  a  quantity  of  provision  for  the  army.  An  ambuscade  was 
formed  at  Brownstown,  and  Maj.  Vanhorne's  detachment  defeat- 
ed, and  returned  to  camp  without  efTecting  the  object  of  the  expe- 
dition. 

In  my  letter  of  the  7th  inst.  you  have  the  particulars  of  that 
transaction  with  a  return  of  the  killed  and  wounded.  Under  this 
sudden  and  unexpected  change  of  things,  and  having  received  an 
express  from  Gen.  Hall,  commanding  opposite  the  British  shore 
on  the  Niagara  river,  by  which  it  appeared  that  there  was  no 
prospect  of  any  co-operation  from  that  quarter,  and  the  two  senior 
officers  of  the  artillery  having  stated  to  me  an  opinion  that  it 
would  be  extremely  difficult,  if  not  impossible  to  pass  the  Turkey 
river  and  river  Aux  Cannard,  with  the  24  pounders,  and  that  they 
could  not  be  transported  by  water,  as  the  Queen  Charlotte,  which 
carried  eighteen  24  pounders,  lay  in  the  river  Detroit  above  the 
mouth  of  the  river  Aux  Cannard  :  and  as  it  appeared  indispensa- 
bly necessary  to  open  the  communication  to  the  river  Rasin  and 
the  Miami,  I  found  myself  compelled  to  suspend  the  operation 
against  Amherstburg,  and  concentrate  the  main  force  of  the  army 
at  Detroit.  Fully  intending  at  that  time,  after  the  communica- 
tion was  opened,  to  re-cross  the  river,  and  pursue  the  object  at 
Amherstburg,  and  strongly  desirous  of  continuing  protection  to  a 

D 


n  r  ■», 


20 


SKETCHES   OF 


rU 


;>  ;! 


.■',l'MV 


IV. 


I'] 


11 

,|3|i 


■  I- 

.  1,11 

■  » 

I 


very  large  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  Upper  Canada,  who  had| 
voluntarily  accepted  it  under  my  proclamation,  1  established  a  for- 
tress on  the  bank?  of  the  river,  a  little  below  Detroit,  calculated! 
for  a  garrison  of  three  hundred  men. 

On  the  evening  of  the  7th,  and  morning  of  the  8th  inst.  tbe| 
army,  excepting  the  garrison  of  250  infantry,  and  a  corps  of  ar^ 
tillerists,  all  under  the  command  of  Maj.  Denney,  of  the  Ohio  I 
volunteers,  recrossed  the  river,  and  encamped  at  Detroit.  In 
pursuance  of  the  object  of  opening  the  cumnnunication,  on  which 
I  considered  the  existence  of  the  army  depending,  a  detachment 
of  600  men,  under  the  command  ol  Lieut.  Col.  Miller,  was] 
immediately  ordered. 

For  a  particular  account  of  the  proceedings  of  this  detachment,! 
and  the  memorable  battle  which  was  fought  at  Magaugo,  which! 
reflects  the  highest  honour  on  the  American  arms,  1  refer  you  to  I 
my  letter  of  the  13th  ot  Aug.  inst.  a  duplicate  of  which  is  enclosed, 
marked  G.  Nothing,  however,  but  honour  was  acquired  by  this 
victory ;  and  it  is  a  painful  consideration,  that  the  blood  of  7fi 
gallant  men  could  only  open  the  communication,  as  far  as  the 
points  of  their  bayonets  extended.  The  necessary  care  of  the 
sick  and  wounded,  and  a  very  severe  storm  of  rain,  rendered  their 
return  to  camp  indispensably  necessary  for  their  own  comfort. 
Captain  Brush,  with  his  small  detachment,  and  the  provisions  be- 
ing still  at  the  river  Rasin,  and  in  a  situation  to  be  destroyed  by 
the  savages,  on  the  13th  inst.  in  the  evening,  I  permitted  Cols. 
M'Arthur  and  Cass  to  select  from  their  regiment  400  of  their 
most  effective  men,  and  proceed  on  an  upper  route  through  the 
woods,  which  I  had  sent  an  express  to  Capt.  Brush  to  take,  and 
had  directed  the  militia  of  the  river  Rasin  to  accompany  him  as  a 
reinforcement.  The  force  of  the  enemy  continually  increas'ng, 
And  the  necessity  of  opening  the  communication,  and  acting  on 
the  defensive  becoming  more  apparent,  I  had,  previous  to  detach- 
ing Cols.  M'Arthur  and  Cass  on  the  11th  inst.  evacuated  and  de- 
stroyed the  fort  on  the  opposite  bank.  On  the  13tb,  ii.  he  even- 
ing. Gen.  Brock  arrived  at  Amber stburg,  about  the  hour  Colt. 
M'Arthur  and  Cass  marched,  of  which,  at  that  time,  I  had  re- 
ceived no  information. 

On  the  15th  I  eceived  a  summons  from  him  to  surrender 
fort  Detroit,  of  which  the  paper  marked  A  is  a  copy.  My  answer 
is  marked  B,  At  this  time  I  had  received  no  information  from 
Cols.  M' Arthur  and  Cass.  An  express  was  immediately  sent, 
strongly  escorted,  with  orders  for  them  to  return.  On  the  15th, 
as  soon  as  Gen.  Brock  received  my  letter,  his  b^^t^ries  opened  on 
the  town  and  fort,  and  continued  until  evenit4g  In  the  evening 
all  the  British  ships  of  war  came  nearly  as  far  up  the  river  as 
Sandwich,  thr^q  miles  below  Detroit.  At  day  light,  on  the  16tb, 
(at  which  time  I  had  received  no  information  from  Cols.  M'Arthur 


i.;,>' 


THE  WAR. 


27 


ind  Cass,  my  exprenes  sent  the  evening  before,  and  in  the  night, 
laving  been  prevented  from  passing  by  numerous    bodies  of  In- 
lians)  the  cannonade  recommenced,  and  in  a  short  time  I  teceiv- 
^d  information  that  the  British  army  and  Indians  were  landing  be- 
low the  Spring-wells,   under  the  cover  of  their  ships  of  war.     At 
]hi*  time  the  whole  efTective  force  at   my  disposal  at  Detroit,  did 
lot  exceed  eight  hundred  men.     Being  new  troops,  and  unaccus* 
fomed  to  a  camp  life  :  having  performed  a  laborious  march ;  hav- 
11^  bfen  engaged  in  a  number  of  battles  and  skirmishes,  in  which 
lony  had  fallen,  and  more  had  received  wounds,   in  addition  to 
;hich  a  large  number  being  sick  and  unprovided  with  medicine, 
md  the  comforts  necessary  for  their  situation  ;    are  the  general 
[causes  by  which  the  strength  of  the  army  was  thus  reduced.     The 
(fort  at  this  time  was  filled  with  women,children,andthe  old  and  de- 
Icrepid  people  of  the  town  and  country ;  they  were  unsafe  in  the 
town,  as  it  was  entirely  open  and  exposed  to  the  enemy's  batte- 
ries.    Back  of  the  fort,  above  oi  below  it,  there  was  no  safety  for 
I  them  on  account  of  the  Indians.     In  the  first  instance  the  enemy's 
fire  was  principally  directed  against  our  batteries  ;    towards  the 
•lose,  it  was  directed  against  the  fort  alone,  and  almost  every  shot 
and  shell  had  their  effect. 

It  now  became  necessary  either  to  fight  the  enemy  in  the  field; 
collect  the  whole  force  in  the  fort  ;  or  propose  terms  of  capitula- 
tion. I  could  not  have  carried  into  the  field  more  than  six  hun- 
dred men,  and  left  any  adequate  force  in  the  fort.  There  were 
landed  at  that  time  of  the  enemy  a  regular  force  of  much  more 
than  that  number,  and  twice  the  number  of  Indians.  Considering^ 
this  great  inequality  of  force,  I  did  not  think  it  expedient  to  ad- 
qit  the  first  measure.  The  second  must  have  been  attended  with 
a  great  sacrifice  of  blood,  and  no  possible  advantage,  because  the 
contest  could  not  have  been  sustained  more  than  a  day  for  the  want 
of  powder,  and  but  a  very  few  days  for  the  want  of  provisions.  In 
addition  to  this.  Cols.  M'Arthur  and  Cass  would  have  been  in  a 
most  hazardous  situation.      I  feared  nothing  but  the  last  alterna-. 

tive.     I  have  dared  to  adopt  it I  well  know  the  high  responsi* 

bility  of  the  measure,  and  I  take  the  whole  of  it  on  myself.  It 
was  dictated  by  a  sense  of  duty,  and  a  full  conviction  of  its  ex- 
pediency. The  bands  of  savages  which  had  then  joined  the  Brit- 
ish force  were  numerous  beyond  any  former  example.  Their 
numbers  have  since  increased,  and  the  history  of  the  barbarians  of 
the  north  of  Europe  does  not  furnish  examples  of  more  greedy  vi- 
olence than  these  savages  have  exhibited.  A  large  portion  of  the 
brave  and  gallant  officers  and  men  I  commanded  would  cheerfully 
have  contested  until  the  last  cartridge  had  been  expended,  and  the 
bayonets  worn  to  the  sockets.  I  could  not  consent  to  the  useless 
sacrifice  of  such  brave  men,  when  I  knew  it  was  impossible  for 


'^-I 


t28 


ijKETCHES  OF 


ine  to  sustain  my  situation.  It  was  impossible  in  the  nature  oil 
things  that  an  army  could  have  been  furnished  with  the  necessaf 
ry  supplies  of  provision,  military  stores,  clothing,  and  comforts  fori 
the  sick,  on  pack-horses,  through  a  wilderness  of  two  hundredl 
miles,  filled  with  hostile  savages.  It  was  impossible,  sir,  that  tbiil 
little  army,  worn  down  by  fatigue,  by  sickness,  by  wounds,  and! 
deaths,  could  have  supported  itself,  not  only  against  the  collectedl 
force  of  all  the  northern  nations  of  Indians  ;  but  against  the  unitedl 
strength  of  Upper  Canada,  whose  population  consists  of  more  thani 
twenty  times  the  number  contained  in  the  territory  of  MichiganJ 
aided  by  the  principal  part  of  the  regular  forces  of  the  provincesl 
and  the  wealth  and  influence  of  the  North  West  and  other  trad-" 
ing  establishments  among  the  Indians,  which  have  in  their  em- 
ployment and  under  their  entire  controul  more  than  two  thousand! 
white  men.  Before  I  close  this  despatch,  it  is  a  duty  I  owe  myl 
respectable  associate?  in  command.  Cols.  M'Arthur,  Findly,  Cass,! 
and  Lt.  Col.Miller,to  express  my  obligations  to  them  for  the  prompt 
«nd  judicious  manner  in  which  they  have  performed  their  respective 
duties,  if  ought  has  taken  place  during  the  campaign,  which  is 
honourable  to  the  army,  these  of!icers  are  entitled  to  a  large  share 
of  it.  If  the  last  act  should  be  disapproved,  no  part  of  the  censure 
belongs  to  them.  I  have  likewise  to  express  my  obligations  to 
Gen.  Taylor,  who  has  performed  the  duty  of  quarter-master-gen- ' 
eral,  for  his  great  exertions  in  procuring  every  thing  in  his  depart- 
ment which  it  was  possible  to  furnish  for  the  convenience  of  the 
army  ;  likewise  to  brigade  major  Jessup,  for  the  correct  and  punc- 
tual manner  in  which  he  has  discharged  his  duty  ;  and  to  the  army  | 
generally  for  their  exertion,  and  the  zeal  they  have  manifested 
for  the  public  interest.  The  death  of  Dr.  Foster,  soon  after  he  ar- 
rived at  Detroit,  was  a  severe  misfortune  to  the  army  ;  it  was  in- 
creased by  the  capture  of  the  Chachaga  packet,  by  which  the 
medicine  and  hospital  stores  were  lost.  He  was  commencing 
the  best  arrangements  in  the  department  of  which  he  was  the 
principal,  with  the  very  small  means  which  he  possessed.  I  was  like- 
wise deprived  of  the  necessary  services  of  Capt.  Partridge  by  sick- 
ness, the  only  officer  of  the  corps  of  engineers  attached  to  the  ar- 
my. 

All  the  ofKcers  and  men  have  gone  to  their  respective  homes, 
except  the  fourth  United  States'  regiment,  and  a  small  part  of  the 
first,  and  Capt.  Dyson's  company  of  artillery.  Capt.  D's  compa- 
ny was  left  at  Amherstburg,  and  the  others  are  with  me  prison- 
ers  they  amount  to  about  340. 

I  have  only  to  solicit  an  investigation  of  my  conduct,  as  early 
as  my  situation,  and  the  state  of  things  will  admit ;  and  to  add  the 
further  request,  that  the  government  will  not  be  unmindful  of  my 
associates  in  captivity,  and  of  the  families  of  those  brave  men  who 
have  fallen  in  the  contest. 


fHE  WAR. 


uy 


I  have  the  honour  to  be  very  respectfully,  your  most  obedient 

servant. 

W.  HULL,  Brig.  Gen. 
commanding  the  North  Western  army  of  the  U.  Staters. 
Hon.  W.  EUSTIS,  Secretary  of  the  Department  of  war. 

The  following  are  the  letters  alluded  to  in  the  preceding  dis- 
patch. 

Sandwich,  ^th  Aug,  1812. 

Sir On  the  4th  inst.  Maj.  Van  Home,  of  Col.  Findley's  Reg- 
iment of  Ohio  Volunteers  was  detached  from  this  army,  with  the 
command  of  200  men,  principally  riflemen,  to  proceed  to  the  riv* 
er  Rasin,  and  further,  if  necessary,  to  meet  and  reinforce  Capt. 
Brush,  of  the  state  of  Ohio,  commanding  a  company  of  volun- 
teers, and  escorting  provisions  for  this  army.  At  Brownstown  a 
large  body  of  Indians  had  formed  an  ambuscade,  and  the  Major's 
detachment  received  a  heavy  fire,  at  a  distance  of  fifty  yards  from 
the  enemy.  The  whole  detachment  retreated  in  disorder.  Maj. 
Van  Home  made  every  exertion  to  form,  and  prevent  the  retreat, 
that  was  possible  for  a  brave  and  gallant  officer,  but  without  suc- 
cess. By  the  return  of  killed  and  wounded  it  will  be  perceived 
that  the  loss  of  officers  was  uncommonly  great.  Their  elTorts  to 
r^lly  their  companies  was  the  occasion  of  it. 

I  am  very  respectfully,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

W.  HULL. 

Hon.  Wm.  Eustis,  Sec.  &c.  &c.  &c. 

Report  of  killed  in  Maj.  Van  Hom^s  defeat. 
Captains....Gilchrist,  UUery,  MCallough,  of  the  spies,  Boerstler 
severely  wounded,  and  not  expected  to  recover  (since  dead)       4 
Lieutenant  Pentz,  1 

Ensigns Roby  and  Alliston,  2 

Ten  privates  10 

Number  of  wounded  as  yet  unknown.  Total  loss  17 

Detroit,  13th  Aug,  1812. 

Sir The  main  body  of  the  army  having  re-crossed  the  rivet 

Detroit,  on  the  night  and  morning  of  the  8th  inst.  six  hundred 
men  were  immediately  detached  under  the  command  of  Lieut. 
Col.  Miller,  to  open  the  communication  to  the  river  Rasing  and 
protect  the  provisions,  which  were  under  the  escort  of  Capt.  Brush. 
This  detachment  consisted  of  the  4th  United  States'  regiment, 
and  two  small  detachments  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Stansbu- 
ry  and  Ensign  M'Labe  of  the  Ist  regiment :  detachments  from 
the  Ohio  and  Michigan  volunteers,  a  corps  of  artillerists,  with  one 
six  pounder   and  a  howitzer,  under  the  command  of  Lietit,  East^ 


SKETCHES  OF 


4 
til" 


I    !■ 


'     iM'ii* 


illii: 
i:iit,f 


i^ 


man,  and  a  part  of  Captaini  Smith  and  Sloan'i  cavalry,  oom- 
manded  by  Capt.  Sloan,  of  the  Ohio  volunteeri. 

Lieutenant  Col.  Miller  marched  from  Detroit  on  the  afternoon 
of  the  8th  instant,  and  on  the  9th,  about  four  o'clock,  P.  M. 
the  van  guard  commanded  by  Capt.  Snelling  of  the  4th  United 
States'  regiment,  was  fired  on  by  an  extensive  line  of  British 
troops  and  Indians  at  the  lower  part  of  the  Maguago,  about  four- 
teen miles  from  Detroit.  At  this  time  the  main  body  was  march* 
ing  in  two  columns^  and  Capt.  Snelling  maintained  his  position  in 
a  most  gallant  manner,  under  a  very  heavy  fire,  until  the  line 
was  formed  and  advanced  to  the  ground  he  occupied,  when  the 
whole,  excepting  the  rear  guard,  was  brought  into  action.  The 
enemy  were  formed  behind  a  temporary  breast-work  of  logs,  the 
Indians  extending  in  (?.  thick  wood  on  their  left. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Miller  ordered  his  whole  line  to  advance, 
and  when  within  a  small  distance  of  the  enemy  made  a  general 
discharge,  and  proceeded  with  charged  bayonets,  when  the  British 
line  and  Indians  commenced  a  retreat.  They  were  pursued  in 
a  most  vigorous  manner  about  two  miles,  ^nd  pursuit  discontinu- 
ed only  on  account  of  the  fatigue  of  the  troops,  the  approach  of 
evening,  and  the  necessity  of  returning  to  tahe  care  of  the  wound- 
ed. The  judicious  arrangements  made  by  Lieut.  Col.  Miller,  and 
the  gallant  manner  in  which  they  were  executed,  justly  entitle 
him  to  the  highest  honour.  From  the  moment  (he  line  com- 
menced the  fire,  it  continually  moved  on,  and  the  enemy  main- 
tained their  position  until  forced  at  the  point  of  the   bayonet 

The  Indians  on  the  left,  under  the  command  of  Tecumseh,  fought 
with  great  obstinacy,  bat  were  ^untinually  forced  and  compelled 
to  retreat.  The  victory  was  complete  in  every  part  of  the  line, 
and  the  success  would  have  been  more  brilliant  had  the  cavalry 
charged  the  enemy  on  the  retreat,  when  a  most  favourable  oppor- 
tunity presented.  Although  orders  were  given  for  the  purpose, 
unfortunately  they  were  not  executed.  Majors  Van  Home  and 
Morrison,  of  the  Ohio  volunteers,  were  associated  with  Lieut. 
Col.  Miller,  as  field  officers  in  this  command,  and  were  highly 
distinguished  by  their  exertions  in  forming  the  line,  and  the  firm 
and  intrepid  manner  they  led  their  respective  commands  to  ac- 
tion. 

Captain  Baker  of  the  first  United  States'  regiment,  Capt.  Bre- 
vort  of  the  2d,  and  Capt.  Hull  of  the  13th,  my  aid-de-camp,  and 
Lieut.  Whistler  of  the  Ist,  requested  permission  to  join  the  detach- 
ment as  vohtnteers.  Lieut.  Col.  Miller  assigned  commands  to 
Capt.  Baker  and  Lieut.  Whistler  :  Capts.  Brevort  and  Hull,  at  his 
request,  attended  his  person  and  aided  him  in  the  general  engage- 
ments. Lieut.  Col.  Miller  has  mentioned  the  conduct  of  these  of- 
ficers in  terms  of  high  approbation.     In  addition  to  the  captains 


THE  WAR. 


•1 


t>,  about  four- 


yho  have  been  named,  Lieut.  CoL  Miller  hai  mei  mtm 
lurton  and  Fuller  of  the  4th  regiment,  Cuptain  Saunders  nd 
irown  of  the  Obb  volunteers,  and  Capt.  Delancl.  of  the  M  hi- 
ran  volunteers,  who  were  attached  to  his  command — and  distin- 
ruisbed  by  their  valour.  It  is  impossible  for  me,  in  this  commu- 
lication,  to  do  justice  to  the  officers  and  soldiers,  who  gained  the 
;ictory  which  I  have  described.  They  have  acquired  high  hon* 
>ur  to  themselves  and  are  justly  entitled  to  the  gratitude  of  their 

Country. 

Maj.  Muir,  of  the  4l8t  British  regiment,  commanded  the  Brit. 

Jsh  in  this  action.     The  regulars  and  volunteers  consisted  of  about 

[four  hundred,  and  a  larger  number  of  Indians.      Maj.   Muir  and 

|tW0  subalterns  were  wounded,  one  of  them  since  dead.     About 

■forty  Indians  were  found  dead  on  the  field,  and   Tecumseh  their 

[leader  was  slightly  wounded.      The  number  of  wounded  Indians 

who  escaped  has  not  been  ascertained.     Four  of  Maj.  Muir's  de* 

tachment  have  been  made  prisoners,   and   15  of  the  4l8t  regi- 

Iment  killed  and  wounded.      The  militia  and  volunteers  attached 

to  his  command  were  in  the  severest  part  of  the  action,  and  then- 

!  lots  must  have  been  great.....it  has  not  yet  been  ascertained* 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  ^our  most  dbedient  servant, 

W.  HULL,  Brig.  Gen. 
Commanding  N.  W.  army. 
Hon.  Wm.  EirsTis,  Secretary  of  War. 

Return  of  killed  and  xvoi^nded  in  the  action  fought  near  Ma- 

guago,  Aug*  9th,  1812. 

4th  United  States'   regiment 10   non-commissioned   o66cers 

and  privates  killed,  and  45  wounded  :  Capt.  Baker  of  the  Ist  regr 
iment  of  infantry  :  Lieut.  Larabee  of  the  4th  ;  Lieut.  Peters  of 
the  4th  :  Ensign  Whistler  of  the  17th,  doing  duty  in  the  4th  i 
Lieut.  Silly,  and  an  Ensign,  whose  name  has  not  been  returned 
to  me,  were  wounded. 

In  the  Ohio  and  Michigan   volunteers  8  were  killed,   and  12 
wou.nded. 

WM.  HULL> 


COLONEL  CASS»  LETTER. 

Washington,  Sept.  10th,  1812. 
SlR.....Having  been  ordered  on  to  this  place  b^  Col.M'Arthur,for 
the  purpose  of  communicating  to  the  government  such  particulars 
respecting  the  expedition  lately  commanded  by  Brigadier  Gen. 
Hull,  and  its  disastrous  result,  as  might  enable  them  correctly  to 
appreciate  the  conduct  of  the  officers  and  men  ;  and  to  dev elope 
the  causes  which  produced  so  foul  a  stain  upon  xhe  national  char- 
acter, I  have  the  honour  to  submit  for  your  consideration  the  fol- 
lowing statement :  -^^r^-^mi^ 


^n 


SKETCHES  OF 


When  th«  foroei  landed  in  Canada,  they  landed  with  an  a^ 
dent  zeal,  and  stimulated  with  the  hope  of  conquest.  No  ^nem}' 
appeared  within  view  of  ui,  and  had  an  immediate  and  vigorous 
attack  been  made  upon  Maiden,  it  would  doubtless  have  fallen 
an  easy  victory.  I  know  Gen.  Hull  afterwards  declared  he  re* 
gretted   this  attack   had   not   been    made,   and   he    had  every 

reason  to  believe    success   would  have  crowned  his  efforts 

The  reason  given  for  delaying  our  operations  were  to  mount  our 
heavy  cannon,  and  to  afford  the  Canadian  militia  time  and  op- 
portunity to  quit  an  obnoxious  service.  In  the  course  of  two 
weeks  the  number  of  their  militia,  who  were  embodied,  had  de« 
creased  by  desertion  from  six  hundred  to  one  hundred  men  ;  and, 
in  the  course  of  three  weeks,  the  cannon  were  mounted,  the  am> 
munition  fixed,  and  every  preparation  made  for  an  immediate  in- 
vestment of  the  fort.  At  a  council,  at  which  were  present  all 
the  field  officers,  and  which  was  held  two  days  before  our  prep- 
arations were  completed,  it  was  unanimously  agreed  to  make  an 
immediate  attempt  to  accomplish  the  object  of  the  expedition.  If 
by  waiting  two  days  we  could  have  the  service  of  our  heavy  ar- 
tillery, it  was  agreed  to  wait  ;  if  not,  it  was  determined  to  go 
without  U*  and  to  attempt  the  place  by  storm.  This  opinion  appear- 
ed to  correspond  with  the  views  of  the  General,  and  the  day  was 
appointed  for  commencing  our  march.  He  declared  to  me,  that 
he  considered  himself  pledged  to  lead  the  army  to  Maiden.  The 
ammunition  was  placed  in  the  waggons ;  the  cannon  were  em- 
barked on  board  the  floating  batteries,  and  every  requisite  article 
was  prepared.  The  spirit  and  zeal,  the  ardour  and  animation  dis- 
played by  the  officers  and  men,  on  learning  the  near  accomplish- 
ment of  their  wishes,  was  a  sure  and  sacred  pledge,  that  in  the 
hour  of  trial  they  would  not  be  wanting  in  their  duty  to  their 
country  and  to  themselves.  But  a  change  of  measures,  in  op- 
position to  the  wishes  and  opinions  of  all  the  officers  was  ad- 
opted by  the  General.  The  plan  of  attacking  Maiden  was  aban- 
doned, and  instead  of  acting  offensively,  we  broke  up  our  camp, 
evacuated  Canada,  and  re-crossed  the  river  in  the  night,  without 
even  the  shadow  of  an  enemy  to  injure  us.  We  left  to  the  ten- 
der mercy  of  the  enemy  the  miserable  Canadians  who  had  joined 
us,  and  the  protection  we  afforded  them  was  but  a  passport  to 
vengeance.  This  fatal  and  unaccountable  step  dispirited  the 
troops,  and  destroyed  the  little  confidence  which  a  series  of  timid, 
irresolute,  and  indecisive  measures  had  left  in  the  commanding 
officer. 

About  the  tenth  of  August,  the  enemy  received  a  reinforcement 
of  four  hundred  men.  On  the  12th  the  commanding  officers  of 
three  regiments  (?he  fourth  was  abbcnt)  were  informed  through  a 
medium  which  admitted  of  no  doubt,  that  the  General  had  stated 
that  a  capitulation  would  be  necessary.      They  on  the  same  day 


THE  WAR. 


w 


iddrelsed  to  Gov.  Melgi  of  Obio^  a  letter,  of  which  the  foUowiof 

nn  extract  : 

"  Believe  all  the  bearer  will  tell  you.     Believe  it,  however  it 

lay  aitoniih  you,  as  much  aa  if  it  had  been  told  by  one  of  ui 

ily^p  a  e ii  talked  of  by  the 

:he  bearer  will  fill  the  vacancy.»» 

The  doubtful  fate  of  thit  letter  rendered  it  neceiiary  to  uie  cir- 
bumspectioo  in  its  details,  and  therefore  these  blauks  were  left. 
The  word  «  capitulation"  will  fill  the  flmt,  end  "  commanding 
[eueral/'  the  other.  As  oo  enemy  was  near  us,  and  as  the  supe- 
fiority  of  our  force  was  manifest,  we  could  see  no  necessity  for 
Capitulating,  nor  any  propriety  in  alluding  to  it.  We  therefore 
letermined  in  the  last  resort,  to  incur  the  responsibiKty  of  divest- 
ing the  general  of  his  command.  This  plan  was  eventually  pre- 
sented by  two  of  the  commanding  officers  of  regiments  being  or- 
[dered  upon  detachments. 

On  the  13th  the  British  took  a  position  opposite  to  Detroit,  and 
[began  to  throw  up  works.  During  that  and  the  two  following 
days,  they  pursued  their  object  jvithout  interruption  and  establish- 
ed a  battery  for  two  18  pounders  and  an  8  inch  howitzer.....* 
About  sunset  on  the  evening  of  the  14th,  a  detachment  of  350 
men  from  the  regiments  commanded  byCol.M'Arthur  and  myself, 
was  ordered  to  march  to  the  river  Rasin,  to  escort  some  provi- 
sions, which  had  some  time  remained  there  protected  by  a  par- 
ty under  the  command  of  Capt.  Brush. 

On  Saturday,  the  ISth,  about  1  o'clock,  a  flag  of  truce  arrived 
from  Sandwich,  bearing  a  summons  from  Gen.  Brock  tor  the  su»* 
render  of  the  town  and  fort  of  Detroit,  stating  he  could  no  longer 
restrain  the  fury  of  the  savages.  To  this  an  immediate  and  spir- 
ited refusal  was  returned.  About  four  o'clock  their  batteries  be- 
gan to  play  upon  the  town.  The  fire  was  returned  and  continu- 
ed without  interruption,  and  with  little  effect  till  dark.  Their 
shells  were  thrown  till  eleven  o'clock. 

At  day  light  firing  on  both  sides  recommenced  ;  about  the 
same  time  the  enemy  began  to  land  troops  at  the  Springwells, 
three  miles  below  Detroit,  protected  by  two  of  their  armed  ves- 
sels. Between  6  and  7  o'clock  they  effected  their  landing,  and 
\  immediately  took  up  their  line  of  march.  They  moved  in  a  close 
column  of  platoons,  twelve  in  front,   upon  the  bank  of  the  river. 

The  fourth  regiment  was  stationed  in  the  fort  ;  the  Ohio  vol- 
unteers and  a  part  of  the  Michigan  militia,  behind  some  pickets,  in 
a  situation  in  which  the  whole  flank  of  the  enemy  would  have 
been  exposed.  The  residue  of  the  Michigan  militia  were  in  the  up- 
per part  of  the  town  to  x?:ft\>:<t  the  incursions  of  the  savages.  Two 
24  pounders,  loaded  with  grape  shot,  were  posted  on  a  com- 
manding eminence,  ready  to  sweep  the  advancing  column.  In 
this  situation,   the  superiority  of  our  position   was  apparent,  and 

E 


34 


SKETCHES  OF 


W      .     V 


i; 


our  troops,  in  the  eager  expectation  of  victory,  awaited  the  af>- 
proach  of  the  enemy.  Not  a  discontent  broke  upon  the  ear  :  not 
a  look  of  cowardice  met  the  eye.  Every  man  expected  a  proud 
day  for  his  country,  and  each  was  anxious  that  his  individual  ex> 
ertion  should  contribute  to  the  general  result. 

When  the  head  of  their  column  arHved  within  about  five  hun- 
dred yards  of  our  line,  orders  were  received  from  Gen.  Hull  for 
the  whole  to  retreat  to  the  fort,  and  for  the  twenty-four  pounders 
not  to  open  upon  the  enemy.  One  universal  burst  of  indignation 
was  apparent  upon  the  receipt  of  this  order.  Those,  whose  con- 
vir:tion  was  the  deliberate  result  of  a  dispassionate  examination  of 
passing  events,  saw  the  folly  and  impropriety  of  crowding  1100 
men  into  a  little  work  which  300  men  could  fully  man,  and  into 
which  the  shot  and  shells  of  the  enemy  were  falling.  The  fort 
was  in  this  manner  filled  ;  the  men  were  directed  to  stack  their 

arms,  and   scarcely  was  an  opportunity    afforded  of  moving 

Shortly  a  white  flag  was  hung  out  upon  the  walls.  A  British  of- 
ficer rode  up  to  inquire  the  cause.  A  communication  passed  be- 
tween the  commanding  Generals,  which  ended  in  the  capitula- 
tion submitted  to  you.  In  entering  into  this  capitulation  the  Gen- 
eral took  counsel  from  his  own  feelings  only.  Not  an  officer  was 
consulted.  Not  one  anticipated  a  surrender  till  he  saw  the  white 
flag  displayed.  Even  the  women  were  indignant  at  so  shameful 
a  degradation  of  the  American  character,  and  all  felt  as  they 
should  have  felt,  but  he  who  held  in  his  hands  the  reins  of  author- 

Our  morning  report  had  that  morning  made  our  efiective  men 
present  fit  for  duty  1060,  without  including  the  detachment  be- 
fore alluded  to,  and  without  including  300  of  the  Michigan  mili- 
tia on  duty.  About  dark  on  Saturday  evening  the  detachment 
sent  to  escort  the  provisions,  received  several  orders  from  Gen. 
Hull  to  return  with  as  much  expedition  as  possible.  About  ten 
o'clock  the  next  day  they  arrived  within  sight  of  Detroit.  Had  a 
firing  been  heard,  or  any  resistance  visible,  they  would  have  im- 
mediately advanced  and  attacked  the  rear  of  the  enemy.  The 
situation  in  which  this  detachment  was  placed,  although  the  re- 
sult of  accident,  was  the  best  for  annoying  the  enemy  and  cutting 
off  his  retreat  that  could  have  been  selected.  With  his  raw  troops 
enclosed  between  two  fires,  and  no  hopes  of  succor,  it  is  hazard< 
ing  little  to  say,  that  very  few  would  have  escaped. 

I  have  been  informed  by  Col.  Findley,  who  saw  the  return  of 
their  quarter-master-general  the  day  hfter  the  surrender,  that  their 
whole  force  of  every  description,  white,  red,  and  black,  was  1030. 
They  had  twenty-nine  platoons,  twelve  in  a  platoon,  of  men 
drt^ssed  in  uniform.  Many  of  these  were  evidently  Canadian  mi- 
litia. The  rest  of  the  militia  increased  their  white  force  to  about 
seven  hundred  men.    The  number  of  their  Indians  could  not  be 


THE  WAR. 


35 


the  a{>- 
!ar  :  not 
a  proud 
iual  ex- 

ive  hun- 
Hull  for 
)eunder8 
lignation 
io«e  con- 
nation  of 
ing  1100 
and  into 
The  fort 
ack  their 

oving 

British  of- 
)assed  be- 
I  capitula- 
1  the  Gen- 
fficer  was 
the  white 
I  shameful 
t  as  they 
of  author- 

jtive  men 
iment  be- 
igan  mili- 
[tachment 
from  Gen. 
Lbout  ten 
Had  a 
have  im- 
ly.      The 
rhthe  re- 
id  cutting 
law  troops 
is  hazard- 

Ireturn  of 
I  that  their 
;as  1030. 
of  men 
idian  mi- 
to  about 
Lid  not  be 


asertained  with  any  degree  of  precision  ;  not  many  were  visible. 
And  in  tiie  event  of  an  attack  upon  the  town  and  fort,  it  was  a 
species  of  force  which  could  have  afforded  no  material  advantage 
to  the  enemy. 

In  endeavouring  to  appreciate  the  motives  and  to  investigate 
the  causes  which  led  to  an  event  so  unexpected  and  dishonoura- 
ble, it  is  impossible  to  find  any  solution  in  the  relative  strength  of 
the  contending  parties,  or  in  the  measures  of  resistance  in  our 
po\Ver.  That  we  were  far  superior  to  the  enemy  ;  that  upon 
any  ordinary  principles  of  calculation  we  would  have  defeated 
them,  the  wounded  and  indignant  feelings  of  every  man  there 
will  testify. 

A  few  days  before  the  surrender,  I  was  Informed  by  Gen.  Hull 
that  we  ha^l  400  rounds  of  24  pound  shot  fixed, and  about  100,000 
cartridges  made.  We  surrendered  with  the  fort  40  barrels  of 
powder  and  2500  stand  of  arms. 

The  state  of  our  provisions  has  not  been  generally  understood. 
On  the  day  of  the  surrender  we  had  fifteen  days'  provisions  of 
every  kind  on  hand.  Of  meat  there  was  plenty  in  the  country, 
and  arrangements  had  been  made  for  purchasing  grain  and  grind- 
ing  it  to  flour.  It  was  calculated  we  could  readily  procure  three 
months' provisions,  independent  of  150  barrels  flour,  and  1300 
head  of  cattle,  which  had  been  forwarded  from  the  state  of  Ohio, 
and  which  remained  at  the  river  Raisin,  under  Capt.  Brush,  with- 
in reach  of  the  army. 

But  had  we  been  totally  destitute  of  provisions,  our  duty  and 
our  interest  undoubtedly  was  to  fight.  The  enemy  invited  us  to 
meet  him  in  the  field. 

By  defeating  him  the  whole  country  would  have  been  open  to 
us,  and  the  object  of  our  expedition  gloriously  and  successfully  ob- 
tained. If  we  had  been  defeated  we  had  nothing  to  do  but  re- 
treat to  thefort^  and  make  the  best  defence  which  circumstances 
and  our  situation  rendered  practicable.  But  basely  to  surrender 
without  firing  a  gun tamely  to  submit  without  raising  a  bayo- 
net  disgracefully  to  pass  in  review  before  an  enemy  as  inferior 

in  the  quality  as  in  the  number  of  his  forces,  were  circumstances 
which  excited  feelings  of  indignation  more  easily  felt  than  de- 
scribed. To  see  the  whole  of  our  men  flushed  with  th^  hope  of 
victory,  eagerly  awaiting  the  approaching  contest ;  to  see  them 
afterwards  dispirited,  hopeless,  and  desponding,  dt  least  500  shed- 
ding tears  because  they  were  not  allowed  to  meet  their  country's 
foe,  and  to  fight  their  country's  battles,  excited  sensations,  which 
no  American  has  ever  before  had  cause  to  feel,  and  which,  I  trust 
in  God,  will  never  again  be  felt,  while  one  man  remains  to  de- 
fend the  standard  of  the  Union. 

I  am  expressly  authorized  to  state,  that  Col.  M'Arthur  and 
Go).  Findley  and  Lieut,  Col.  Miller  viewed  this  transaQtion  in  the 


mi 


30 


SKETCHES    OF 


•li 


I   , 


r  <■ 


light  which  I  do.  They  know  and  feel,  that  no  circumtitance  in 
our  situation,  none  in  that  of  the  enemy,  can  excuse  a  capituU' 
tion  so  dishonourable  and  unjustifiable.  This  too  is  the  universal 
sentiment  among  the  troops  ;  and  I  shall  be  surpised  to  learn, 
that  there  is  one  man  who  thinks  it  was  necessary  to  sheath 
his  sword,  or  lay  down  his  musket. 

I  was  informed  by  Gen.  Hull  the  morning  after  the  capitula* 
tion,  that  the  British  forces  consisted  of  1800  regulars,  and  that 
he  surrendered  to  prevent  the  eflTusion  of  human  blood.  That  he 
magnified  their  regular  force  nearly  five  fold,  there  can  be  no 
doubt.  Whether  the  philanthropic  reason  assigned  by  him  is  a 
sufficient  justification  foi  surrendering  a  fortified  town,  an  army 
and  a  territory,  is  for  the  government  to  determine.  Confident 
I  am,  that  had  the  courage  and  conduct  of  the  General  been  equal 
to  the  spirit  and  zeal  of  the  troops,  the  event  would  have  been 
as  brilliant  and  successful  as  it  now  is  disastrous  and  dishonoura- 
ble. 

Very  respectfully.  Sir,  I  have  the  honour  to  be. 

Your  most  obedient  servant,  LEWIS  CASS, 

Col.  3d  reg,  Ohio  volunteers. 

The  Hon.  William  Eustis,  Sec.  of  War. 

GENERAL  HULL'S  TRIAL. 

On  the  3d  January,  1814,  the  members  detailed  by  general 
orders,  to  constitute  the  court  for  the  trial  of  Brig.  Gen.  HuU^  as- 
sembled at  Albany,  and  were  as  follows,  viz. 

Maj.  Gen.  Henry  Dearborn,  President, 


Brig.  Gen.  Joseph  Bloomfieid, 
Col.  Peter  Little  38th  reg. 

Wm.  N.  Irvine,  42d 

Lt.  Col.  James  House,  artl. 
_ —  Wm.  Scott,  36th. 

Wm.  Stewart,  88th, 


'Col.  J.  K.  Fenwick,  artl. 

Robert  Bogardus,  4l8t, 

Lt.CoI.  Richard  Dennis  16th, 

S.  R.  Conner,  13th, 

J.  B.  Davis,  32d, 

J.  W.  Levingston,  4lst. 


Lt.  Col.  J.  G.  Forbes,  42d  reg.  Supernumerary. 

Judge  Advocate  (special)  Martin  Van  Buren,  Esq.  "^ 

Army  Judge  Advocate,  Philip  S  Parker,  Esq. 

Charges  exhibited  by  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War, 

Charge  1 Treason  against  the  United   States,  between  the 

ninth  of  April  and  the  seventeenth  of  August,  1812. 

The  specifications  under  this  charge  were,  in  substance,  as  fol* 
lows  : 

First  Specification,   in   this That  the  said  Brig.  Gen.  Wm. 

Hull  did  traitorously  hire,  or  caiisp  to  be  hired,  at  the  rapids  of  the 
river  Miami  of  the  lake,  on  the  Ist  day  of  July,  1812,  an  unarm- 


fHB  wAft. 


3f 


ed  vessel,  and  did  then  and  there  traitorously  put  on  board  said 
vessel  a  trunk  containing  the  official  correspondence  of  the  Sec- 
retary of  war,  with  the  said  Brig.  Gen.  Wm.  Hull,  touching  the 
expedition  of  the  north-western  army,  under  the  said  Hull's  com- 
jmand  ;  also,  the  declaration  of  war  by  the  United  States  against 
) Great  Britain  ;  and  also,  certain  official  muster-rolls,  reports,  and 
'returns  of  the  numbers,  state,  and  condition  of  the  said  north- 
western army....and  dispatched  the  same  from  the  said  rapids, 
I  with  intent  that  the  same  should  tall  into  the  hands  of  the  said 
enemy  :  and  that  afterwards,  on  the  2d  day  of  July  aforesaid, 
the  said  unarmed  vessel  was  captured  by  the  enemy,  by  means 
whereof,  and  in  fulfilment  of  the  said  traitorous  design  of  the 
said  Brig.  Gen.  Wm.  Hull,  the  said  correspondence,  and  the  said 
muster-rolls,  reports,  and  returns  came  to  the  possession,  knowl- 
edge, and  use  of  the  enemies  of  the  United  States  :  whereby  the 
said  Brig.  Gen.  Wm.  Hull,  at  the  rapids  of  the  river  of  the  Miami 
of  the  lake  aforesaid,  did  then  and  there  traitorously  hold  corres- 
pondence with,  and  give  intelligence  to  the  enemy  ;  and  did  then 
and  there  traitorousl)',  by  the  means  aforesaid,  adhere  to  the  en- 
emies of  the  United  States,  giving  them  aid  and  comfort. 

Second  specification.   Alsoin  this. ...That  afterwards,  to  wit,  on 
the  8th  Aug- 1812,  at  Sandwich,  in  the  province  of  Upper  Canada, 
the  said  Brig.  Gen.  Wm.  Hull   did  traitorously  conspire   with  the 
enemies  of  the  United  States,  to  quit  and  abandon  a  military  post 
established  by  the  north-western  army  of  the  United  States,  at  or 
near  Sandwich   aforesaid,  with  intent  to  prevent  a  certain  fort 
called  Maiden,  belonging  to  the  enemy,  from  being  attacked  and 
reduced  by  the  6aid  north-western  army  of  the  United  States,  un- 
der the  command  of  the  said  Brig.  Gen.  Wm.  Hull :  and  that  in 
pursuance  of  the  said  traitorous  intention,   the   said  Brig.  Gen. 
Wm.  Hull  did  quit  and  abandon,  and  did  cause  to  be  quitted  and 
abandoned,   the  said  military  post,  and  did  traitorously  omit  and 
neglect  to  make  the  necessary  preparations  for  attacking  and  re- 
ducing the  said  enemy's  fort  called  Maiden  :  and  did  traitorously 
inarch,  withdraw,  and  remove  the  said  north-western  army  of  the 
United  States  from  the  said  military  post  at  Sandwich  aforesaid, 
to  Detroit,  in  the  territory  of  Michigan  :    whereby  the  said  Brig. 
Gen.  Hull,  on  the  8th  day  of  Aug.  aforesaid,  did  traitorously  hold 
correspondence  with  the  enemy,  quit,  and  abandon  the  said  mili- 
tary post  at  Sandwich  aforesaid,  omit  and  neglect  the  necessary 
preparations  for  the  reduction  of  Maiden  aforesaid,  and  adhere  to 
the  enemies  of  the  United  States,  giving  them  aid  and  comfort. 

Third  specification.      Also  in  this That  afterward,  to  wit,  at 

Detroit  aforesaid,  on  the  16th  Aug.  1812,  the  said  Brig.  Gen.  Hull 
was  then  and  there  commander  of  a  certain  fort  belonging  to  the 
United  States,  called  Fort  Detroit,  and  did  traitorously  conspire 
with  the  enemy  to  surrender  and  abandon  to  them  the  said  fort^ 


38 


SKETCHES  OF 


called  fort  Detroit,  with  all  the  troops,  regulars  and  militia,  then 
and  there  under  his  command,  and  all  the  public  stores,  arm!!(,  and 
every  thing  else  of  a  public  nature,  appertaining  to  said  fort  and 
army  :  and  in  prosecution  of  his  said  traitorous  intentions,  did  then 
and  there  traitorously  omit  and  neglect  to  repair  and  strengthen 
the  works  of  said  fort,  and  put  the  same  in  a  proper  condition  for 
resistance  and  defence  against  the  approaches  and  attacks  of 
said  enemy.;  and  did  traitorously  neglect  and  omit  to  fortify  the 
places  and  passes  at  and  near  said  fort,  by  and  through  which  the 
enemy  might  reasonably  have  been  expected  to  approach,  and 
did  approach  said  fort  ;  and  did  traitorously  omit  and  neglect  to 
resist,  repel  and  defeat  the  enemy  in  their  approaches  to  and  to- 
wards said  fort,  for  the  purpose  of  attacking  and  reducing  the 
same  :  and  in  further  prosecution  of  said  traitorous  intentions, 
did  treacherously  surrender  the  said  fort,  with  all  the  troop,  reg. 
ulars  and  militia,  under  his  command  ;  and  all  the  public  stores, 
arms  and  documents,  including  every  thing  else  of  a  public 
nature,  appertaining  to  said  fort  and  army,  unto  the  said  enemy 
of  the  United  States,  under  the  command  of  Major  Gen.  Brock  : 
whereby  the  said  Brig.  Gen.  Hull,  on  the  16th  of  Aug.  aforesaid, 
at  Detroit  aforesaid,  did  traitorously  surrender  the  said  fort  to 
the  said  enemy,  and  adhere  to  said  enemy,  giving  them  aid  and 
comfort. 

Charge  2 Cowardice  at  and  in  the  neighborhood  of  Detroit, 

between  the  first  day  of  July  and  the  seventeenth  day  of  Aug. 
in  the  year  1812. 

Substance  of  the  specifications  to  this  charge. 

First  specification.     In  this That   the  said  Brig.  Gen.  Wm. 

Hull,  having  command  of  the  north-western  army  of  the  United 
States,  and  having  therev/ith  entered  the  British  province  of 
Upper  Canada,  with  the  avowed  object  of  attacking  and  re- 
ducing the  British  fort  called  Maiden,  at  Sandwich,  in  said  prov- 
ince, on  the  8th  Aug.  1812,  did  misbehave  himself  before  the  en- 
emy, and  manifest  undue  fear  and  apprehension  of  danger,  by 
conduct  and  conversation  evincing  personal  alarm,  agitation  of 
mind,  and  privation  of  judgment,  by  abandonig  said  object  and 
intention,  by  quitting  the  position  by  him  taken  at  said  Sand- 
wich, and  by  retreating  abruptly  out  of  said  province  to  Detroit, 
in  the  territory  of  Michigan,  without  any  cause  for  so  doing,  ar- 
ising firom  the  number,  state,  or  condition  of  the  enemy  opposed  'il 
to  him :  whereby  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  army  of  the  United 
States,  under  his  command  as  aforesaid,  lost  all  confidence 
in  his  personal  courage  and  military  capacity  ;  the  inhabitants 
of  saidprovi.  ce  were  taught  to  distrust  his  power  and  professions; 
a  shade  was  cast  upon  the  American  arms,  and  the  cause  of  the 
United    States    suffered    great    detriment    and    disadvantage. 


■  ;  "HK--5 


THE  WAR. 


39 


ons,  did  then 


Second  specification.  Also  in  th5s....That  afterwards,to  wit,  on 
tthe  15th  Aug.  1812,  at  Detroit  aforesaid,  the  enenny  having  raised 
certain  batteries  on  the  bank  of  the  river  opposite  the  United 
States*  fort  Detroit,  and  having  commenced  a  cannonade  against 
^aid  fort,  the  said  Brig.  Gen.  Hull  then  and  there  having  com- 
ijnand  of  the  north-western  army  of  the  United  States,  and  the 
laid  fort,  during  the  continuance  of  said  cannonade  did  shameful- 
ly misbehave  himself  before  the  enemy,  and  manifest  great  fear 
,^f  personal  danger,  by   a  course   of  conduct  evincing  personal 

tiarm,  agitation  of  mind,  and  privation  of  judgment,  by  timid  and 
owardly  expressions  and  actions,  then  and  there  uttered  and  used 
|in  the  presence  of  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  said  army  ;  where- 
^bv  a  fatal  encouragement  was  afTcrded  the  hostile  enterprizes  of 
[the  enemy,  a  pernicious  example  given  the  American  troop,  and 
[the  service  of  the  United  States  exposed  to  hazard,  shame  and  dis- 
'  appointment. 

Third  specification.  Also  in  this,...That  afterwards, to  wit,on  the 
16th  Aug.  1812,  at  Detroit,  in  the  territory  of  Michigan,  the  said 
Brig.  Gen.  Wm.  Hull,  having  command  of  the   United  States* 
fort  Detroit,  and  the  northwestern  army  of  the  United  States,  (the 
British   forces  having  crossed  the  liver,  and  landed  at    Spring- 
wells,  and  marched  towards  the  said  fort  Detroit,  with  design  to 
attack  the  same)  did,  during  the  crossing  of  the  river,  the  landing 
and  march    by  the   enemy   as  aforesaid,   shamefully    misbehave 
himself  before  the  enemy,    and  manliest  great  fear  and  apprehen- 
sion of  personal   danger,  by  various  timid  and  cowardly  actions 
and  expressions,  then  and  there  used  and  uttered  in  the  presence 
of  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  said  army,  by  avoiding  all  personal 
danger,  making  no  attempt  to  prevent  the  crossing  and  landing  of 
the  enemy  as  aforesaid,  avoiding  all  personal  danger  in  reconnoi- 
tering  or  encountering  the  enemy  in  battle,   in  their  approaches 
to  said  fort ;  hastily  sending  flags  of  truce  to  them  with  overtures 
for  capitulation;    W'ihdrawing   his  person   from  the   American 
troop  in  the  open  field  to  the  said  fort  Detroit  ;  giving  irresolute 
and  fluctuating  orders  ;  forbidding  the  American  artillery  to  fire 
I  on  the  enemy  ;  calling  the   American  troop  from  the  open  field, 
I  and  crowding  them  into  said  fort ;  precipitately  declaring  to  the 
I  enemy  that  he  surrendered  said  fort  and  army,  before  terms   of 
capitulation  were  considered  or  suggested  ;   and  generally  by  a 
course  of  conduct   and  conversation  evincing  personal   fear,  ag- 
itation of  mind,  and   privation  of  judgment :  whereby  the  said 
fort  and  army  were  rendered  then  and  there  an  easy  and  certain 
conquest  to  the  enemy  ;  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  a  gallant  army 
exposed  to  unmerited  mortification  and  reproach,  and  the  service 
of  the  United  States  suffered  great  detriment  and  discredit. 

Fourth  specification.    And  also  in  this....That  the  said  Brig.  Gen. 
Wm.  Hull,  on  the  16th  Aug.  aforesaid,  at  Detroit  aforesaid,  having 


40 


SKETCHES  OP 


command  of  the  United  States'  fort  Detroit,  well  garrisoned,  and 
supplied  with  cannon,  ammunition  and  provisions,  and  the  north- 
western army  of  the  United  States,  then  and  there  being  in  fine 
spirits,  and  eager  to  meet  the  approaching  enemy  in  battle,  act- 
ing  from  personal  fear   and  apprehension,  and  contemplating  a 
shameful  abandonment  and  surrender  of  said  fort  and  army,  did 
shamefully  misbehave  himself  before  the  enemy,  and  enter  into  a 
shameful  capitulation,   containing  no  consolatory  stipulations  for 
the  security  of  such  of  the  inhabitants  of  Canada  as  bad  joined  the 
American  standard,  nor  any  reasonable  stipulation  for  an  opportu- 
nity of  reporting  to  his  government  th«  circumstances  of  so  unex- 
pected and  important  an  event :  and  did  shamefully  abandon,  sur- 
render and  give  up  said  fort  and  army,   and  all  the  public  stores, 
arms  and  documents,  including  every  thing  else  of  a  public  nature 
belonging  to  said  fort  and  army,  to  the  approaching  enemy  under 
the  command  of  Maj.  Gen.   Brock,  without  any  cause  therefor, 
arising  from  the  superior  number,  state,  and  condition  of  the  said 
enemy,  or  from  the  actual  want,   or  Just  expuftation  oi  suddeoi 
want  of  arms,  ammunition,  or  provisions  for  said  fort  and  army,l 
and  without  any  other  adequate  cause  whatever  :    whereby  the! 
territorial  sovereignty,  rights,   and  property  of  the  Ignited  Stateil 
were  shamefully  ceded   to  the  enemy ;  a   brave  army  wantonljl 
sacrificed  by  the  personal  fears  of  its  commander,  and  the  service] 
oi  the  United  States  suiTeiing  a  £reat  and  afflicting  loss. 

Charge  3 Neglect  of  duty,  and  unofiicer-like  conduct  whikj 

commanding  a  separate   army  between  the  ninth  of  April   and| 
the  seventeenth  Aug.  in  the  year  1812.        '  ■      .« •  -   . 

Substance  of  the  specifications  to  this  charge. 

First  specification,  in  this That  the  said  Brig.  Gen.  Wm.  Huli|| 

having  command  of  the  north-western  army  of  the  United  States,! 
from  the  25th  May,   to  the  16th  Aug.  1812,  unmindful  of  thel 
trust  reposed  in  him  during  all  the  time  aforesaid,  as  well  on  the! 
march  of  the  said  army  from    Dayton  to  Detroit,  and  at  Detroit,! 
as  in  the  province  of  Upper  Canada,  was  guilty  of  neglect  of  du-f 
ty,  and  unofficer-like  conduct,  in  negltcting  to  inspect,  train,  ex- 
ercise, review,  and  order  said  army,  with  sufficient  care  and  fre-| 
quency,  or  to  cause  the  same  to  be  done  ;  and  also  by  neglecting! 
in  due  time  and  form,   to  prepare  and  make  known  to  said  armyl 
an  order  of  battle  on  its  march  from  Dayton  to  Detroit  aforesaid: 
whereby  the  discipline  of  said   army  was  in  danger  of  being  re- 
laxed ;  its  comfort  liable  to  be  impaired ;  its  confidence  in  the  mili- 
tary skill  and    dispositions  of  its  commander  diminished,  and  th(| 
said  army  exposed  to  the  hazard  of  disorder  and  defeat,  in  the] 
event  of  an  attack  thereon  by  the  enemy. 

Second  specification.    Alsointhis....That  the  said  Brig. Gen.  Wn).| 
flal)^  having  command  of  the  north-western  army  of  the  Unitedl 


garrisoned,  and 
and  the  north- 
re  being  in  fine 
r  in  battle,  net- 
antemplating  a 
and  army,  did 
nd  enter  into  a 
stipulations  for 
had  joined  the 
for  an  opportU' 
ices  of  so  unex* 
y  abandon,  sur- 
le  public  stores, 
a  public  nature: 
g  enemy  under 
cause  therefbrJ 
tion  of  the  saidj 
ation  01  suddenj 
fort  and  army, 
whereby  the 
e  United  States 
army  wantonlj 
and  the  service 


1 


THE  WAR. 


41 


lates,  and  having  cause   to  know  or  believe  that  war  existed 
;tvveen  the  United   States  and  Great   Britain,   on  the    1st  July, 
1812,  at  the  rapids  of  the  river   Miami  of  the  lake,  was  guilty  of 
?glect  of  duty  and  unofficer-like  conduct,  by  hiring  or  causing  to 
hired,  an  unarmed  vessel,  and  putting  on  board  thereof,  to  be 
[ansported  to  Detroit,  (having  cause  to  know  or  believe  the  im- 
;nt  danger  of  its  capture  by  the  enemy)  certain  sick  soldiers,  a 
feat  part  of  the  ho{>pital  stores  of  said  army,    and  a  trunk  con- 
Ining  the  official  correspondence  of  the  at  cretary  of  war,  touch- 
the  expedition  on  which  said  army  was  employed,  and  touch* 
[g  a  declaration  of  war  by  the  United  States  against  Great  Brw 
[in  ;  and  also  the  ofRciai  muster-rolls,  reports,  and  returns  of  the 
lumber,  state,  and  condition  of  said  army  :   and  the    said  vessel 
terwards,  on  the  2d  July  aforesaid,  on  its  passage  from  said  rap- 
is  to  Detroit,  was  captured  by  the  enemy,  having  on  boarJ  there- 
of, at  the  said  capture,  the  said  soldiers,  hospital  stores,  and  said 
[runk,  containing  the  said  correspondence,  muster-rolls,  reports, 
bd  returns  :    whereby  the  said  soldiers  were  made  prisoners,  the 
|aid  stores  lost,  and  the  said  correspondence,  muster-rolls,  reports 
knd  returns  came  to  the  possession,  knowledge,  and  use  of  the  en- 
fmy,  to  the  great  injury  of  the  United  States. 

Third  specification.     Also  in  this That  the  said  Brig.  Gen. 

''m.  Hull,  having  Command  of  the  north-western  army  of  the 
fnited  States,  and  the  United  States'  fort  Detroit,  from  the  7th 
of  July  to  the  Ifith  Aug.  1812,  the  said  fort  being  greatly  dam- 
iged  and  dilapidated,   and  the  guns   and  gun   carnages   thereof 
lamaged  and  out  of  repair,   and  well  knowing  their  importance 
ko  the  service  of  the  United  States,  was  guilty  of  neglect  of  duty 
in  omitting,  during  all  the  time  aforesaid,  to  repair  and  strengthen 
laid  fort,  omitting  to  repair  the  said  guns  and  gun  carriages,  and 
renerally,  by  neglecting  to  put  said  fort  in  a  proper  state  for  re- 
Mstance  and  defence  :    whereby  the   said  fort   was  an  easy  con- 
luesttothe  enemy.    The  said  guns  and  gun  carriages  afterwards 
required  for  service,  in  the  province  of  Upper  Canada,  were  unfit 
lor  transportation  and  use,  great  time  consumed  in  fitting  them 
ifterwards  for  service,  and  the  operations  of  the  war  fatally  sus- 
pended. 

Fourth  specification.      Also  in  this That  the  said  Brig.  Gen. 

^m.  Hull,  having  command  of  the  north-western  army  of  the 
Jnited  States,  and  having  avowed  the  intention  with  said  army 
\o  invade  the  province  of  Upper  Canada,  to  invest  and  reduce  the 
|rort  of  the  enemy  called  Maiden,  and  to  maintain  and  enlarge  his 
}osition8  therein,  and  having  on  the  7th  July,  1812,  arrived  at 
Detroit,  and  having  on  the  12th  July  aforesaid,  invaded  said  prov- 
ince, and  having  on  the  8th  of  Aug.  following  evacuated  said 
)rovince,  well  knowing  that  resolution  and  energy  were  neces- 
iry  in  the  prosecution  of  his  said  intention,  was  guilty  of  neglect 

F 


49 


SKETCHES  OF 


J\  ii 


iAl 


I.  -'^ 

j|4 


of  doty,  and  unofficcr-like- conduct,  by  not  seasonably  repairing, 
fitting,  and  tranpsporting  the  guns  and  gun  carriages  necessary  in 
the  prosecution  of  said  intention,  by  an  useless  waste  of  tinne  at 
Sandwich,  in  said  province,  without  attempting  the  reduction  of 
Maiden,  and  in  projects  to  conciliate  the  inhabitants  of  said  prov- 
nice  and  neighbouring  Indians,  without  resorting  to  the  nnore 
effectual  display  of  military  power  and  capacity,  to  maintain  his 
acquisitions,  and  perform  his  promises  of  protection,  by  postponing 
in  the  first  instance,  and  abandoning  in  the  next  an  attack  of  fort 
Maiden,  and  finall}',  by  evacuating  said  province  without  pro- 
viding for  the  safety  of  such  of  the  inhabitants  thereof  as  had  ac- 
cepted his  invitation  to  join  the  American  standard,  and  without 
accomplishing  in  any  degree  his  said  avowed  intention  :  whereby 
the  enemy  were  enabled  to  bring  his  power  and  conduct  into 
suspicion  and  contempt,  to  reinforce  fort  Maiden,  and  to  prepare 
for  the  investment  of  the  United  States'  fort  Detroit :  while  on  the 
other  hand,  the  said  United  States'  army  was  diminished  in  numbers 
by  sickness  and  casualties  ;  the  officers  and  soldiers  dissatisfied  and 
disgusted  by  a  scene  of  inactivity,  irresolution,  and  procrastina- 
tion ;  the  hope  of  support  and  co-operation  from  the  inhabitants 
of  said  province  and  the  Indians  destroyed ;  and,  the  general  ardor 
of  the  army  insensibly  abated. 

Fifth  specification.     Also  in   this That  the  said  Brig.   Gen. 

Wm.  Hull,  having  command  of  the  north-western  army  of  the 
United  States,  arrived  with  said  army  at  Detroit,  on  or  about  the 
7th  July,  1812;  invadtd  the  province  of  Upper  Canada,  on  or 
about  the  12th  July  aforesaid  ;  evacuated  said  province  on  or  about 
the  8th  Aug.  following,  and  returned  to  Detroit,  and  abandoned 
and  surrendered  the  said  United  States'  fort  Detroit,  and  said  ar- 
my, on  the  ]i6th  Aug.  aforesaid,  to  the  enemy  under  the  command 
of  Maj.  Gen.  Brock.  And  that  during  all  the  movements  afore- 
said it  was  of  high  inaportance  to  the  supply  of  said  fort  and  army, 
that  a  free  and  open  communication  by  and  between  the  said  fort 
and  army  and  a  certain  United  States'  military  post  at  the  river 
Rasin  should  be  preserved  :  and  the  said  Hull,  well  knowing  the 
premises,  was  guilty  of  neglect  of  duty  and  unoflicer-Iike  con- 
duct, by  suffering  the  enemy  to  interrupt  said  communication,  viz. 
on  or  about  the  1st  Aug.  1812  ;  also  by  detaching,  on  the  4th 
Aug.  aforesaid,  Maj.  Thomas  B.  Van  Home  to  open  or  attempt 
to  open  said  communication,  with  an  inadequate  force,  having 
cause  to  know  or  believe  the  same  inadequate  :  also  by  after- 
wards, on  the  8th  Aug.  aforesaid,  detaching  Col.  James  Miller, 
with  about  500  men,  to  open  or  attempt  to  open  said  communica- 
tion, and  neglecting  to  furnish  and  forward  to  said  detachment 
an  adequate  supply  of  provisions,  having  cause  to  know  or  believe 
said  detachment  to  be  in  want  thereof,  and  unable  to  proceed 
without  the  same  :    and  also  by  afterwards,  on  the  14th   day  of 


t 


Aug.  afores 
Cass,  with 
ind  forwar 
ment,  havi 
want  there( 
Home  was 
defeated 
a  signal  vl 
provisions, 
ployed,  and 
for  want  of 
on  which  it 
by  reason  o 
terrupted  ai 
1st  Aug.  afc 

Sixth  spe 
Hull,  having 
States,  and 
ada,  with  ai 
emy's  fort,  < 
Cols.  Cass  ai 
a  bridge  ovei 
to  said  fort, 
ment  and  re 
the  premises 
ince,  was  gi 
neglecting  i 
said  bridge, 
bridge  was  i 
pect  of  a  su( 

Seventh  s 
Gen.  Hull,  1 
United  State 
having  erect 
river  Detroit 
Michigan,  ar 
said  intentio 
yet  the  said 
and  includiuj 
and  unotfice 
the  erection 
fy  the  said  1: 
and  omitting 
Springwells, 
curely  to  ere 
tition  or  loss, 
of  triumph. 


THE  WAR. 


43 


Aug.  aforesaid,  detaching  Coi.  Duncan  M'Arthur  and  Col.  Lewis 
Ca88,  with  about  400  men  on  the  same  service,  without  issuing 
•nd  forwarding  an  adequate  supply  of  provisions  for  said  detach> 
ment,  having  cause  to  know  or  believe  said  detachment  to  be  in 
want  thereof:  whereby  the  said  detachment  under  MaJ.  Van 
Home  was  encountered  by  a  superior  force  of  the  enemy,  aiid 
defeated  ;  the  said  detachment  under  Col.  Miller  having  achieved 
a  signal  victory  over  the  enemy,  were  compelled  for  want  of 
provisions,  to  abandon  the  expedition  on  which  they  were  em- 
ployed, and  the  said  detachment  under  Cols.  M'Arthur  and  Cass, 
for  want  of  provisions,  was  compelled  to  abandon  the  expedition 
on  which  it  was  employed  :  and  finally,  the  said  comtnunication, 
by  reason  of  the  said  neglect  and  omission,  was  and  remained  in- 
terrupted and  wholly  cut  off  by  the  enemy,  from  on  or  about  the 
Ist  Aug.  aforesaid,  to  and  including  the  16th  Aug.  aforesaid. 

Sixth  specification.     Also  in  this That   the  said   Brig.  Gen. 

Hull,  having  command  of  the  north-western  army  of  the  United 
States,  and  having  therewith  invaded  the  province  of  Upper  Can- 
ada, with  an  avowed  intention  of  attacking  and  reducing  the  en- 
emy's fort,  called  Maiden,  and  a  detachment  of  said  army  under 
Cols.  Cass  and  Miller  having  repulsed  the  enemy,  and  seized  upon 
a  bridge  over  the  river  Aux  Canards,  on  the  proper  route  of  said  army 
to  said  fort,  whereby  an  opportunity  was  afforded  for  the  invest- 
ment and  reduction  of  said  fort  :  yet  the  said  Hull,  well  knowing 
the  premises,  on  the  17th  July,  1812,  at  Sandwich,  in  said  prov- 
ince, was  guilty  of  neglect  of  duty,  and  unofficer-like  conduct,  by 
neglecting  and  omitting  to  advance  with  said  army  to  maintain 
said  bridge,  and  to  invest  and  reduce  said  fort :  whereby  said 
bridge  was  improvidently  lost  to  the  United  States  and  the  pros- 
pect of  a  successful  investment  of  said  fort  speedily  vanished. 

Seventh  specification.      And  also  in  this That  the  said  Brig. 

Gen.  Hull,  having  command  of  the  north-western  army  of  the 
United  States,  and  the  United  States'  fort  Detroit,  and  the  enemy 
having  erected  batteries  opposite  said  fort,  on  the  bank  of  the 
river  Detroit,  with  a  manifest  design  of  invading  the  territory  of 
Michigan,  and  reducing  said  fort ;  and  afterwards,  in  pursuance  of 
said  intention,  having  landed  at  Springwells,  in  said  territory  : 
yet  the  said  Hull,  well  knowing  the  premises,  from  the  11th,  to 
and  including  the  16th  Aug.  1812,  was  guilty  of  neglect  of  duty, 
and  unotficer-like  conduct,  by  neglecting  and  omitting  to  prevent 
the  erection  of  said  batteries,  by  neglecting  and  omitting  to  forti- 
fy the  said  landing  place,  called  Springwells,  and  by  neglecting 
and  omitting  to  annoy  and  attack  said  enemy  after  their  landing  at 
Springwells,  as  aforesaid  :  whereby  the  enemy  were  enabled  se- 
curely to  erect  said  batteries, to  invade  said  territory  without  oppo- 
sition or  loss,  and  to  approach  said  foit  with  the  air  and  confidence 
of  triumph. 


r.r 


M^ 


:/fll 


f:l 


44 


SKETCHES  OV 


I'-l 


■  i      t 

1 ''   .» 


IJ'i 


liL 


!i     .( 


Historical  recitation  of  the  principal  facts  disclosed  by  the  wit* 
nesses  adduced  by  the  judgf  advocate. 

Gen.  Hull  took  command  of  the  north-western  army  of  the 
United  States  on  the  27th  May,  1812,  with  orders  from  the  sec- 
retary of  war  to  proceed  therewith  to  Detroit. 

The  army  took  up  its  line  of  march  on  or  about  the  first  of  June 
following,  for  Detroit,  in  two  columns,  with  Irorit  and  rear  guards, 
the  baggage  in  the  centre. 

On  the  26th  June  an  express  brought  a  letter  to  Gen.  Hull, 
from  the  secretary  of  war,  bearing  date  18th  June,  indicating 
in  rather  obscure  terms,  a  declaration  of  war  :  the  same  express 
conveyed  a  letter  to  Col.  M'Authur,  from  a  fr)-;i'A  in  Chilicothe, 
containing  the  copy  of  a  postcript  of  a  letter  froj.  senator  Wor- 
thington  to  one  of  his  friends,  in  these  words  :  **  Before  this 
reaches  you  war  will  be  declared,"  which  was  shown  by  the  Co- 
lonel to  Gen.  Hull. 

On  the  Ist  July  Gen.  Hull  despatched  an  unarmed  vessel  from 
the  rapids  of  the  river  Miami  of  the  lake  to  Detroit,  with  the  sick 
of  the  army,  the  hospital  stores,  a  trunk  containing  the  cor- 
respondence of  the  secretary'  of  war  with  him,  and  many  of  his 
oflicipl  papers,  which  was  captured  by  the  enemy  on  the  2d,  ami 
taken  to  Maiden. 

On  the  2d  July  Gen.  Hull  received  a  letter  from  the  secretary 
of  war,  bearing  date  1 8th  June,  announcing  the  declaration  of 
■war,  and  repeating  his  previous  orders,  to  repair  with  all  possible 
«xp<dition  to  Detroit. 

On  the  5th  July  the  army  arrived  at  Springwells,  and  on  the 
6th  Col.  Cass  was  despatched  with  a  flag  of  truce  to  Maiden,  and 
returned  on  the  7th  in  a  boat,  accompanied  with  a  British  officer 
and  six  men,  who  were  permitted  to  inspect  the  army.  Gen. 
Hull  was  afterwards  informed  thereof,  and  replied  careK'Ssly, 
that  the  more  they  saw  of  it  the  less  they  would  like  it. 

On  the  8th  or  9t\\  the  army  encamped  in  rear  of  Detroit,  and 
in  the  evening  the  General  received  a  letter  from  the  secretary 
of  war,  authorizing  him  to  act  ofTensively,  if  consistent  with  the 
security  of  his  own  posts. 

On  the  12th  Gen.  Hull,  with  about  18  or  1900  effectives, 
crossed  the  Detroit  river,  encamped  at  Sandwich,  issued  bis  proc- 
lamation, and  entrenched  himself  there. 

On  the  14th  despatched  Col.  M' Arthur,  with  a  detachment  of 
100  or  120  men,  up  the  river  Thames  after  a  quantity  of  flour, 
which  was  captured  and  brought  to  camp.  During  the  absence 
of  Col.  M'Arthur,  Cols.  Cass  and  Miller  solicited  and  obtained 
from  the  General  a  detachment  of  about  280  men,  to  reconnoitre 
the  enemy  at  or  near  Maiden,  and  proceeded  to  the  bridge  over 
the  Aux  Canards,  v.'here  they  encountered  the  enemy,  routed 
them>  occupied  the  bridge,  and  gave  ioformatioa   to  the  Genera-l 


ut  their  s 
Miller  jo 
tance  ot 
dissatisfie 
Col.  Fine 
tions  to  t 
Upon  thi 
return,  u 
should  ha 

On  the 
tachment 
Several  o 
objects  of 

On  or 
of  Michill 
formed  ai 
reinforce  r 

Repeat( 
was  in  Ca 
nearly  om 
cided,  by  s 
then  prept 
The  Genei 
on  the  8t 
batti '  :  bu 
treat  to  Di 
the  wishes 

The  en« 
about  100 
from  50  tc 
or  30  duri 
duced  to  a 
serters  too 
was  unde 
and  also  b 

From  tl 
the  river 
many  yeai 
but  deep  s 
den,  a  di 
near  the  f< 

The  fori 
defensible, 
and  the  w 
distant  abo 
may  be  se 
den  freque 


THE  WAR.  ,■ 


a 


J' 


tit  their  success^  who  ordered  them  to  return.  CoU.  Cats  and 
Miller  joined  in  a  letter  to  the  Genera),  representing  the  impor* 
tance  ol  maintaining  their  position.  The  General  was  evidently 
dissatisfied  with  the  officers ;  but,  at  the  earnest  solicitation  of 
Col.  Findley,  returned  a  written  answer,  stating  several  objec-  ' 
tions  to  the  measure,  but  finally,  leaving  it  with  their  discretion. 
Upon  this  a  council  of  the  officers  was  held,  who  resolved  to 
return,  upon  the  ground  that  the  responsibility  of  the  measure 
should  have  been  taken  by  the  General,  and  not  by  themselves. 

On  the  succeeding  day  Col.  Findley  was  sent  with  another  de* 
tachment  to  the  bridge,  and  found  it  unoccupied  by  the  enemy. 
Several  other  detachments  were  afterwards  sent,  the  particular 
objects  of  which  are  not  disclosed one  of  these  was  defeated. 

On  or  about  the  30th  July,  Gen.  Hull  was  informed  of  the  fall 
of  Michillimackinack,  and  from  this  moment  he  seems  to  hav« 
formed  an  entirely  new  scheme  of  returning  to  Detroit,  to  await 
reinforcements. 

Repeated  councils  of  the  ofllicers  were  held  while  the  army 
was  in  Canada,  who  were  unanimous  for  attacking  Maiden,  and 
nearly  one  half  of  them  for  an  immediate  attack  ;  but  finally  de- 
cided, by  a  majority  of  one,  to  wait  for  heavy  ordnance  which  was  ^ 
then  preparing,  and  which  was  made  ready  about  the  6tb  August* 
The  General  then  pledged  himself  to  march  the  army  to  the  attack 
on  the  8th,  and  accordingly  made  out  and  published  an  order  of 
batti '  :  but  on  the  evening  of  that  day  he  abruptly  ordered  a  re- 
treat to  Detroit,  without  counselling  his  officers,  and  contrary  to 
the  wishes  and  expectations  of  the  whole  army. 

The  enemy ^s  force  at  Maiden,  on  the  12th  July,  consisted  of 
about  100  regulars,  between  three  and  four  hundred  militia,  and 
from  50  to  150  Indiana.  The  regular  force  was  increased  to  220 
or  30  during  the  month  of  July,  but  that  of  the  militia  was  re- 
duced to  about  100  by  desertion,  and  the  greater  part  of  the  de- 
serters took  protections  from  Gen.  Hull.  The  amount  of  this  force 
was  understood  by  the  General,  by  information  from  deserters^ 
and  also  by  letters  received  from  American  prisoners  there. 

From  the  American  encampment  at  Sandwich,  to  the  bridge  at 
the  river  Aux  Canards  is  an  open  level  country,  cultivated  for 
many  years,  distance  about  twelve  miles.  The  •-'ver  is  a  small 
but  deep  stream,  about  three  rods  wide.  From  the  bridge  to  Mai- 
den, a  distance  of  one  and  a  half  mile,  is  an  open  prairie,  and 
near  the  fort  bad  for  marching  troops. 

The  fort  was  merely  an   outline the    east  side  was  rendered 

defensible,  but  the  north  and  west  sides  could  never  be  made  so  ;    . 
and  the  whole  works  could  be  commanded   from   an  eminence 
distant  about  one  fourth  of  a  mile,  as  a  person  walking  in  the  fort 
may  be  seen  from  that  place.-     Gen.  Hull  had  been  iu  fort  Mai- 
den frequently^  and  must  have  known  its  situation. 


m 


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SKETCHES  OP 


On  the  4th  Aug.  Maj.  Van  Home  wai  deapatched  with  a  de. 
tachment  of  150  riflemen  (with  liberty  to  take  60  of  the  Ohio 
militia,  who  were  at  Detroit,  if  he  chose)  to  open  the  communica- 
tion with  the  river  Raisin.  Previous  to  the  departure  of  this  de. 
tachment,  Cols.  M'Arthur  and  Cass  represented  in  the  strongest 
terms  the  inadequacy  of  this  force,  to  effect  the  object,  and  that 
it  would  be  defeated.  These  admonitions  were  disregarded  by 
the  General the  detachment  proceeded  to  or  near  Browns- 
town,  where  it  was  attacked  and  defeated  by  the  enemy,  as  had 
been  predicted. 

On  the  day  that  the  army  retreated  from  Canada,  Col.  Miller 
was  despatched  with  a  detachment  of  600  men,  also  to  open  the 
communication  to  the  river  Raisin,  who  met  the  enemy's  whole 
force  at  Brownstown,  and  defeated  them.  700  regulars,  militia, 
and  Indians  crossed  from  Maiden  to  Brownstown,  previous  to  the 
battle,  and  at  that  time  there  were  but  13  men  left  in  the  fort  at  Mai- 
den. AAer  the  battle  Col.  Miller  was  ordered  to  return  to  Detroit, 
without  effecting  his  object,  and  returned  accordingly. 

On  the  14th  Aug.  the  enemy  were  discovered  on  the  bank  of 
the  river  opposite  Detroit,  digging  and  planting  batteries,  and  the 
General  was  informed  of  it,  but  declined  taking  any  measures  to 
dislodge  them  ;  which,  in  the  opinion  of  his  officers,  might  have 
been  done  at  that  time :  but  on  the  contrary  despatched  Cols. 
M'Auther  and  Cass  the  same  day,with  a  detachment  of  300  men, 
to  meet  Capt.  Brush,  who  was  convoying  provisions  from  the  river 

Raisin  to  Detroit,  who  did  not  return  till  after  the  surrender 

No  attempt  was  made  to  dislodge  the  enemy  at  Sandwich,  till 
they  commenced  their  fire  on  the  15th.  In  the  evening  of  that 
day  Capt.  Snelling  was  posted  with  a  picket  guard,  at  Spring- 
wells,  and  found,  in  the  opinion  of  himself  and  other  officers,  an 
advantageous  site  for  artillery  to  dislodge  the  Queen  Char* 
lotte,  then  laying  opposite  in  the  channel  of  the  Detriot.  He 
lequested  that  a  24  pounder  might  be  furnished  him,  but  the 
General  refused  it. 

At  day  light  on  the  16th  the  cannonade  and  bombardment  was 
renewed  by  the  enemy,  and  answered  from  batteries  on  the  riv- 
er, but  not  from  the  fort.  At  seven  o'clock  the  enemy  com- 
menced crossing  the  river  to  Springwells.  It  was  observed,  and 
information  thereof  given  the  General,  who  took  no  measures 
whatever  to  prevent  their  landing  or  advance  to  the  fort.  Two 
shots  from  the  enemy  took  effect  in  the  fort,  and  killed  two  offi- 
cers, a  surgeon,  and  two  soldiers;  immediately  upon  which.  Gen. 
Hull  despatched  a  flag  of  truce,  and  ordered  Col.  Findley,  who 
was  advantageously  posted  in  advance  of  the  foit  towards  Spring- 
wells,  to  retreat  to  the  fort.  The  Colonel  hesitated,  but  finally 
obeyed  the  or^er,  and  retired. 


THE  WAR. 


47 


Oen.  Hull,  about  this  time,  despatched  a  letter  to  Gen  Brock, 
in  nearly  these  words  :  "  Sir....I  agree  to  surrender  the  fort  and 
town  of  Dftroit.'*  The  articles  of  capitulation  were  then  diC' 
tated  by  Col.  Dowell  and  Maj.  Glegg,  approved  by  the  General, 
and  the  fort  was  given  up.  The  two  additional  articles  form  no 
part  of  the  conditions  of  the  surrender,  but  were  the  gratuities  of 
Gen.  Brock. 

The  force  of  the  enenny  was  760  whites,  and  from  190  to  200 

Indians the   American  force  more  than  1000  at  Detroit,  beside 

the  detachment  under  Cols.  M'Arthur  and  Cass,  who  were  within 
a  few  miles. 

Fort  Detroit  is  situatea  on  the  highest  ground  within  the  cir- 
cumference of  three  miles  ,  was  at  the  time  of  surrender  a  rcgu< 
lar  half  bastion  fort,  comp<  'ed  of  four  curtains  and  four  iialf  bas- 
tions, about  100  yards  on  each  face,  not  including  the  half  bas- 
tions  ;  about  75  yards  being  the  extreme  length  of  the  curtains. 
The  fort  is  composed  in  part  of  earth,  the  parapet  1 1  feet  in  eleva- 
tion, 12  feet  thick  at  top  :  the  banquet  for  infantry  about  6  feet 
from  the  level  of  the  fort,  and  5  from  the  parapet  ;  the  whole 
width  of  the  rampart  at  its  base  26  feet  :  the  ditch  6  feet  in 
depth  and  12  in  width  at  the  bottom,  with  a  row  of  pickets  there- 
in of  cedar,  12  feet  in  height  :  the  gate  strong,  and  the  fort  gen- 
erally in  good  repair,  with  the  following  ordnance  well  mounted, 
viz.  seven  24  pounders,  four  12s.  four  tfs.  three  6s.  two  4s.  and 
one  3.,..one  8  1-2  inch  howitzer,  one  5  1-2  inch  do.  two  3  1-4 
do.  three  6  inch  do....two  thousand  five  hundred  stand  of  arms, 
1400  twenty-four  pound  balls,  1700  twelve  lb.  do.  1400  nine  lb. 
do.  4000  four  and  six  lb.  do.  4800  three  lb.  do.  290  ten  inch 
shells,  500  eight  inch  do.  800  five  and  half  inch  do.  4000  two  and 
three  fourths  inch  do.  3  1-2  tons  led,  principally  in  balls ;  a 
large  supply  of  musket  cartridges,  and  a  present  supply  for  the 

artillery about   10,000  pounds  of  powder  in  all,  and  a  present 

supply  of  provisions. 

The  General  manifested,  in  the  opinion  of  a  large  majority  of 
his  officers,  great  concern  and  anxiety  after  he  was  made  ac- 
«|uainted  with  the  fall  of  Mackana,  and  on  the  15th,  and  more 
especially  on  the  16th  Aug.  manifested,  by  words  and  actions, 
great  personal  fear  and  agitation  of  mind,  till  after  the  surrender, 
when  he  appeared  composed. 

The  testimony  adduced  by  Gen.  Hull  consisted  of  several  let- 
ters and  affidavits  from  some  of  the  most  respectable  gentlemen 
in  the  United  States,  who  knew  him  as  an  officer  in  the  revolu- 
tion, which  fully  established  his  claim  at  that  time  to  courage  and 
conduct. 

He  also  introduced  several  officers  of  the  north-western  army, 
who  thought  that  the  appearances  which  led  most  of  his  officers 
to  think  him  under  the  infiuence  of  personal  fear,  on  the  15th  and 


'1 

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48 


SKETCHES  OF 


16th  Aug.  might  have  arisen  from  great  fatigue  and  anxiety.....* 
The  testimony  of  Capt.  Hull  also  proved  that  the  trunk  containing 
the  General's  official  paper  was  sent  on  board  the  unarmed  ves« 
ael  at  the  rapids  by  accident,  and  contrary  td  the  General's  ex- 
pectation and  wish. 

The  decision  of  the  court  was  pronounced  as  follows All  the 

evidence  being  read  (whether  on  the  part  of  the  prosecution  or 
fhe  defence)  applicable  to  the  first  charge,  and  the  specifications 
attached  to  that  charge,  and  after  due  deliberation  had  thereon, 
the  court  express  the  following  opinion:  c^  ?v  •, 

The  accused  having  in  his  final  defence  protested  against  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  court  to  tty  the  charge  of  treason,  and  the  opin- 
ion  of  the  court  being  that  the  objection  would  have  been  tenable 
if  the  same  had  been  pleaded  by  the  accused  on  his  arraignment 

and  believing  also  that  the  court  cannot  acquire  jurisdiction  of 

Ihe  ofifence  by  the  waver  or  consent  of  the  accused,  they  decline 
making  any  formal  decision  on  that  charge. 

The  evidence  on  the  subject  having  however  been  public^  giv- 
en, the  court  deem  it  proper,  in  justice  to  the  accused  to  say,  that 
they  do  nol  believe  from  any  thing  that  has  appeared  before  them, 
that  Brigadier  General  William  Hull  has  committed  treason 
against  the  United  States. 

On  the  second  charge,  and  the  specifications  attachpJ  to  that 
charge,  after  hearing  all  the  evidence,  and  defence,  a;id  after  due 
deliberation  thereon)  the  court  find  Brigadier  General  William  Hull 
guilty  ot  the  first,  second,  and  fourth  specifications  under  that 
charge,  except  that  part  which  charges  the  said  Brigadier  Wil- 
liam Hull  with  «  forbidding  the  American  artillery  to  fire  on  tlie 
enemy,  on  their  march  towards  said  fort  Detroit." 

The  court  find  the  said  Brigadier  General  William  Hull  guilty 
of  the  second  charge. 

On  the  third  charge  the  court,  after  having  heard  the  evidence 
(as  well  as  the  defence)  and  after  due  deliberation,  find  the  iiaid 
Brigadier  William  Hull  guilty  of  neglect  of  duty  and  un  officer- 
like conduct,  as  charged  in  the  first  specification  under  this 
charge,  in  omitting  with  sufficient  care  and  frequency  to  inspect, 
train,  exercise  and  order,  and  to  cause  to  be  trained,  inspected, 
exercised  and  ordered,  the  troops  under  his  command,  from  the 
6th  day  of  July  until  the  17th  day  of  August,  1812  ;  and  acquit 
him  of  the  residue  of  the  charge  contained  in  that  specification. 

The  court  acquit  the  said  Brigadier  General  William  Hull  of  the 
second  and  third  specifications  of  the  same  charge. 

The  court  find  the  said  Brigadier  General  William  Hull  guilty 
of  the  whole  of  the  fourth  specification  of  that  charge,  except  that 
part  which  chnrges  him  with  not  seasonably  repairing,  fitting  and 
transporting or  causing  to  be  fitted,  repaired  and  transported. 


KHB  WAH. 


49 


the  glinf,  add  gun-carriaget  which  were  neceMary  to  the  opera- 
tions of  the  war  in  the  said  British  province  of  Upper  Canada. 

The  court  find  the  said  Brigadier  General  William  Hull  guilty 
of  so  nnuch  of  the  fifth  specification  to  that  charge  as  relates  to 
neglect  of  duty  and  unofficer-like  conduct  in  suffering  his  commu* 
nication  with  the  River  Rasin  and  the  state  of  Ohio  to  be  cut  off...* 
and  sending  Major  Van  Home  to  attempt  to  open  the  same,  with 
an  inadequate  force  ;  he,  the  said  Brigadier  Gen.  William  Hull 
having  reason  to  know  or  believe  the  same  was  in8ufficient....and 
the  court  acquit  him  of  the  residue  •f  that  specification. 

The  court  find  the  said  Brigadier  General  William  Hull  guilty 
ef  the  sixth  and  seventh  specifications  of  that  charge. 

The  court  find  the  said  Brigadier  General  William  Hull  guilty 
of  the  third  charge.  , 

The  court,  in  consequence  of  their  determination  respecting  the 
second  end  third  charges,  and  the  specifications  under  those 
charges,  exhibited  against  the  said  Brigadier  General  William 
Hull....and  after  due  consideration,  do  sentence  him  to  be  shot  to 
debth,  two  thirds  of  the  court  concurring  in  the  sentence. 

The  court,  in  consideration  of  Brigadier  General  Hull's  revolu- 
tionary services,  and  his  advanced  age,  earnestly  recommend  him 
to  the  mercy  of  the  President  of  the  Uaitt- d  States. 

The  court  then  adjourned  to  meet  on  Monday  morning,  March 
28    1814,  at  10  o'clock when 

The  proceedings  having  been  read  once^  approved  and  signed 
by  the  president,  the  court  adjourned  sine  die. 

H.  Dearborn,  major  general,  president  of  the  courU 
;.    J,       M.  Van  SUREN,  special  judge  advocate. 
Philip  S.  Parker,  army  judge  advocate. 

April  25,  1814.....The  sentence  of  the  court  is  approved,  and 
the  execution  of  it  remitted. 

(Signed)  .  JAMES  MADISON* 


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,  CHAPTER  III. 

Capture  of  Michillimackinac,  and  geographical  description  of 

the  upper  lakes. 

The  capture  of  Michillimackinac  had,  without  doubt,  been  con- 
templated by  the  enemy,  previous  to  the  declaration  of  war...«« 

I  The  Indians  in  the  vicinity  of  lakes  Superior,  Michigan,  and  Hu- 
ron, had  been  stimulated  to  hostilities  as  early  as  May,  1812  ; 
sod  were  doubtless  collecting  for  this  very  enterprise  at  St.  Jo* 
sephs)  ia  the  early  part  of  July.    On  the  ^6th  new*  of  |b«  dec- 

'  •  G 


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•;!!  ; 


SO 


SKETCHES  or 


laration  of  war  reached  St.  Josephs,  and  each  was  the  preparation 
of  the  enemy,  that  they  were  enabled  to  embark  the  next  day  for 
Mackana,  with  a  force  consisting  of  40  regulars,  260  militia,  made 
up  principally  of  the  engagees  of  the  north-west  company,  and 
500  Indians.  With  so  formidable  a  force,  our  garrison,  consist] 
ing  of  57  effectives^  was  unable  to  contend,  and  accordingly  sur- 
rendered the  fort  and  island,  on  the  17th.  Subjoined  is  an  offi- 
cial account  of  the  capture,  in  a  letter  from  Lieut.  Hanks  to  Gen. 
Hull,  accompanied  with  a  copy  of  the  articles  of  capitulation. 

Detroit,  4th  Aug.  1812. 
Sir I  take  the  earliest  oppportunity  to  acquaint  your  excel- 
lency of  the  surrender  of  Michillimackinac,  tinder  my  command 
to  his  Britannic  majesty's  forces  under  the  command  of  Captain 
Charles  Roberts,  on  the  17th  ult.  the  particulars  of  which  are  as 
follows  :    On  the  16th  I  was  informed  by  the  Indian  interpreter, 
that  he  had  discovered  from  an  Indian  that  the  several  nations  of 
Indians  then  at  St.  Josephs,  (a  British  garrison,  distant  forty-five 
miles)  intended  to  make  an  immediate  attack  on  Michillimackinac. 
I  was  inclined,  from  the  coolness  I  had  discovered  in  some  of  the 
principal  chiefs  of  the  Ottawa  and  Chippawa  nations,  who  had  but 
a  few  days  before  professed  the  greatest  friendship  for  the  United 
States,  to  place  confidence  in  this  report.    I  immediately  called  a 
meeting  of  the  American  gentlemen   at  that  time  on  the  Island, 
in  which  it  was  thought  proper  to  despatch  a  confidential  person 
to  St.  Josephs,  to  watch  the  motions  of  the  Indians.     Capt.  Daur- 
man,  of  the  militia,  was  thought  the  most  suitable  for  this  service. 
He  embarked  about  sunset,  and  met  the  British  forces  within  ten 
or  fifteen  miles  of  the  island,  by  whom  he  was  made  prisoner  and 
put  on  his  parole  of  honour.     He  was  landed  on  the  island  at  day- 
break, with  positive  directions  to  give  me  no  intelligence  whatev- 
er.    He  was  also  instructed  to  take  the  inhabitants  of  the  village 
indiscriminately  to  a  place  on  the  west  side  of  the  island,  where 
their  persons  and  property  should  be  protected  by  a  British  guard  : 
but  should  they  go  to  the  fort,  they  would  be  subject  to  a  general 
massacre  by  the  savages,  which  would  be  inevitable  if  the  garri- 
son fired  a  gun.      This  information  I  received  from  Doctor  Day, 
who   was  passing  through  the  village  when  every   person    wai 
flying  for  refuge  to  the  enemy.      Immediately  on    being  inform- 
ed of  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  I  placed  ammunition,  &c.   in 
the  blockhouses  :    ordered  every  gun  charged,  and  made  every 
preparation  for  action.     About  0  o'clock  I  could  discover  that  the 
enemy  were  in  possession  of  the  heights  that  commanded  the  fort, 
and  one  piece  of  their  artillery  directed  to  the  most  defenceless 
part  of  the  garrison.     The  Indians  at  this  time  were  to  be  seen  in 
great  numbers  in  the  edge  of  the  woods.    At  half  past  11  o'clock, 
the  enemy  sent  in  a  flag  of  truce,  demanding  a  surrender  of  the  fort 


1  m 


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THE  WAR. 


61 


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and  island,  to  his  Britannic  majest^^'s  forces.  This,  sir,  was  the 
fir-ot  information  I  had  of  the  declaration  of  war  ;  I,  however,  had 
anticipated  it,  and  was  as  well,  prepared  to  meet  such  an  event  as 
I  possibly  could  have  been  with  the  force  under  my  command, 
amounting  to  fifty-seven  effective  men,  including  officers.  Three 
American  gentlemen,  who  were  prisoners,  were  permitted  to  ac- 
company the  flag  :  from  them  I  ascertained  the  strength  of  the 
enemy  to  be  from  nine  hundred  to  one  thousand  strong,  consist- 
ing of  regular  troops,  Canadians,  and  savages :  that  they  had  two 
pieces  of  artillery,  and  were  provided  with  ladders  and  ropes  for 
the  purpose  of  scaling  the  works  if  necessary.  After  I  had  ob- 
tained this  information,  1  consulted  my  officers  and  also  the  Amer- 
ican gentlemen  present,  who  were  very  intelligent  men  :  the  re- 
sult of  which  was,  that  it  was  impossible  for  the  garrison  to  hold 
out  against  such  a  superior  force.  Id  this  opinion  I  fully  concur- 
red, from  a  conviction  that  it  was  the  only  measure  that  could 
prevent  a  general  massacre.  The  fort  and  garrison  were  accord- 
ingly surrendered. 

The  enclosed  papers  exhibit  copies  of  the  correspondence  be- 
tween the  officer  commanding  the  British  forces  and  myself,  and 
oft'ic  rticles  of  capitulation.  This  subject  involved  questions  of 
a  pec'i  lature  ;  and  I  hope,  sir,  that  my  demands  and  pro- 
tests .'> ;  meet  the  approbation  of  my  government.  1  cannot  al- 
low this  opportunity  to  escape  without  expressing  my  obligations 
to  Doct.  Day  for  the  service  he  rendered  me  in  conducting  this 
correspondence. 

In  consequence  of  this  unfortunate  affair,  I  beg  leave,  sir,  to  de- 
mand that  a  court  of  enquiry  may  be  ordered  to  investigate  all 
the  facts  connected  with  it  ;  and  I  do  further  request,  that  the 
court  may  be  speedil}'  directed  to  express  their  opinion  on  the 
merits  of  the  case. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c.  P.  HANKS, 

His  Excellency  Gen.  Hull,  Lieut,  of  artillery. 

Commanding  N.  W.  army. 

'*  P.  S.  The  foUowmg  particulars  relative  to  the  British  force 
were  obtained  after  the  capitulation,  from  a  source  that  admits  of 
no  doubt  :....3egu.lar  troops  46  (including  4  officers,)  Canadian 
militia  260 Tatal  306. 

Savages Sioux   56  ;    Winnebagoes   48  ;   Talleswain   39  ; 

Chippawas  and  Ottawas  572 savages  715,  whites  S06 Total 

1024. 

It  mfay  also  be  remarked,  that  one  hundred  and  fifty  Chippe- 
was  and  Ottawas  joined  the  British,  two  days  after  the  capitula- 
tion. P.  H. 

Heights  above  Michillimackinac, 
17th  July,  1812. 


•  'ii. 


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SKETCHES  OV 


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1: 


CAPITULATION 
Agreed  upon  between  Capt.  Charles  Roberts,  commanding  his 
Britannic  majesty's  forces,  on  the  one  part,  and  Lieut.   Porter 
Hanks,  commanding  the  forces  of  the  United  States,  on  the  other 
part. 

Iti.  The  fort  of  Michillimackinac  shall  immediately  be  surren* 
dered  to  the  British  forces. 

2d.  The  garrison  shall  march  out  with  the  honours  of  war,  lay 
down  their  arms,  and  become  prisoners  ;  and  shall  be  sent  to  the 
United  States  of  America  by  bis  Britannic  majesty,  not  to  serve 
this  war  until  regularly  exchanged  :  and  for  the  performance  of 
this  article,  the  officers  pledge  their  word  and  honour. 

3d.  All  the  merchant  vessels  in  the  harbour,  with  their  cargoes, 
shall  be  in  possession  of  their  respective  owners. 

4th.  Private  property  shall  be  held  sacred  as  far  as  it  is  in  my 
power. 

Sth.  All  the  citizens  of  the  United  States,  who  shall  not  take 
the  oath  of  allegiance  to  his  Britannic  majesty,  shall  depart  with 
their  property  from  the  island,  in  one  month  from  the  date  hereof. 

(Signed)  CHARLES  ROBERTS, 

I'  Captain,  commanding  his  Britannic 

....     ^  majesty's  forces. 

P  HANKS,  Lieut. 
Commanding  the  U.  States'  troops. 
Supplement  to  the  articles  of  capitulation  signed  on  the  7th  July. 
The  Captains  and  crews  of  the  vessels  Erie  and  Freegoodwill, 
shall  be  included  under  the  second  article,  not  to  serve  until  regu- 
larly exchanged,  for  which  the  officers  shall  pledge  their  word  of 
honour.  CilARLES  ROBERTS,  Captain, 

Fort  Michillimackinac, )  commanding  the  forces  of  his 

23d  July,  1812.  >  Britannic  majesty. 

GRANTCOt  P.  HANKS,  Lieut. 

tommanding  the  U.  States' troops. 

Geographical.....'We  give  the  following  extracts  of  an  able 
geographical  sketch  of  the  three  upper  lakes,  from  Niles'  Reg- 
ister,  (with  some  little  alteration,)  by  which  our  readers  will  be 
enabled  to  form  a  more  correct  idea  of  the  relative  situation  of 
some  of  the  most  important  places  alluded  to  in  this  and  the  suc- 
ceeding number. 

**  The  position  of  the  great  lakes  is  so  well  known  to  the  peo- 
ple of  the  United  States,  from  the  common  use  of  the  map,  that 
we  shall  waste  no  time  in  describing  them;  but  proceed  immediate- 
ly to  the  main  objects  of  enquiry. 

«  Lake  Erie  is  of  an  eliptical  form,  three  hundred  miles  long 
from  east  to  west,  and  ninety  broad  at  its  widest  part,  from  north 
fo  south*    The  depth  is  rated  at  twenty  fathoms  ;  but  there  are 


m 


te  surren- 


^VHE  WAR.  ^ 

many  shoals.  The  bottom  is  generally  of  a  light  yellowish  sand  ; 
which  being  disturbed  by  storms,  tinges  the  waters  of  the  lake,  at 
other  times  clear,  and  of  a  greenish  colour.  The  nothern  shore 
is  rude  and  rocky,  but  has  several  harbours  for  small  vessels,  and 
at  fort  Erie  and  Maiden,  or  (as  the  British  call  it)  Amherstburg, 
large  ships  may  ride  safely.  Long  point,  running  from  the  north 
shore,  is  a  narrow  peninsula  of  sand,  piled  with  mighty  rocks,  to- 

wards  the  north  ;  but  on  the  other  sides  presents  a  fine  beach 

i«  very  convenient  to  haul  the  boats  out  of  the  surf  upon  it,  when 
the  lake  is  too  rough  for  sailing  and  rowing.'*  The  south  side  of 
Erie  is  generally  a  sand  beach,  and  the  harbours  are  all  income 
moded  with  bars  at  their  entrance.  But  in  some  places,  at  Caya- 
hoga  particularly,  there  are  immense  ranges  of  rocks,  rising  per- 
pendicularly out  of  the  waters  of  the  lake  forty  or  fifty  feet  high^ 
and  several  miles  in  length.  The  danger  of  passing  these  is  so 
great  in  the  time  of  a  storm,  that  the  Indians  always  offer  a  sac- 
rifice of  tobacco  to  the  water,  as  they  approach  them.  The  har- 
bours on  this  side  of  the  lake,  best  known  to  us,  are  Black  Rock 
opposite  fort  Erie;  Erie,  at  which  is  the  United  States'  navy-yardj 
&c.  here  the  water  on  the  bar  is  not  more  than  seven  or  eight 
feet,  though  there  is  depth  enough  within  it  :  Cleveland,  with 
six  or  seven  feet  water  ;  Sandusky  and  Put  in-bay,  which  last  is 
spoken  of  as  one  of  the  **  finest  harbours  in  America."  This  bay 
Is  not  laid  down  in  the  maps,  nor  is  it  mentioned  in  any  of  the 
books  or  papers  we  have  :  but  we  apprehend  it  is  near  the  head 
of  the  lake,  about  forty  miles  above  Sandusky,  and  from  twenty 
to  thirty  from  Maiden.  Passing  Maiden,  where  the  Detroit  river 
is  about  three  miles  wide,  (though  the  channel  is  within  the  rauge 
of  a  musket  shot  from  the  fort,  which  is  therefore  the  key  of  the 
higher  lakes)  with  a  fine  navigation  of  eighteen  miles,  you  arrive 
at  the  town  of  Detroit,  famous  for  Hull's  capitulation,  and  the 
river  here  is  only  half  a  mile  wide.  Passing  Detroit,  the  river 
again  expands,  and  receives  the  waters  of  lake  St.  Clair  by  a 
mouth  a  mile  and  a  half  wide.  This  lake  is  about  ninety  miles 
in  circumference.  It  is  said  to  have  a  bar  across  the  middle,  run- 
ning east  and  west,  to  pass  which,  vessels  proceeding  to  or  from 
lake  Huron,  must  he  unladen.  We  do  not  credit  this  assertion^ 
but  believe  it  may  be  navigated  by  any  of  the  vessels  we  have  on 
lake  Erie,  with  safety.  The  river  St.  Clair,  which  unites  the  lake 
of  that  name  with  lake  Huron,  presents  an  easy  entrance  for  ves- 
sels into  the  latter,  and  is  about  eighteen  miles  long. 

"  Lake  Huron  is  of  a  triangular  shape,  about  one  thousand  miles 
in  circumference^  and  navigable  for  large  ships,  though  some 
say  it  is  not  safe  for  vessels  drawing  more  than  nine  or  ten  feet,  on 
account  of  the  shoals ;  perhaps  chiefly  becaur^  they  are  yet  little 
known.  The  shores  of  this  lake  are  represented  as  generally 
iteiUe,  being  composed  of  sand  and  small  stones  :    but  at  some 


I  • 


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SKETCHES  OF 


31: 


distance  back  the  soil  is  pretty  good.  On  the  northern  parti  ars 
many  valuable  establishments  for  carrying  on  the  fur  trade,  of 
great  importance  to  the  enemy.  From  the  northern  extremity 
of  this  lake  there  is  a  back  passage  to  Montreal.  It  is  by  the  Ot» 
tawas  river,  which  has  its  source  in  the  lake  Timiskimaing,  north 
•f  lake  Huron,  but  the  passage  from  which  into  lake  Huron  is  by 
a  portage  of  two  miles  to  the  navigable  head  of  French  river, 
which  falls  into  lake  Huron  The  Outawas  river  falls  into  the 
Cadaraqui  from  the  north-west  about  ten  miles  above  Montreal, 
and  presents  in  the  passage  upwards  from  Montreal  numerous 
rapids,  the  waters  passable  with  difficulty  by  canoes,  and  port- 
ages over  which  every  thing  must  be  transported  by  human  la- 
bour only  :  circumstances  which  render  it  inefficient  for  military 
uses,  since  a  force  passing  upward  must  not  only  transport  its  nnil< 
itary  stores  and  provisions  over  these  portages,  but  the  supply  and 
difficulty  must  be  encreased  with  numbers.  These  facts,  in  the 
present  posture  ot  affairs,  are  very  important,  because  they  de- 
monstrate,  that  with  the  command  of  the  lakes,  which  the 
United  States  can  always  possess  when  they  determine  to  employ 
the  ample  and  facile  means  they  possess,  the  whole  of  the  Indian 
trade  of  the  British  must  fall,  and  their  garrisons  must  surrender, 
or  descend  the  Otawa  river  from  mere  necessity :  we  shall  there- 
fore give  a  short  sketch  of  the  passage  up  this  river  as  it  is  pursued 
by  the  traders,  whose  commodities  for  transport  are  much  more 
manageable  than  military  apparatus. 

*<  The  navigation  is  conducted  in  canoes  of  birch,  which  car< 
ry  about  eight  or  ten  men,  and  from  forty  to  sixty  packages  of 
merchandize ;  besides  their  provision,  biscuit,  pork,  pease  and  In> 
dian  corn.  In  May  they  leave  La  Chine,  about  a  mile  below  the 
entrance  of  the  river  Otawa,  and  proceed  to  St.  Anne,  about  two 
miles  from  the  western  end  of  the  island  upon  which  stands  Mon- 
treal, the  two  mountains  being  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  lake, 
here  formed  by  the  confluence  of  the  Otawa  with  the  Cadaraqui, 
and  taking  the  name  of  the  lake  of  the  two  mountains  :  at  St. 
Ann's  there  is  a  rapid,  where  they  are  obliged  to  unlade  part  of 
their  cargoes.  This  lake  of  the  two  mountains  is  twenty  miles 
long,  and  about  two  miles  wide,  and  cultivation  is  seen  on  both 
its  sides  :  at  its  end  the  water  contracts  and  assumes  the  name  of 
Otawa  river.  Here  the  inland  voyage  is  considered  as  begin- 
ning :  and  after  a  course  of  fifteen  miles,  the  current  is  interrupt- 
ed by  currents  and  cascades  for  a  succession  of  ten  miles,  gener- 
ally denominated  rapids  ;  here  the  travellers  are  obliged  to  un- 
load and  bear  their  burdens  on  slings  or  on  their  backs  ;  whilst 
the  canoes  are  towed  up  against  the  current  with  immense  la- 
bour and  patience.  <  There  are  places  where  the  ground  will  not 
admit  of  the  carriage  of  large  loads,  and  they  are  therefor^  ca'c- 
tied  at  several  iKiies.  «'^'    «      "   ,.  *^    ,  •    -*       »    t* 


THE  WAR. 


•i 


•  i*  After  about  sixty  miles  of  smooth  current,  where  the  river  it 
generally  more  than  a  mile  wide,  they  reach  the  portage  of  the 
lake  Claudiere,  where  there  is  a  cascade  of  twenty  feet.  The 
portage  here  is  about  half  a  mile,  and  canoes  and  all  their  lading 
are  carried  upon  men's  shoulders.  Thence  to  the  next  portage 
desChenes,  is  short,  but  the  land, carriage  is  about  a  third  longer 
than  the  preceding,  and  is  called  portage  du  Chat ;  there  are  two 
smaller  portages  called  des  Sables  and  de  la  Montague,  in 
eighteen  miles  to  the  grand  Calumet,  where  the  current  is  again 
tranquil ;  next  the  portage  Dufort,  which  is  two  hundred  forty- 
five  yards,  over  which  canoes  and  cargoes  must  be  all  carried..... 
then  the  porta^fe  of  the  mountain,  the  Derige,  where  the  loads 
roust  be  carried  three  hundred  eighty-five  yards  over  one,  and 
two  hundred  fifty  over  the  other.  The  last  portage  of  this  river 
is  a  long  one  between  Les  Alumettes,  Deux  Joachins  and  Roche 
Captaine,  and  the  discharge  De  Trou.  The  '"itance  of  the  port- 
ages nearly  two  miles,  and  others  over  loh^  and  difficult  rocks.... 
when  at  about  four  hundred  miles  from  Montreal,  Petit  Reviere 
falls  into  the  Otawa  from  the  south  westward;  here  the  voyagers 
inust  turn  off*  to  the  heft,  and  pass  this  river  of  about  sixty  five 
miles  length,  interrupted  by  rocks  and  cataracts  to  the  number 
of  thirteen  to  the  high  lands  ;  when  after  the  greatest  difficulties^ 
and  a  course  of  land  carriage  of  about  six  milesj  they  reach  lake 
Nipising,  which  is  about  thirty-six  miles  long,  and  about  fifteen 
wide  ;  but  the  track  of  the  canoes  is  much  longer,  as  they  must 
follow  the  coast. 

**  Out  of  this  lake  flows  French  river  before  mentioned,  precip- 
itating its  flood  over  rocks  of  considerable  height,  called  the  Ket- 
tle falls,  which  necessarily  infers  another  portage,  of  which  thtre 
are  not  less  than  five  more  in  a  distance  of  about  eighty  miles  to 
the  entrance  of  lake  Huron." 

"  Lake  Michigan  communicates  with  Huron  by  the  straits  of 
Michillimackinac,  which  are  about  six  miles  long.  This  lake  is 
entirely  embosomed  within  the  United  States,  which  are  separat- 
ed from  the  British  possesions  by  an  imaginary  line  drawn  through 
the  middle  of  lakes  Ontario,  Erie,  Huron,  Superior,  &c.  The 
length  of  Michigan,  from  north  to  south,  is  estimated  at  two  hund- 
red eighty  miles,  and  the  breadth  between  sixty  and  seventy,  and 
it  has  about  the  same  depth  of  water  as  Huron.  The  island  of 
Michillimackinac,  on  which  stands  the  village  and  fort  of  that 
name,  is  situate  near  the  entrance  of  the  strait  from  Huron,  be- 
ing about  seven  miles  in  circumference,  and  four  miles  distant 
from  the  nearest  land.  It  abounds  with  excellent  water,  and  is 
high  and  healthy  ;  rising  to  the  centre  "  as  to  resemble  when  you 
approach  it,  a  turtU's  back  from  whence  it  derived  its  name,  Mich- 
illimackinac, or  the  turtle." 

**  The  fort,  which  stands  on  the  S.  E.  side,  is  handsomely  situ- 
ated on  a  bluflfrock,  rising  from  one  to  two  hundred  feet  from  the 


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water,  alhnost  perpend''"  !.ir  in  many  places,  extending  about  hali" 
yfBy  round  the  island.  It  overlook*,  and  of  course  commands  the 
harbour,  a  beautiful  semicircular  basin  of  about  one  mile  in  ex« 
tent,  and  from  one  to  five  or  six  fathoms  in  depth,  and  sheltered 
from  lake  Huron  by  two  islands  stretching  across  its  mouth,  and 
leaving  only  a  narrov/  ship  channel,  by  which  to  enter  the  har- 
bour. From  the  fort  you  have  an  uninterrupted  view  into  lake 
Huron  to  the  north  east,  and  into  lake  Michigan  on  the  west.  It 
is  entirely  commanded  by  the  high  ground  in  its  rear,  where  is 
only  a  stockade  dt;fcnd?d  by  two  block-houses,  with  a  brass  six 
pounder  in  each.  There  are  also  t^o  long  nines  on  a  battery  in 
front,  besides  two  howitz,  and  a  brass  three  pounder,  which  oom- 
inands  the  approach  to  the  front  gate. 

"  The  first  growth  of  timber  has  been  principally  cut  off,  and 
the  under-brush  grown  up,  so  that  an  invading  enemy  might  ap« 
proach  within  cannon  shot  ^as  was  the  case  at  its  capture  by  the 
enemy)  without  being  discovered  by.  the  centinels  at  the  fort." 

*'  The  village  contained  about  three  hundred  inhabitants  in 
1810,  chiefly  French  Canadians  ;  and  a  very  brisk  trade  was  car- 
ried on  with  the  neighbouring  Indians.  The  expoit  of  furs  in 
1804  was  valued  at  D.  238,Oi0,  and  the  duties  received  on 
goods  imported  from  the  British  possessions  were  D.  60,000.  It 
was  in  a  very  flourishing  situation  when  the  enemy  possessed 
themselves  of  it  in  1812,  before  the  declaration  of  war  was 
known  to  our  commandant.  The  hostile  force  came  from  St. 
Joseph's,  a  post  about  forty  miles  north,  situate  at  the  foot  of  the 
straits  of  St.  Maiie,  through  which  the  waters  of  lake  Superior 
are  discharged  into  Huron.  St.  Josephs  was  held  chiefly  as  a 
place  of  observation  on  \f  ichillimackinac  :  which  latter  the  British 
gave  up  with  great  reluctance  by  Ja^^'s  treaty,  in  1794,  thougit 
they  had  conditioned  to  do  it,  immediately,  in  1 783,  ten  years  be-^ 
fore.  Chicago,  or  fort  Dearborn,  famous  for  the  murder  of  its 
garrison,  [an  account  of  which  will  be  given  in  a  future  number] 
by  the  allies,  is  near  the  foot,  or  south  end  of  Michigan,  nearly 
two  hundred  .fifty  miles  from  Michillimackinac,  and  was  the  only 
post  or  settlenient  we  had  on  the  shores  of  the  lake. 

'*  St.  Josephs  wgs  garrisoned  by  two  companies  of  Canadians^ 
and  a  few  regulars.  It  is  assailable  by  water.  The  straits  of  St. 
Marie  are  forty  miles  long,  and  so  rapid  that  they  cannot  be  as- 
cended even  by  canoes,  though  the  decent  is  safe,  if  the  pilots  are 
good," 


,,  ^ 


\  , 


SKETCHES 

OF 


V,?        '  'i 


THE  WAR, 


VoLUMK  I Number  2. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Operations  of  the  army  of  the  centre Battle  of  Q,ueenstoxvn 

Bombardment   of  fort  Niagara Attack   on  the  British 

lines  opposite  and  below  Black  Rock Geographical  descrip' 

Hon  of  the  Niagara  frontier. 

It  was  late  in  the  season  before  a  sufficient  force  was  collect- 
ed upon  the  Niagara  frontier  to  attempt  offensive  operations; 
In  October,  however.  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer,  of  the  New  York 
militia,  had  his  head-quarters  at  Lewistown,  with  a  force  under 
his  command  of  four  thousand  men,  consisting  of  about  fifteen 
hundred  regulars,  and  the  remainder  militia.  They  were  dis- 
tributed along  the  river  from  fort  Niagara  to  Buffalo.  Nothing 
of  importance  occurred  till  the  12th,  when  the  militia  at  Lewis- 
town  became  impatient  to  attack  the  enemy's  works  opposite,  at 
Queenstown.  The  attack  was  accordingly  made  on  the  13th, 
the  result  of  which,  with  the  previous  arrangements,  and  many 
Important  particulars,  will  be  found  in  the  following  letter  from 
Gen,  Van  Renwelaer  to  Maj.  Gen.  Dearborn,  dated  v 

*  Head-quarters,  Lewistown,  Oct.  14f  1812. 

Sir As  the   movements  of  the  army  unfter   my  command, 

since  I  had  last  the  honour  to  address  you  on  the  8th  inst.  have 
been  of  a  very  important  character,  producing  consequences  seri- 
ous to  many  individuals  ;  establishing  facts  actually  connected 
with  the  interest  of  the  service  and  the  safety  of  the  army  ;  aud 
as  I  stand  prominently  responsible  for  some  of  these  consequences, 
I  beg  leave  to  explain  to  you  sir,  and  through  you,  to  my  coun- 
try, the  situation  and  circumstances  in  which  I  have  had  to  act, 
and  the  reasons  and  motives  which  have  governed  me  :  and  if 
the  result  is  not  all  that  might  have  been  wished,  it  is  such  that 
when  the  whole  ground  shall  be  viewed,  I  shall  cheerfully  submit 
myself  to  the  judgment  of  my  country. 

H 


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58 


SKETCHKS  Of 


III  my  letter  of  the  8th  inst.  I  apprised  you  that  a  crisis  in  thia 
campaign  wa«  rapidly  advancing  ;  and  that,  (to  repeat  the  same 
vvoids)  "  the  blow  must  be  soon  struck,  or  all  the  toil  and  ex- 
pense of  the  campaign  go  for  nothing,  and  worse  than  nothing, 
for  the  whole  would  be  tuiged  with  dishonour." 

Under  such  impressions,  I  had,  on  the  15th  inst.  written  to 
Brig.  Gen.  Smyth,  of  the  United  States*  forces,  requesting  an  in- 
terview with  him,  Maj.  Gen.  Half,  and  the  commandants  of  the 
United  States'  regiments,  for  the  purpose  of  conferring  upon  the 
subject  of  future  operations.  I  wrote  Maj.  Gen.  Hall  to  the  same 
purport.  On  the  1 1th  I  had  received  no  answer  from  Gen. 
Smyth ;  but  in  a  note  to  me  of  the  10th  Gen.  Hall  mentioned  that 
Gen.  Smyth  had  noi  yet  then  agreed  upon  any  day  for  the  con- 
sultation. ^ 

In  the  mean  time,  the  pnrtial  success  of  Lieut.  Elliott,  at  Black 
R  J -k  (of  which,  however,  I  have  received  no  official  information') 
began  to  excite  a  strong  disposition  in  the  troops  to  act.  This 
was  expressed  to  me  through  various  channels,  in  the  shape  of  an 

alternative  ;  that  they   most   have  orders  to  act or,  at  all  haz- 

zards  they  would  go  home.  I  forbear  here  commenting  upon  the 
obvious  consequences,  to  me,  personally,  of  longer  withholding 
my  orders  under  such  circumstances. 

I  had  a  conference   with ,  as  to  the  possibility  of   getting 

some  person  to  pass  over  to  Canada,  and  obtain  correct  informa- 
tion. On  the  morning  of  the  4th,  he  wrote  to  roe  that  he  had 
procured  the  man,  who  bore  his  letter  to  go   over.      Instructions 

were  given  him  ;    he  passed  over obtained  such  information  as 

warranted  an  immediate  attack.  This  was  confidi  ntially  commu- 
nicated to  several  of  my  first  officers,  and  produced  great  zeal  to 
act ;  more  especially  as  it  might  have  a  controlling  » ifect  upon 
the  movements  at  Detroit,  where  it  was  supposed  that  Gen.  Brock 
had  gone  with  all  the  force  he  dared  to  spare  from  the  Niagara 
frontier.  The  best  preparations  in  m>  power  were,  thert-fore, 
made  to  dislodge  the  enemy  from  the  heights  of  Queenstown,  and 
possess  ourselves  of  the  village,  where  the  troops  might  be  shel- 
tered from  the  distressing  inclemency  of  the  weather. 

Lieut.  Col.  Fenwick's  flying  artillery,  and  a  detachment  of  reg 
ular  troops,  under  his  command,  were  ordered  to  be  up  in  season 
irom  fort  Niagara.  Orders  were  also  sent  Gen.  Smyth,  to  send 
down  from  Buffalo  such  detachment  of  his  brigade  as  existing  cir- 
cumi<tances  in  that  vicinity  might  warrant.  The  attack  was  to 
have  been  made  at  3  o'clock,  on  the  morning  of  the  1 1th,  by  cross- 
ing over  in  boats  from  the  old  ferry  opposite  the  heights.  To 
avoid  any  embarrassment  in  crossing  the  river  (which  is  here  a 
shtet  of  violent  eddies;  experienced  boatmen  were  procured  to 
take  the  boats  from  the  landing  below,  to  the  place  of  embarka- 
tion.    Lieut.  Sim  v.as  considered  the  man  of  greatest   skill   for 


TH£   WAR. 


5tf 


thid  service he  went  ahead,  and  in  the  extreme  darkness,  passed 

the  intended  place  far  up  the  river  ;  and  there,  in  a  most  extraor- 
dinary manner,  fastened  his  boat  to  the  shore,  and  abandoned  the 
detachment.  In  the  front  boat  he  had  carried  nearly  every  oar 
which  was  prepared  for  all  the  boats.  In  this  agonizing  dilemma 
stood  otliceri  and  men,  whose  ardor  had  not  been  cooled  by  ex- 
posure through  the  night  to  one  of  the  nioft  tremendous  north> 
east  storms,  which  continued  unabated  for  twenty-eight  hours,  and 
deluged  the  whole  camp.  The  approach  of  day  light  extinguish- 
ed every  prospect  of  ouccess,  and  the  detachment  retuined  to 
camp.  Col.  Van  Rensselaer  was  to  have  commanded  the  detach- 
ment. 

After  this  result  I  had  hoped  the  patience  of  the  troops  would 
have  contniued  until  I  could  submit  the  plan  suggcfited  in  my  let- 
ter of  the  8th,  that  I  might  act  under  and  in  conformity  to  the 
opinion  which  might  be  then  expressed.  But  my  hope  was  idle : 
the  previously  excited  ardor  seemed  to  have  gained  new  heat 
from  the  late  miscarriage....the  brave  were  mortified  to  stop  short 
of  their  object,  and  the  timid  thought  laurels  half  won  by  an  at- 
tempt. 

On  the  morning  of  the  12th,  such  was  the  pressure  upon  mc 
from  all  quarters,  that  I  became  satisfied  that  my  refusal  to  act 
might  involve  me  in  suspicion,  and  the  service  in  disgrace. 

Viewing  affairs  at  Buffalo  as  yet  unsettled,  I  had  immediately 
sountermanded  the  march  of  Gen.  Smyth's  brigade,  upon  the  fail- 
ure of  the  first  expedition  :  but  having  now  determined  to  attack 
Queenstown,  I  sent  new  orders  to  Gen.  Smyth  to  march  ;  not 
with  the  view  of  his  aid  in  the  attack,  for  I  considered  the  force 
detached  sufficient,  but  to  support  the  detachment  should  the  con- 
flict be  obstinate  and  long  continued. 

Lieut.  Col.  Christie,  who  had  just  arrived  at  the  Four  Mile 
Creek,  had  late  in  the  night  of  the  first  contemplated  attack,  gal- 
lantly offered  me  his  own  and  his  men's  services  :  but  he  got  my 
permission  too  late.  He  now  again  came  forward,  had  a  confer- 
ence with  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  and  begged  that  he  might  have 
the  honour  of  a  command  in  the  expedition.  The  arrangement 
was  made.  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  was  to  command  one  column 
of  300  militia  ;  and  Lieut.  Col.  Christie  a  column  of  the  same  num- 
ber of  regular  troops. 

Every  precaution  was  now  adopted  as  to  boats,  and  the  most 
confidential  and  experienced  men  to  manage  them.  At  an  early 
hour  in  the  night,  Lieut.  Col.  Christie  marched  his  detachment,  by 
the  rear  road,   from   Niagara   to   camp.      At    7  in  the  evening 

fiieut.  Col.  Stranahan's  regiment  moved  from  Niagara  Falls at 

8  o'clock.  Mead's.. ..and  at  9,  Lieut.  Col.  Blan's  regiment  marched 
from  the  same  place.  All  were  in  camp  in  good  season.  Agree- 
ably to  my  orders  issued  upon  this  occasion,  the  two  columns 
were   to  pass  over  together  ;    as  soon  as  the   heights  should  be 


im 


t 

M 


•i 


60 


SKETCHES  OP 


u!l     ,1 


carried,  Lieut.  Col.  FenwickU  flying  artillery  wat  to  past  over  ; 
then  Mnj.  Mullany't  detachment  of  regulars ;  and  the  other  troops 
to  follow  in  order. 

At  dawn  of  day  the  boats  were  in  readiness,  and  the  troops 
co/nmenced  embarking,  under  the  cover  of  a  commanding  batte- 
ry mounting  two  eighteen  pounders  and  two  sixes.  The  move- 
ments were  soon  discovered,  and  a  brisk  fire  of  musquetry  poured 
from  the  whole  line  of  the  Canada  shore.  Our  battery  then 
opened  to  sweep  the  shore  ;  but  it  was,  for  some  minutes,  too 
dark  to  direct  much  fire  with  safety.  A  brisk  cannonade  was 
now  opened  upon  the  boats  from  three  different  batteries  ....our 
battery  returned  their  fire,  and  occasionally  threw  grape  upon  the 
«bore,  and  was  itself  served  with  shells  from  a  small  mortar  of 
the  enemy's.  Col.  Scott,  of  the  artillery,  by  hastening  his  march 
from  Niagara  Falls  in  the  night,  arrived  in  season  to  return  the 
enemy's  fire  with  two  six  pounders. 

The  boats  were  somewhat  embarrassed  with  the  eddies,  as 
well  as  with  a  shower  of  shot  :  but  Col.  Van  Rensrelaer,  with 
about  one  hundred  men,  soon  effected  his  landing,  amidst  a  tre- 
mendous fire  directed  upon  him  Irom  every  point  ;  but  to  the  as- 
tonishment of  all  who  witnessed  the  scene,  this  van  of  the  col- 
umn advanced  but  slowly  against  the  fire.  It  was  a  serisous  misfor- 
tune to  the  van,  and  indeed  to  the  whole  expedition,  that  in  a  few 
minutes  after  landing.  Col.  Van  Rensselaer  received  four  wounds 
....a  ball  passed  through  his  right  thigh,  entering  just  below  the 
hip-boue.... another  shot  passed  through  the  same  thigh,  a  lit- 
tle below a   third  through  the    calf  of  his  leg. ...and  a  fourth 

cartused  his  heel.  Th*s  was  quite  a  crisis  in  the  expedition. 
Under  so  severe  a  fire  it  was  difficult  to  form  raw  troops.  By 
some  mismanagement  of  the  boat-men,  Lieut.  Col  Christie  did  not 
arrive  until  some  time  after  this,  and  was  wounded  in  the  hand 
in  passing  the  river.  Col.  Van  Rensselaer  was  still  able  to  stand ; 
and  with  great  presence  of  mind  ordered  his  officers  to  proceed 
Tvith  rapidity  and  storm  the  fort.  This  service  was  gallantly  per- 
formed, and  the  enemy  driven  down  the  hill  in  every  direction. 
Soon  after  this  both  parties  were  considerably  reinforced,  and  the 
conflict  was  renewed  in  several  places. ...many  of  the  enemy  took 
shelter  behind  a  stone  guard-house,  where  a  piece  of  ordnance 
Mras  now  briskly  served.  I  ordered  the  fire  of  our  battery  direct- 
ed upon  the  guard  house  ;  and  it  was  so  effectually  done,  that 
with  eight  or  ten  shot  the  fire  was  silenced.  The  enemy  then 
retreated  behind  a  large  store  house  ;  but  in  a  short  time  the 
route  became  general,  and  the  enemy's  fire  was  silenced,  except 
from  a  one  gun  battery,  so  far  down  the  river  as  to  be  out  of  the 
reach  of  heavy  ordnance,  and  our  light  pieces  could  not  si- 
lence it.  A  number  of  boats  now  passed  over  unannoyed,  except 
from  one  unsilcnced  gun.  For  some  time  after  I  had  passed  over 
the  victory  appeared  complete  :  but  in  the  expectation  of  further 


'Il 


VHE  WAR, 


0(1 


attacki,  I  wai  tahing  meaiurei  Tor  rortifying  my  camp  immediate. 
ly....the  direction  of  this  nervicc  I  committed  to  Lieut.  Totten,  of 
the  engineers.  But  very  soon  the  enemy  were  reinforced  by  a 
detachment  of  leveral  hundred  Indiana  irom  Chippewa.  They 
commenced  a  furious  attacli  ;  but  were  promptly  met  and  routed 
by  the  rifle  and  bayonet.  By  this  time  I  perceived  my  troopt 
were  embarking  very  slowly.  I  passed  inuiiidiately  over  to  nc- 
celerate  their  movements  ;  but  to  my  utter  astonishment  I  found 
at  the  very  moment  when  complete  victory  was  in  our  hands, 
the  ardour  of  the  unengaged  troops  had  entirely  subsided.  I  rode 
in  all  directions,  urged  the  men  by  every  consideration  to  pats 
over,  but  in  vain.  Lieut.  Col.  Bloom,  who  had  been  wounded  in 
the  action,  returned,  mounted  his  horse  and  rode  through  the 
camp  ;  as  did  also  Judge  Peck,  who  happened  to  be  here,  exhort- 
ing the  companies  to  proceed,  but  all  in  vain- 

At  this  time  a  large  reinforcement  from  Fort  George  were  dis- 
covered coming  up  the  river.  As  the  batery  on  the  hill  was  con- 
sidered an  important  check  against  Ihtic  ascending  the  heights, 
measures  were  immediately  taken  to  send  them  a  fresh  supply  of 
ammunition,  as  1  had  learnt  there  were  left  oiiiy  tv>enty  shot  fc 
the  eighteen  pounders.  The  reinforce mtnts,  ho  .ever,  c  .'iqued 
to  the  right  from  the  road,  and  formed  a  junction  with  :'ie  In* 
dians  in  the  rear  of  the  heights.  Finding  to  my  inh  i*v3  mor* 
tiiication,  that  no  reinforcement  would  pass  ov  .  •  seeing  that, 
another  severe  conflict  must  soon  commenc  ;  ;  nd  knowing 
that  the  brave  men  on  the  heights  were  quite  CAiiausted  and  near- 
ly out  of  ammunition,  all  I  could  do  was  to  send  them  a  fresh 
supply  of  cartridges.  At  this  critical  moment  I  despatched  a  note 
to  Gen.  Wadsworth,  acquainting  him  with  our  8ituation....leaving 
the  course  to  be  pursued  much  to  his  own  judgment....with  as- 
surance that  if  he  thought  best  to  retreat,  I  would  endeavour  to 
send  as  many  boats  as  I  could  command,  and  cover  his  retreat  by 

every  fire  1  could  safely  make.     But  the  boats  were  dispersed 

many  of  the  boatmen  had  fled  panic  struck and  but  few  got  off. 

But  my  note  could  but  little  more  than  have  reached  Gen.  Wads- 
worth  about  4  o'clock,  when  a  most  t. .  -re  and  obstinate  conflict 
commenced  and  continued  about  haii  an  hour,  with  a  trenoend- 
dous  fire  of  cannon,  flying  artillery,  and  musketry.  The  enemy 
succeeded  in  repossessing  their  battery  ;  and,  gaining  advantage 
on  every  side,  the  brave  men  who  had  gained  the  victory,  ex- 
hausted of  strength  and  auanunition,  and  grieved  at  the  unpar- 
donable neglect  of  their  fellow-soldiers,  gave  'jp  the  conflict. 

I  can  only  add  that  the  victory  v/as  really  won  ;  but  lost  for 
the  want  of  a  small  reinforcement.  One  third  part  of  the  idle 
men  might  have  saved  all. 

I  have  been  so  pressed  with  the  various  duties  of  burying  the 
dead,  providing  for  the  wounded,  collecting  the  public  property, 
Regociatiog  an  exchange  of  prisooer!),  and  all  the  concerns  conser 


■■I 


'V 


■  ■■    i 


92 


SKETCHES  or 


P'i  ;r 


quent  of  such  a  battle,  that  I  hare  not  been  able  to  for-ward  this 
despatch  at  as  early  an  hour  ns  I  could  have  wished.  I  shall 
soon  forward  you  another  despatch  in  which  I  shall  endeavour  to 
to  point  out  to  you  the  conduct  of  some  most  gallant  and  deserv* 
ing  officers.  But  I  cannot  in  justice  close  this  without  expressing 
the  very  great  obligation  1  am  under  to  Brig.  Gen.  Wads  worth, 
Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Col.  Scott,  Lieut.  Cols.  Christie  and  Fenwick, 
and  Capt.  Gibson.  Many  others  have  also  behaved  most  gallant- 
ly. I  have  reason  to  believe  that  many  of  our  troops  fled  to  the 
woods,  with  the  hope  of  crossing  the  river.  1  have  not  been  able 
to  learn  the  probable  number  of  killed,  wounded,  or  prisoners. 
The  slaughter  of  our  troops  must  have  been  very  considerable, 
and  the  enemy  have  suffered  severely. 

Gen.  Brock  is  among  the  slain,  and  his  aid-de  camp  mortally 
wounded. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir,  with  great  respect  and  considera- 
tion, your  most  obedient  servant, 

(Signed)  STEPHEN  VAN  RENSSELAER, 

Maj.  Gen.  DfiARBORN.  Maj.  Gen. 

The  following  additional  interesting  particulars  of  the  battle 
of  Queenstown,  arc  derived  from  a  source  which  may  be  deemed 
authentic. 

On  the  12th  Oct.  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  had  under  his  com- 
mand about  5800  men,  thus  disposed  :  2000  militia  at  or  near 
Lewistown  :  1300  regular  troops,  under  Gen.  Smyth,  near  Black 
Rock,  28  miles  from  Lewistown  :  500  militia  and  volunteers  at 
Black  Rock  and  Schlosser;  about  300  men  in  six  companies  of 
field  and  light  artillery  ;  about  500  men  of  the  6th  and  13th  reg- 
iments, at  fort  Niagara;  about  300  regulars  of  the  23d  regiment, 
under  Maj.  Mullany,  at  the  same  place. 

On  the  same  day  Maj.  Gen.  Brock  had  under  his  command 
and  under  arms,  at  different  posts,  from  and  including  fort  George 
and  fort  Erie,  2800  men,  of  whom  2400  were  disciplined  troops 
of  the  41st  and  49th  British  regiments  and  Canadian  flank  com- 
panies, and  400  were  Indians.  j  -  .    , 

Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  decided  to  attempt  to  cross  the  river  and 

attack  the  enemy's  batteries  at  Queenstown,  on  the  night  of  the 

12th.     The  regular  troops  at  Niagara,  under  Lieut.  Col.  Fenwick, 

and  Maj.  Mullany,  were  ordered  up  to  Lewistovirn,  and  13  boats 

vere  provided  to  effect  the  crossing. 

The  detachment  that  was  to  make  the  attack,  consisted  of 
tome  militia  under  the  command  of  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  the 
General's  aid-de-camp;  a  part  of  the  13th  infantry,  under  Lieut. 
Col.  Christie  ;  and  detachments  of  the  6th  and  23d,  under  Maj. 
Mullany  ;  and  Col.  Van  Rensse'iaer  was  to  command  the  whole. 

At  3  o'clock,  in  the  morninr;  of  the  1 3th  of  Oct.  the  detach* 
ment^  about  400  men,  mBrched  from  the  camp  near  Lewistown. 


THE  WAR. 


63 


Col.  Van  Rensselaer  crossed  over.  A  grape  shot  from  a  bat- 
tery below  Queenstown,  which  enfiladed  the  crossing  place, 
wounded  Lieut.  Col.  Christie  slightly  in  the  hand  ;  his  pilot  becanne 
confused,  the  boatmen  frightened,  and  hi?  boat  returned.  The 
boats  with  Maj.  Mullany  fell  below  the  landing,  two  of  them  were 
taken,  and  the  Major  returned. 

Litut.  Vallt^au  was  killed  in  crossing  ;*  and  in  ascending  the 
bank  or  on  a  small  low  flat  at  the  water^s  edge.  Col.  Van  Rensse- 
laer, Capt.  Armstrong,  Capt.  Malcom,  and  Capt.  Wool,  were 
wounded  ;  and  £ns.  Morris  killed.f 

A  party  of  British  troops  issued  from  an  old  fort  below  Q.ueens>- 
tovvn  :  they  were  fired  on  by  the  Americans,  and  retreated. 
The  firing  from  battery,  soon  afterwards  compelled  the  Amer- 
icans to  retreat  under  the  bank. 

To  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  who  lay  there  wounded,  application 
was  made  by  the  officers  for  orders.  He  said  that  if  the  battery 
on  the  heights  of  Qucenstown  was  taken  possession  of,  the  British 
must  retrtat  or  surrender.  The  men  were  rallied,  and  about 
160  under  the  command  of  Capt.  Wool,  Capt.  Ogilvie,  Lieut. 
Gansevoort,  Lieut.  Randolph,;};  Lieut.  Carr,  and  Lieut.  Huginin,  all 
of  the  regular  troops,  and  Lieut.  Lush,  (brigade  major)  of  militia, 
mounted  the  rocks  on  the  right  of  the  battery,  and  carried  it. 
Captain  Wool  ordered  the  artillery-men  to  take  possession  of  the 
guns  and  turn  them  on  the  enemy  :  but  it  was  found  that  Lieut. 
Gansevoort  had  hastily  spiked  the  cannon.  The  remainder  of  the 
detachment  joined  those  who  carried  the  battery. 

Capt.  Wool  discovered  the  British  troops  forming  at  Queens- 
town,  and  formed  the  troops  under  his  command  in  line.  Gen. 
Brock  was  at  the  head  of  the  British  troops,  and  led  them  round 
about  to  the  heights  in  the  rear  of  the  battery,  Capt.  Wool  de- 
tached 160  men  to  meet  the  British  ;  this  detachment  was  driv- 
en back,  reinforced,  and  the  whole  driven  to  the  brink  of  the  pre- 
eipice  forming  the  bank  of  the  Niagara  river,  above  Queenstown. 

At  this  moment  some  of  the  officers  put  a  white  handkerchief 
on  a  bayonet  to  hoist  as  a  flag,  with  intention  to  surrender.  Capt. 
Wool  en(iuned  the  object.  It  was  answered  that  the  party  were 
nearly  without  ammunition,  and  that  it  was  useless  to  sacrifice 
the  lives  of  brave  men.  Capt.  Wool  tore  oflf  the  flag  ;  ordered 
the  officers  to  rally  the  men,  and  bring  them  to  the  charge.  The 
order  was  executed,  but  in  some  confusion.  The  boasted  49tli 
could  not  stand  the  American  bayonet.  The  British  troops  were 
routed  ;  and  Maj.  Gen.  Brock,  in  gallantly  exerting  himself  to 
rally  them,  w;is  struck  by  three  balls,  and  killed.  His  aid,  Col. 
M'Donald,  fell  mortally  wounded,  at  the  same  time. 


\\ 


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% 


1 


'A 


I 


t'*! 


• ;  .y 

i' 


*  Capt.  NVIion  wni  killetl  by  a  a^raoe  shut  when  pivparing;  to  embark. 

t  Brutlicr  to  Capt  Murrii  oi  the  U.S.  iiav) 

i  'I  lie  Uritiib  olfictri  tpeak  bishl;  oftkc  valor  ot  Ueat.  Kandolph. 


I.v'.    i 


64 


SKETCHES  OF 


in 


The  British  being  completely  driven  from  the  heights  about  ten 
o'clock,  the  line  was  re  formed,  and  flanking  parties  sent  out. 

After  this  brilliant  success,  reinforcements  continued  to  arrive 
under  Capt.  Gibson  of  the  light  artillery,  Capt.  Mackesney  of  the 
6th,  Capt.  Lawrence  of  the  13th  infantry  ;  and  of  Cols.  Allen, 
Mead,  Stranahan,  and  other  militia  officers. 

About  2  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  Brig.  Gen.  Wads  worth  of  militin^ 
Lieut.  Col.  Scott  of  artillery,  Lieut.  Col.  Christie  and  Maj.  Mullany 
crossed  the  river,  and  took  the  command  of  the  American  troops. 
Lieut.  Col.  Christie  ordered  Capt.  Wool  to  leave  the  field  and  have 
his  wounds  dressed.  He  obeyed,  crossed  the  river,  had  hig 
wounds  dressed,  and  re  crossed  to  the  Canadian  side,  but  acted 
DO  more  during  the  day. 

About  3  o'clock  a  party  of  Indians  appeared  in  the  direction  of 
the  village  of  Chippewa,  and  commenced  an  attack.  As  they 
approached  through  a  wood  and  orchard,  the  American  troops  not 
knowing  their  numbers,  at  first  gave  way.  Lieut.  Col.  Scott 
m-  de  great  exertions.  He  was  in  full  dress  ;  and  his  tall  stature 
rendered  him  a  conspicuous  mark.  Several  Indians  say  they  shot 
at  him  ;  but  he  remained  unhurt.  Lieut.  Col.  Christie  was  re* 
marked  for  his  perfect  composure  and  coolness.  The  Indiana 
were  soon  defeated  anxl  fled  to  the  woods,  leaving  several  dead, 
and  one  of  their  chiefs  a  prisoner. 

As  soon  as  this  engagement  was  over,  a  body  of  British  troops 
with  some  light  artillery,  approached  from  Fort  George.  Exer- 
tions were  made  by  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer*  to  send  over  the  mill- 
tia.  Two  thousand  of  them  remained  on  the  American  bank  ct 
the  river,  to  which  they  had  not  been  marched  in  any  order,  but 
had  ran  as  a  mob.  Not  one  of  them  would  cross.  The  numbci 
of  boats  were  at  first  insufficient  ;  some  of  those  had  been  lost  or 
destroyed,  and  only  three  or  four  were  left.  And  a  great  error 
had  been  committed  in  leaving  undisturbed  a  battery  below 
Queenstown,  which  enfiladed  the  ferry.  The  militia  had  seen 
the  wounded,  they  had  seen  the  Indians,  and  were  panic  strucli. 
There  were  wretches  who,  at  this  critic<)l  moment,  could  talk  ol| 
the  constitution,  and  the  right  of  the  militia  to  refuse  to  cross  tb^ 
line  !  j 

The  i'^merican  troops  had  been  scattered  in  pursuit  of  the  In 
dians,  and  were  somewhat  surprised.     They  lost  the  precious  time  | 
and  opportunity  of  attacking  the   British    as  they    ascended  the 
heights.       So  soon  as  the  British  force,    estimated  at  800  menJ 
was  formed  in  line,  flanked  by  some  pieces  of  light  artillery  and| 
Indians,  the  event  was  no  longer  doubtful. 

The  American  troops  formed  in  line  to  the  number  of  125  reg- 
ulars, and  117  militia,  with  one  piece  of  light  artillery.  This  lit- 
tle band  would  have  made  a  gallant  resistance  ;  but  at  that  nio-| 


•  The  Gciiti-al  at  one  tinn-  crostLtl  ihe  tiTcr,  but  lu-vtr  ascciidcil  tlit  laigliu. 


If 


THE  WAR. 


65 


ment  an  order  was  received  from  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  retreat 
with  an  assurance  that  boats  wouM  be  ready  to  receive  the  troops. 
They  retreated  in  disorder  down  the  hill  to  the  bank,  but  there 
were  no  boats  there.  The  Americans  then  surrendered.  383 
regulars  and  378  rniljtia  were  reported  prisoners,  62  of  the  regu- 
lars and  20  of  th>'  hd?  4ia  being  wounded. 

The  number  oi  either  killed  or  wounded  in  this  battle  has 
never  been  very  accurately  ascertained.  The  highest  estimate 
of  the  killed  is  80.  The  loss  of  the  British  in  killed  was  probably 
considerably  less. 

Our  whole  loss  may  be  estimated  at  1000  men.  And  the  de- 
sertion and  discharges  from  our  militia  corps  had  diminished  that 
force  one  thousand  more. 

Captain  Wool,  the  hero  of  the  heights  of  Queenstown,  was 
at  that  time  26  years  of  age.     He  has  since  been  promoted. 

List  of  officers  taken   prisoners  in  the  battle  of  Queenstovvn 

Lieut.  Cols.  Fen  wick,  Scott,  and  Christie;  Capt$.Ogilvie,Machesney 
and  Gibson;  Lieuts.  Turner, Clarke,  Bayley,  Kearney,  Randolph, 
M'Cartey,  Phelps,  Totten,  Carr,  Sammons,  Fink,  and  Hugin- 
nin,  and  Enssign  Reab.* 

Shortly  after  the  battle  of  Queenstovvn,  Gen.  Van.  Rensselaer 
resigned  the  command  of  the  army  to  Gen.  Alexander  Smyth, 
who  excited  high  expectations  in  many,  by  his  gasconading  proc- 
lamations ;  but  finally  disgraced  himself  by  a  series  of  measures 
of  an  indecisive,  peurile,  and  cowardly  character.  We  shall  not 
fatigue  our  readers  with  these  proclamations,  promises  of  attack 
upon  Canada,  repeated  embarkations  and  re-embarkations  of  the 
troops,  and  final  abandonment  of  the  threatened  expedition, 
nor  with  Gen.  Smyth's  long  and  awkward  apology  for  such 
abandonment,  but  select  from  this  mass  of  trash  and  disgrace  such 
incidents  as  may  develope  the  spirit  of  our  troops. 

On  the  21st  of  Nov.  the  British  batteries  at  and  near  fort 
George  opened  a  tremendous  fire  upon  fort  Niagara,  which  was  re- 
turned with  great  eiTect  ;  the  particulars  of  which  are  disclosed 
in  the  following  official  letter  of  Col.  M'Feeley  to  Gen.  Smyth  : 

Sir I  beg  leave  to  inform  you  that  on  the  morning  of  the 

2l8t  of  Nov.  at  6  oclock,  a  heavy  cannonading  opened  upon  this 
garrison  from  all  the  batteries  at  and  in  the  neighborhood  of  fort 
George,  which  lasted  without  intermission  until  after  sun-down. 
They  had  five  detached  batteries,  two  mounting  24  pounders,  one 
mounting  a  9,  and  two  mortar  batteries,  one  10  1-2,  the  other 
5  1-2  inch.  The  batteries  firing  hot  shot,  which  set  some  of  our 
buildings  on  fire,  but  from  the  extraordinary  vigilance  of  the  offi- 
cers and  men,  particularly  Maj.  Armistead  of  the  United  States' 


,/ 


if 


'4 


M 


■i.'I 


'K 


■•■v 


■-■IK 


4 


*  Cupu  Ciltim  :\M  y\athttney,  Lirni*  Totten  uid  lUodolpli  wer«  Hbi— latdy  e»iilwiiigi<. 


SKETCHES     OF 


'.r: 


corps  of  engineers,  whose  indefatigable  exertions  were  extended 
to  all  parts  of  the  garrison,  the  fires  were  got  under  without  being 
observed  by  the  enemy. 

Our  gairison  was  not  as  well  provided  with  artillery  and  am- 
munition as  I  could  have  wished ;  however  the  batteries  open- 
ed a  tremendous  fire  upon  them,  in  return,  with  hot  shot,  admir- 
ably well  diiected. 

Several  times  during  the  cannonading,  the  town  of  Newark 
was  in  flames,  but  was  extiuguished  by  their  engines....as  also 
the  centre  building  in  fort  George.  Their  me^s  house  and  all  the 
buildings  near  it  were  consumed.  Capt.  M'Keen  commanded  a 
12  pounder  in  the  S.  £.  block-house,  and  distinguished  himself  b} 
his  usual  gallantry  and  skill.  Capt.  Jacks,  of  the  7th  regiment 
militia  artillery,  commanded  a  6  pounder  on  the  N.  block  house, 
and  together  with  a  part  of  his  own  company,  though  placed  in  a 
situation  most  exposed  to  the  fire  cf  the  enemy,  maintained  their 
position  like  veterans.  .,.(< 

Lieut.  Rees,  of  the  3d  regiment  of  artillery,  had  the  command 
of  an  18  pounder  on  the  £.  E.  batter}',  which  was  pointed  at  the 
battery  en  barbette,  mounting  a  24  pounder,  and  also  at  fort 
George  ;  several  Well-directed  shot  were  made  from  this  gun, 
which  proved  the  skill  of  its  commander.  About  ten  o'clock 
Lieut.  Rees  had  his  left  shoulder  bruised  by  a  part  of  the  parapet 
falling  on  him  ;  which,  though  it  did  not  materially  injure  him, 
obliged  him  to  retire,  and  Capt.  Leonard  of  the  1st  regiment 
United  States'  artillery,  at  that  moment  arriving,  took  the 
command  of  this  battery  for  the  remainder  of  the  day.  Lieut. 
Wendel,  of  the  3d  regiment  of  artillery,  had  the  command  of  an 
18  and  4  pounders  on  the  W.  battery....and  Doct.  Hooper  of  Capt. 
Jack's  company  militia  artillery,  had  the  command  of  a  6  pound 
cr  on  the  mess-house.  Of  these  gentlemen  and  their  commands, 
I  cannot  speak  with  too  much  praise  ;  they  distinguished  them- 
selves highly,  and  from  their  shot,  all  of  which  was  hot,  the  town 
of  Newark  was  repeatedly  fired,  and  one  of  the  enemy's  batter- 
ies silenced  for  a  time. 

An  instance  of  extraordinary  bravery  in  a  female,  (the  wife  of 
one  Doyle,  a  private  of  the  U.  States'  artillery,  made  a  prisoner  at 
Queenstown)  I  cannot  pass  over.  During  the  most  tremendous  | 
cannonading  I  have  ever  seen,  she  attended  the  6  pounder  on  the 
old  mess-house  with  the  red  hot  shot,  and  shewed  fortitude  equnl- 
ing  the  maid  of  Orleans.  Lieuts.  Ganesvoort  and  Harris  of  the 
Ist  regiment  United  States'  artillery,  had  the  command  of  the 
Salt  battery  at  Youngstown,  mounting  one  18  and  a  4  pounder. 
These  two  guns  played  upon  the  garrison  of  fort  George,  and  die 
buildings  near  it :  from  evt  ry  ubstrvation  I  could  make  duiing 
their  fire,  1  am  happy  to  say  they  merited  my  warmest  thanks  for 
their  skill  in  the  service  of  these  guns.     Lieut.  Harri»i,  from  hi: 


THE  WAR. 


67 


4  pounder,  sunk  a  schooner  which  lay  at  their  wharf:  she  was 
«ne  of  those  taken  by  the  enemy  at  the  mouth  of  the  Genesee  riv- 
er a  short  time  since.  He  also  assiMted  in  burning  and  destroying 
the  buildings  near  the  wharf.  These  two  officers  and  their  men, 
ia  the  tvarmest  part  of  the  cannonading,  having  fired  away  all 
their  cartridges,  cut  up  their  flannel  waist-coats  and  shirts,  and 
the  soldiers  their  trowsers,  to  supply  their  gimp. 

I  cannot  say  too  much  in  praise  of  all  the  ot^ceis  and  soldiers 
•f  the  artillery  immediately  under  my  observation  ii)  this  garrison; 
they  merit  the  thanks  and  esteem  of  their  country  for  the  defence 
of  it,  and  I  believe  it  never  sustained  so  sharp  and  continued  a 
bombardment. 

The  enemy  threw  more  than  two  thousand  red  hot  balls  into 
it,  and  a  number  of  shell,  amounting  to  more  than  one  hundred 
and  eighty,  only  one  of  which  did  injury  to  our  men. 

Lieut.  Col.  Gray  commanded  the  artillery  ;  the  unremitting  at- 
tention  paid  to  his  duty,  proves  him  an  officer  whose  zeal  and 
science  do  honour  to  himself  and  country  ;  to  this  gentlemen  I 
feel  much  indebted  for  the  manner  he  acquitted  himself. 

To  the  officers  of  my  regiment,  (particularly  Capt.  Mulligan) 
and  the  soldiers  who  assisted  the  artillery,  and  those  employed 
in  extinguishing  the  fires,  and  carrying  off  the  killed  and  wound- 
ed, i  am  also  much  indebted  :  they  merit  my  warmest  thanks. 
To  Doct.  West  of  the  garrison,  Doct.  Hugan  of  the  14th  regi- 
ment United  States*  infantry,  and  Doct.  Craige  of  the  22d  regi- 
ment United  States*  infantry,  I  offer  my  thanks.  They  were 
employed  during  the  entire  day,  in  the  most  critical  duties  of  their 
profession.     Our  killed  and  wounded  amount  to  eleven. 

Killed Serjeants,  Jones,  1st  regiment  of  United  States'  artil- 
lery ;  Salisbury,  3d  do.  do.  do. :  privates,  Stewart,  22d  do.  United 
States'  infantry  ;  Lewis,  1st  do.  do.  artillery. 

Wounded Officers,  Lieut.  Thomas,    22d  regiment  of  United 

States'  infantry  :  privates,  Boman,  14th  do.  do.  ;  M'Evoy,  1st 
do.  do. ;  Campbell,  1st  do.  do. ;  Welsh,  1st  do.  do.:  Ray,  3d  do. 
do.  ;  Woodworth,  7th  do.  militia  artillery. 

From  the  numbers  we  saw  carried  offfronr  the  enemy's  batter- 
iv  1,  I  presume  many  more  were  killed  and  wounded  on  their  side. 

Only  two  of  the  above  men  were  killed  by  the  enemy's  shot, 
the  rest  by  the  bursting  of  a  12  pounder  in  the  S.  £.  block-house, 
and  by  the  spunges  of  the  guns  on  the  north  block  house,  and  at 
the  salt  battery.  GEO.  M'FEELEY,  Lieut.  Col. 

commanding  fort  Niagara. 

On  the  27th  November  Gen.  Smyth  ordered  the  enemy's  bat- 
teries opposite  Black  Rock  to  be  stormed,  as  a  precautionary 
measure  previous  to  the  crossing  of  the  army  into  Canada,  which 
was  to  take  place  agreeably  to  orders  the  next  day.     The  partic 


&: 


■ii 

■■A 


•I 


08 


SKETCHES  or 


'AH 


i!( 


ulars  of  this  affair  will  be  found  in  the  following  oflficial  letter  of 
Col.  Winder  to  Gen.  Smyth  : 

Black  Rock,  Dec.  7,  1812. 

Sir I  should  before  this  have  communicatt- d  the  circumstances 

relative  to  the  two  enterprises  of  the  night  of  the  28th,  had  not 
your  presence  enabled  you  at  once  to  learn  the  general  result,  so 
far  as  was  necessary,  to  predicate  other  movements  on  ;  and  had 
not  my  incessant  occupation  since  rendered  it  almost  impossible 
to  find  the  requisite  time.  I  deem  it,  however,  my  duty,  injus- 
tice to  the  gallant  officers  and  men  who  formed  a  part  of  that  ex- 
pt  dition,  to  present  to  you  such  particulars  as  I  have  obtained 
from  those  engaged  in  it,  and  which  have  been  confirmed  by  the 
prisoners  who  were  taken. 

Agreeably  to  your  order  of  the  27th,  Lieut.  Col.  Boersfler  em- 
barked with  about  200  of  the  4th  in  boats;  and  Capt.  King  of  the 
army,  and  Lieut.  Angus  of  the  navy,  embaiked  with  150  soldiers 
and  70  sailors,  in  ten  boats  ;  between  12  and  1  o'clock  of  the 
morning  of  the  28th.  The  embarkation  of  both  detachments  was 
made  with  exemplary  silence,  order  and  promptitude. 

The  detachment  of  Captain  King  having  to  ascend  the  river 
against  the  current,  to  arrive  at  the  point  of  attack,  I  directed 
bim  to  move  off  first,  so  that  the  detachment  under  Lieut.  Col. 
Boerstler  having  in  some  degree  the  advantage  of  the  current, 
each  party  might  arrive  as  nearly  as  possible  at  its  point  of  attack 
at  the  same  time. 

The   detachment  of  King  and  Angus  was  discovered  by  the 
centinels  some  time   before  it  landed,  and  was  assailed  by  a  dis- 
charge of  small  arms  from  the  centinels,  and  one  or  two  dis- 
cnarges  from  a  field  piece  at  the  Red  House.      Four  boats  out  of 
the  ten  nevertheless  resolutely  landed.      The  sailors  under  Lieut. 
Angus,  with  their  characteristic  impetuosity,  rushed  into  the  hot- 
test fire,  before  the  infantry   could  be  formed  after  landing,  and 
sustamed  considerable  injury.     Capt.  King,  however,  seconded  by 
Capts.  Morgan  and  Sprole,  formed  the  infantry,  which  did  land  as 
expeditiously  as  pos8ible....and  in  conjunction  with   Lieut.  Angus, 
volunteer  Swartwout,  and  the  brave  naval  officers,  soon  overcame 
all  resistance  there.       He  then  turned  to  tne  left,  and  proceeded 
to  storm  the  enemy's  lower  battery,  which  was  vigorously  assail- 
ed, and  soon  carried,  and  the  cannon  spiked.     He  then  proceeded 
to  the  next  battery  above,  which  theenemy,intheirtrepidation,  had 
by  this  time  abandoned..,.and  spiked  the  cannon  there  and  broke 
the  carriage.      In  the   mean    time  Lieut.  Angus  and  volunteer 
Swartwout,  and  their  party  of  sailors,  had  spiked  the  field  pieces  at 
the  Red  House,  and  had  thrown  them,  together  with  two  cais- 
sons, into  the    liver.... which  having  accomplished,  he  retired  to 
the  place  of  lauding,  where,  finding  only  four  boats,  and  being  .^- 


..^ 


TIIKWAR.  ii 

norant  that  the  others  had  not  landed,  and  seeing  nothing  of  the 
iiirantry,  he  concluded  that  either  they  had  b(  en  made  prisone rs, 
or  had  deserted  him  ;  and  in  consequence  immediately  embarked 
his  men  with  his  wounded  prisoner,  Lieut.  King  of  the  Royal  ar- 
tillery, and  returned  round  the  lower  end  of  Squaw  Island  again 
to  the  navy  yard.  In  consequence  of  this  unfortunate  mistake^ 
which  arose  from  the  lailure  of  ^ix  of  the  boats  to  make  their 
landing,  Capt.  King  with  Capts.  Sproie  and  Morgan,  and  about  60 
men,  were  left  on  the  other  shore. 

Lieut.  Col.  Boerstler  with  his  detachment  had  in  the  mean 
time  proceeded  down  the  river  to  attack  and  destroy  the  party 
stationed  at  Frenchman's  creek,  and  the  bridge  over  it. 

The  discovery  of  the  party  under  Capt.  King  and  Lieut.  Angus  at 
•0  early  a  period,  and  the  consequent  firing,  had  alarmed  the  ceiitin- 
elsaodpartynear  Frenchman'i!creek,and Lit  ut.Col.  Boerstler  imme- 
diately pushed  to  strike  the  shore  at  the  nearest  point,  which,  with 
a  want  of  the  knowledge  of  the  localities  of  the  place  and  the 
darkness  of  the  night,  occasioned  him  to  land  from  a  quarter  to 
half  a  mile  above  the  bridge.... not  without  having  received  the 
fire  of  the  centinels  and  a  small  party,  and  having  a  picket  guard 
of  iibout  thirty  men  of  the  49th  drawn  up  and  advancing  upon 
them  at  the  moment  of  landing.  Four  of  his  boats,  misled  by  the 
darkness  of  the  night,  or  the  inexperienced  rowers,  being  unable 
to  force  them  across  the  current,  fell  below  near  the  bridge,  and 
were  forced  to  retire  by  a  party  of  the  enemy  stationed  there. 

The  companies  of  Capts.  Montgomery  and  Lane,  and  a  part  of 
Sullivan's  company  under  Lieut.  Kearney,  however,  effected  their 
landing  with  Lieut.  Col.  Boerstler.  The  boat  in  which  Lieut.  Col. 
Boerstler  was,  with  Capt.  Lane  and  twenty  men,  first  reached  the 
shore.  These  were  formed  as  well,  and  as  quickly  as  possible,  and 
ordered  to  fire  on  the  enemy,  which  was  done  with  much  gal- 
lantry, but  not  without  some  confusion,  inseparable  from  dark- 
ness, in  the  face  of  an  enemy  ready  to  receive  them,  of  whose 
numbers  they  were  ignorant,  and  by  men  and  officers  for  the  first 
time  engaged  in  a  contest.  The  exertions  of  Lieut.  Col.  Boerst- 
ler to  keep  his  party  in  order,  threw  him  somewhat  in  advance, 
and  he  was  saved  from  the  bayonet  of  one  of  the  enemy  by  his 
presence  of  mind  and  promptitude  in  shooting  him  down  with 
bis  pistol.  An  encouraging  command  at  that  moment  brought 
the  bayonets  of  his  party  in  contact  with  those  of  the  enemy,  and 
they  fled  with  precipitation,  leaving  several  dead,  and  two  pris- 
oners. The  pursuit  was  pressed  to  the  bridge.  Several  of  the 
axes  were  in  the  boats  which  had  not  landed,  and  the  necessity 
of  encountering  the  enemy  at  the  moment  of  landing  occasioned 
those  that  were  in  the  boats  that  had  reached  the  shore,  to  be 
left.  A  party  however  was  detached  under  Lieut.  Waring,  to 
break  up  the  bridge  by  any  means  which  they  could  find  ;  and 
about  one  third  of  the  planks  were  actually  removed. 


/    1 

1 


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1: 


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\-> 


'  'a' 

il' 

1^' 

H''ii'  ! 

B'-l  .1 

ft  "^ 

ml  W' 

illi 

1^  SKETCHES  OK 

At  this  time  all  was  silent  with  the  parhes  under  Capt.  King 
and  Lieut.  Angiis....and  Lieut.  Col.  Boerstler  supposed  them  either 
repulsed  or  successful.  At  this  moment  Lieut.  Woodward,  com- 
manding the  boat  guard,  made  a  corporal  and  a  private  of  the 
49th,  prisoners,  and  learned  that  the  whole  force  from  fort  Erie 
were  coming  down  upon  them,  and  that  two  hundred  were  with- 
in a  few  minutes'  march  of  the  boats.  He  immediately  dispatch- 
ed a  messenger  to  inform  Lieut.  Col.  Boerstler,  who  formed  his 
party,  hastened  up  to  the  boats,  and  a  small  distance  above  the 
boats  discovered  a  considerable  party  of  the  enemy  formed..,. 
Lieut.  Col.  Boerstler,  by  a  feint  in  giving  the  title  of  field  officers 
to  captains,  and  battalions  to  companies,  in  loud  orders,  endeav- 
ored to  alarm  the  enemy  by  the  apprehension  of  being  out  num- 
bered, ordered  a  fire  and  then  a  charge....the  enemy  fled  without 
giving  a  chance  to  reach  him. 

The  order  being  not  to  attempt  to  hold  possession,  Lieut.  Col. 
Boerstier  deemed  it  advisable  to  embark  his  troops  to  return  ; 
judging,  as  has  since  been  ascertained,  that  the  whole  force  from 
fort  Erie  was  approaching. 

The  success  of  Capt.  King  and  Lieut.  Angus  had  led  the  ene- 
my to  suppose  that  a  large  force  had  landed  with  them,  and  in- 
stead, therefore,  of  coming  down  the  river,  they  passed  through 
th«  fields  between  the  batteries  and  the  woods,  and  came  into 
the  river  road  between  the  batteries  and  Frenchman's  creek; 
probably  without  knowing  that  Lieut.  Col.  Boerstler's  detachment 
had  landed  below.. ..and  -when  they  found  their  advance  dispersed 
by  what,  from  Lieut.  Col.  Boerstler's  feint,  they  had  supposed  a 
a  large  party,  they  again  turned  off  to  the  left  through  the  fields, 
passed  round  the  bridge,  and  concentrated  their  force  below. 

Had  Lieut.  Col.  Boerstler  known  that  the  party  of  Capt  King 
had  been  succesfiful,  a  junction  might  have  been  made,  and  every 
thing  accomplished.  But  he  was  justified  in  supposing  that  as 
the  enemy's  force  had  passed  down  by  the  point  of  Capt.  King's 
attack,  he  had  been  beaten  off  or  taken  ;  and  that  under  that  sup- 
position it  therefore -became  necessary  for  him  immediately  to  em- 
bark. 

Capt.  King  with  Morgan  and  Sprole,  after  accomplishing  their 
object,  and  finding  the  boats  gone,  proceeded  down  the  river ; 
and  near  Frenchman's  creek  found  two  of  the  enemy's  boats,  in 
which  Morgan  and  Sprole,  with  about  half  the  detachment,  and 
their  prisoners  embarked  about  day,  and  returned  to  our  shore.... 
Capt.  King  gallantly  refusing  to  leave  the  shore  unless  all  his  men 
Gould  accompany  him. 

Lieut.  Warring,  with  eight  men  employed  in  breaking  up  the 
bridge,  were  left,  notwithstanding  Lieut.  Col.  Boerstler,  in  the 
most  pointed  manner,  enquired  several  times  after  the  party  were 
-on  board,  and  before  they  put  off,  whether  every  one  was  on 


THE  WAR. 


71 


board.  It  was  too  dark  to  see,  and  he  was  left.  You  know  the 
manner  in  which  I  saved  him  the  next  morning  ;  and  of  the 
manner  in  which  my  attempt  to  land  with  the  14th  and  part  of 
the  23d  was  frustrated. 

I  cannot  close  this  communication,  without  expressing  my  high 
sense  of  tlie  cool,  intrepid,  and  collected  manner  in  which  Lieut. 
Col.  Boerstler,  and  the  otHcers  and  men  under  him,  conducted 
themselves  in  this  their  first  essay  in  practical  war,  under  circum- 
stances well  calculated  to  have  confused,  distracted,  and  intimi- 
dated veteran  soldiers. 

Captain  King  has  placed  his  gallantry  and  magnanimity  r:.  a 
conspicuous  point  of  view,  by  his  storming  the  enemy's  batteries, 
<tnd  refusing  to  desert  his  men. 

Lieut.  Angus  and  such  of  his  men  as  landed,  maintained  the 
high  character  of  American  tars.  He  was  unfortunately  and  ne- 
cessarily misled  by  the  absence  of  so  many  boats.. ..and  from  this 
cause  it  arose,  that  we  remained  ignorant  of  the  actual  state 
of  the  enemy *8  shore,  until  it  was  too  late  to  profit  by  it.  I  think 
however,  there  is  no  man  who  would  not  have  acted,  under  simi- 
lar circumiitances,  as  Lieut.  Angus  did. 

Lieut  Col.  Boerstler  has  shewn  by  this  night,  that  he  is  ade- 
quate to  command  in  very  trying  and  peiplexing  circumstances; 
and  Capt.  King  has  manifested  most  fully  his  character  for  gallant- 
ry and  courage. 

I  cannot  pretend  to  particularize  the  merits  of  others,  where  all 
who  landed  under  the  nspective  commands  of  these  gentlemen, 
conducted  themselves  in  the  handsomest  manner. 

I  am  with  great  respect,  sir,  your  obedient  servant. 
(Signed)  W.  H   WINDER, 

Brig.  Gen.  Alexander  Smyth,)  Col.  14th  Inf.  T.  S.  Army* 

Commanding  Centre  Army.  jT 

Geographical  description  of  the  Niagara  frontier The  vil- 
lage of  Buffalo  >s  situated  at  the  lower  end  of  lake  Erie,  between 
a  quarter  and  a  half  mile  back  from  the  margin  of  the  lake.  Fort 
Erie  is  nearly  opposite,  and  at  the  distance  of  between  two  and 
three  miles,  part  of  which  is  woods.  Immediately  below  this  the 
river  Niagara  forms  itself,  and  a  very  considerable  rapid  continues 
for  about  two  miles,  the  main  channel  being  on  the  British  side  of 
the  river.  Black  Rock  is  at  the  foot  of  these  rapids,  near  three 
miles  from  Buffalo  ;  here  the  river  is  about  half  a  mile  wide  :  a 
flat  bottomed  boat  or  scow  is  said  to  cross  in  two  nainutes.  The 
opposite  shore  makes  a  handsome  appearance,  the  buildings  being 
all  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  and  the  farms  appear  to  be  cleared 
back  about  half  a  mile. 

The  navy-yard  is  a  short  distance  below  Black  Rock,  covered 
from  the  enemy  by  Squaw  Island.      About  three  miles  below  this 


f  J 


■,i 


"M 


js 


72 


SKETCHES  or 


I  ti,  I 


.  m: 


M  ; 


h  the  head  of  Grand  IsUnd,  which  continups  for  twelve  mHe«, 
immediately  below  v.hich  is  a  small  island  called  Navy  IsIhikI. 
Schiosser,  a  place  so  called  from  the  old  French  fort  which  for- 
merly stood  there,  is  12  miles  from  Buffalo,  and  opposite  Chippe* 
wa,  a  small  village  and  creek  of  that  name  un  the  Canada  »ide, 
and  half  a  mile  below  the  point  of  Navy  Island.  The  river  it 
between  two  and  three  miles  wide ,  and  a  feriy  has  usually  been 
kept,  but  great  caution  has  to  be  used  by  the  ferry-men  to  keep 
clear  of  the  rapids  below,  which  are  so  conriderable  as  to  render 
navie;ation  impracticable.  This  is  also  a  landing  place  for  boats, 
and  all  kinds  of  merchandize  which  is  carried  round  the  falls. 

The  great  falls  of  Niagara  are  one  mile  below  Schlosser,  half  a 
wile  above  which  the  river  begins  to  descend  with  great  rapidity; 
its  bottom  is  very  rocky,  with  sundry  small  perpendicular  pitches; 
the  stream  is  divided  by  Goat  Island,  which  runs  down  to  the 
main  pitch.  This  pitch  is  t^aid  to  be  137  feet  perpendicular,  and  is 
in  a  circular  form. ...on  the  top  of  the  fall  the  river  is  about  three 
fourths  of  a  mile  in  width,  but  becomes  considerably  narrower  im- 
mediately below,  and  continues  a  very  wild  current,  from  a  quar- 
ter to  a  half  mile  in  width,to  Lewistown,a  distance  of  seven  miles; 
being  conaned  by  perpendicular  banks  of  about  200  feet  in  height, 
generally  covered  with  cedar. 

The  face  of  the  country  continues  perfectly  level  on  each  side 
as  far  as  Lewistown,  without  any  descent,  as  might  be  expected 
from  so  great  a  fall  in  the  river.  The  descent  from  fort  Schlosser 
to  Devil's  Hole,  or  Whirlpool,  a  distance  of  four  miles  including 
the  perpendicular  falls  and  rapids,  has,  agreeably  to  an  official  re- 
port made  to  Congress  in  April,  i808,  been  by  correct  measure* 
ment  ascertained  to  be  375  feet,  and  the  whole  fall  from  Lake 
Erie  to  Lake  Ontario  is  estimated  at  450  feet.  From  the  outlet 
of  Lake  Ontario,  which  forms  the  St.  Lawrence,  to  Montreal,  the 
descent  is  estimated  at  200  feet,  making  the  elevation  of  Lake 
Erie  above  the  surface  of  the  river  at  Montreal  650  feet. 

On  the  hill  above  Lewistown  a  delightful  prospect  presents  itself 

....a  commanding  view  of  the  adjacent  country.   Lake  Ontario, 

fort  Niagara,  at  a  distance  of  seven  mile  ;  Newark,  fort  George, 

Q,ueenstown,Lewi8town,&c.  From  Lewistown  the  river  continues 

about    half  a  mile  wide,    with  a  deep  but  moderate  current 

Fort  Niagara  is  i^ituated  on  a  delightful  plain,  its  walls  on  the 
very  margin  of  the  lake,  and  bank  of  the  river ;  Newark  is  situ- 
ated directly  opposite  the  fort,  immediately  above  which  stands 
fort  George.  Queenstown,  a  handsome  village,  is  on  the  oppo- 
site shore  from  Lewistown.  It  is  at  the  head  of  navigation  lor 
ships. 

Youngstown  is  one  mile  above  fort  Nia'!;ara,  on  the  river,  and 
lialf  a  mile  above  tort  George.      A   battery  was   here  erected, 


1,1'  ■ 

M 

m 


THE  WAR. 


n 


jiled  the  anie  battery,  mounting  one  18  nnd  a  4  pounder  :  this 
(battery  and  those  on  Niagara  fort,  owing  to  a  bend  in  the  river, 
iormed  a  cross  Are  on  fort  George  togrrat  advantage,  which  was 
[seventeen  times  set  in  flames  by  our  batteries  on  the  2iSt  Nov. 
I18I2. 


CHAPTER  V. 


^ 


'^■■ 


n 


'i 

il 


Massacre  at  fort  Dearborn Gallant  defence  efforts  Harrison 

and    Belle-xme Forsyth*s  expedition Defeat    of  the  en- 
emy  at  Ogdensburgh Observations    on  the  campaign   of 

1812. 

In  the  following  chapter  are  collected,  in  the  order  of  time, 
^uch  incidents  of  the  war  during  the  campaign  of  1812,  as  are 
inconnected  with  the  operations  of  the  armies.  Some  important 
lovements  of  the  north-western  army  under  Gen.  Harrison,  to- 
jivards  the  close  of  this  year,  remain  unspoken  of ;  but  as  the 
chief  operations  of  that  army  were  in  the  succeeding  campaign^ 
fhey  will  be  deferred  for  the  present. 

Massacre  at  fort  Dearbom....Gen.  Hull,  immediately  upon 
learning  of  the  fall  of  Mackana  was  sensible  that  fort  Dearborn,* 
^ould  not  be  maintained,  and  accordingly  gave  orders  for  its  evac- 
uation :  but  the  allies  of  the  enemy  had  assembled  in  season  to 
prevent  the  escape  of  the  garrison,  and  to  effect  their  devtruction. 
The  following  extract  of  a  letter  from  Capt.  HealJ,  the  then  com- 
manding officer  at  the  fort,  contains  a  relation  of  the  bloody  trans* 
Action  : 

"  On  the  9th  of  Aug.  I  received  orders  from  Gen.  Hull  to  evac* 

jiate  the  post,  and  proceed  with  my  command  to  Detroit  by  land, 

leaving  it  at  my  discretion  to  dispose  of  the  public  property  as  I 

Ihought  proper.     The  neighboring  Indians  got  the  information  as 

)arly  as  1  did,  and  came  in  from  all  quarters  in  order  to  receive 

the  goods  in  the  factory  store,  which  they  understood  were  to  be 

iiven  them.     On  the  I3ih,  Capt.  Wells,  of  fort  Wayne,  arrived 

nth  about  30  Miamies,  for  the  purpose  of  escorting  us  in,  by  the 

[equest  of  Gen.   Hull.     On  the  14th,   I  delivered  the  Indians  all 

[he  goods  in  the  factory  store,  and  a  considerable  quantity  of  pro> 

nsions  which   we  could  not  take  away    with  us.     The  surplus 

miis  nnd  ammunition  I  thought   proper  to  destroy,  fearing  they 

koiild  make  bad  use  of  it,  if  put  in  their  possession.    I  also  destroy. 

|d  nil  the  liquor  on  hand,  soon  after  they  began  to  collect.     The 

pliection  was  unusually  large  for  that  place,  but  they  conducted 

•  Sec  pnire  59. 

K 


^1 


i 


■■,'-.q 


M 


iyKKTCllkS    OV 


I 


witli  the  strictf'Rl  proprifty,  till  after  I  left  tlir  fort.     On  flu*  I  Sib 
at  {)  A.  M.   we  cominmced  our    march  ;    a  part  of  tin-  Mianiifjl 
well'  dotaclied  in  front,  the  rcmaindt  r  in  our  riar  :ij»  f{uard»,  un 
der  tilt' direction  of  Capt.   W'l'lh       The  Kituation  of  the  countr\| 
rcndori'd  it  necfRsary  fi)r  u«  io  Jmu  t!)e  beach,   A-ith  the  Ink**  on 
our  left,  and  a  high    xaiid  baiifc    ^     )•':  "ifi't,  at  about  100  yiirdJ 
distance.       We  had  prot«  eded   ,,  vmii  a  mile  and  a  half,  when  ill 
was  discovered  the  Indians  were  prfpartd  t    attack  U3  from  behind 
the  bank:  limmediately  marched  up  with  the  company  to  the  topcfl 
the  bank,  when  the  action  commenced  ;  after  firing  one  round,  wA 
charged,  and  the  Indians   gave  way  in  front,  and  joined  those  oJ 
our  Hanks.     lii  about  fifteen  minutis  they  got  possession  of  all  oi:tl 
horses,  provision  and  baggage  of  every  description,  and,   findinJ 
the  Miamies  did  not  assijit  us,  I  drew  oflTthe  few  men  I  had  lifij 
and  took  possession  of  a  small  elevation  in  the  open  prairie,  out  o;[ 
shot  of  the  bank  or  any  other  cover.     The  Indians  did  not  folioHi 
me,  but  assembled  in  a  body  on  the  top  of  the  bank,  and,   aftej 
some  consultation  among  themselves,    made  signs  for  nae  to  apl 
proach  them.     I  advanced  towards  them  alone,  and  was  met  b*l 
one  uf  the  Potawatamie  chiefs,  called  the  black  bird,  with  an  k\ 
terpretcr.      After  shaking  hands  he  requested  me  to  surrenderJ 
promising  to  spare  the  lives  of  all  the  prisoners.     On   a  few  mol 
ments  consideration,    I  concluded  it  would  be  most  prudent  tcl 
comply  witli  his  request^  although  I  did  not  put  entire  confidencti 
in  his  promise.      After  delivering  up  our  arms,  we  were  taktiT 
back  to  their  encampment  near  the  fort,  and  distributed  amoDo 
the  different  tribes.      The  next  morning  they  set  fire  to  the  fort] 
and  left  the  place,   taking  the  prisoners  with  them.     Their  nun 
her  of  warriors  was  between  four  and  five  hundred,  mostly  of  tbij 
Potawatamie  nation,   and  their  loss,  from  the  best  information ( 
could  get,  was  about  15.     Our  strength  was  54  regulars,  and 
militia,  out  of  which  26  regulars  and  all  the  militia  were  kilUdii 
the  action,  with  two  women  and   12  children.     Ensign  Georg 
Ronan  and  Doct.  Isaac  V.  Van  Voorhis,  of  my  company,   wit; 
Capt.  Wells  of  fort  Wayne,  are,  to  my  great  sorrow,  numbcreij 
among  the  dead.     Lieut.  Lina  T.  Helm,  with  25  noncommissioij 
ed  olTicers  and  privates,  and  II   women  and  children,  were  pm 
oners  when  we  separated.      Mrs.  Ilcald  and  myself  were  tafcd 
to  the  mouth  of  the  river  St.  Joseph,  and  being  both  badly  wouiidj 
cd,  were  permitted  to  veside  with  Mr.  Burnet,  an  Indian  tradtrl 
In  a  few  days  after  our  arrival  there,  the  Indians  all  went  olfti 
take  fort  Wayne,  and  in  tUeir  absence  I  engaged  a  Frenchman  tij 
take  us  to  Michillimackinac,  by  water,  where  I  gave  myself 
as  a  prisoner  of  war,  with  one  of  my  Serjeants.     The  commanJj 
ing  otTicer,  Capt.  Roberts,  offered  rre  every  assistance  in  his  po«j 
er,  to  render  our  situation  comfortable  while  we  remaintd  therJ 
and  to  enable  us  to  proceed  on  our  journey.  To  him  1  gave  my  p\ 


li  ■ 


TH8  WAR. 


role  of  honour,  and  reported  myi«lf  to  Col,  Proctor^  who  gave  ui 
a  pa«8»tne  to  Buffalo." 

Drfffnce  of  fort  Harrison On  the  3d  September,  1812,  fort 

Harrinnii  waa  invested  by  the  InriianR  ;  but  the  garrinon,  under 
Capt  Taylor,  made  a  mo?t  gallant  re?ijitance.  The  pnrticul'irs 
will  be  f>iund  in  the  following  extract  of  a  letter  from  Capt.  Tay- 
lor to  (jov.  Harrison  : 

"On  Tuesday  evening  the  3d  init.  after  retreat  beating,  four 
juns  were  heard  to  fire  in  the  direction  vvIkti;  two  young  men 
(citizens  who  resided  here)  were  making  hay,  about  4C0yardiJ  dis- 
tant from  the  fort  I  was  immediately  impressed  with  an  idea, 
that  they  were  killed  by  the  Indiaiis,  as  I  had  that  day  been  in- 
formed that  the  prophtt's  party  would  soon  be  here  for  the  pur- 
pose of  commencing  hostilities.  Prudence  induced  me  to  wait  un- 
til 8  o^clock  the  ntxt  morning,  when  I  sent  a  corporal  with  a 
small  party  to  find  them,  which  he  ►oon  did  :  they  had  been  each 
shot  with  two  ball.o,  and  fcalped  and  cut  in  the  most  shocking 
manner.  I  had  them  brought  in  and  buried.  In  the  evening  of 
the  4th  inst.  old  Jos(  ph  Lenar,  and  between  30  and  40  Indians 
arrived  frotn  the  Prophet's  Town,  with  a  white  flag;  among 
whom  were  about  ten  women,  and  the  men  were  composed  of 
the  different  tribes  that  compose  the  Prophet's  party.  A  Shawa- 
noe  man,  that  spoke  good  English,  informed  me  that  old  Lenar 
intended  to  speak  to  me  next  morning,  and  try  to  get  something 
to  tat.  At  retreat  beating  I  examined  the  men's  arms  and  found 
them  all  in  good  order,  and  completed  tlieir  cartridges  to  16 
rounds  per  man.  As  1  had  not  been  able  to  mount  a  guard  of 
more  than  six  privates  and  two  non-commissioned  ollicers,  for  some 
time  past,  and  sometimes  only  a  part  of  them  every  other  diiy, 
from  the  unhealthiness  of  the  company  ;  1  had  not  conceived  my 
force  adequate  for  the  defence  of  this  post,  should  it  be  vigorously 
attacked.  1  had  just  recovered  from  a  very  severe  attack  of  the 
fever,  and  was  not  able  to  be  up  much  through  the  night.  After 
tatoo  I  cautioned  the  guard  to  be  vigilant,  and  ordered  one  of  the 
non-commissioned  oflicers,  as  the  centinels  could  not  see  every 
part  of  the  garrison,  to  walk  around  on  the  inside  during  the 
whole  night,  to  prevent  the  Indians  taking  any  advantage  of  us, 
provided  they  had  any  intention  of  attacking  us.  About  11  o'clock 
I  was  awakened  by  the  firing  of  one  of  the  centinels  ;  I  sprung 
up  ran  out,  and  ordered  the  men  to  their  posts  ;  when  my  order- 
ly sergeant  (who  had  charge  of  the  upper  block  house)  called  out 
that  the  Indians  had  fired  the  lower  block  house  (which  contained 
the  property  of  the  contractor,  which  was  deposited  in  the  lower 
part,  the  upper  post  having  been  assigned  to  a  corporal  and  ten 
privates  as  an  alarm  post).  The  guns  had  begun  to  fire  pretty 
smartly  from  both  sides.  I  directed  the  buckets  to  be  got  ready 
iad  water  brought  from  the  well,  and  the  fire  extinguished  im 


i: 


ii 


K  ir 


"r 


^^■i 


■A 


,..<■ 


■■■M 


70 


SKETCHES  OF 


fl, 


n 

Hi 


mediately,  as  it  was  hardly  preceivable  at  'hat  time  ;  but  from  ac 
bility  or  some  other  cause,  the  men  were  very  slow  in  expcuiiiiw 

my  orders the  word^re  appeared  to  throw  the  whole  of  thtm 

into  confusion  ;  and  by  the  time  they  had  got  the  water  and  broken 
open  the  door,  the  fire  had  unfortunately  commutucated  to  a 
quantity  of  whisky  (the  stock  having  leaked  several  holes  through 
the  lower  part  of  the  building,  after  the  salt  that  was  stored  there, 
through  which  they  had  introduced  the  fire  without  being  discc 
ered,  as  the  night  was  very  dark,)  and  in  spite  of  every  exeitioD 
we  could  make  use  of,  in  less  than  a  moment  it  ascended  to  the 
roof,  and  baiHed  all  our  efforts  to  extinguish  it.  As  that  block 
house  adjoined  the  barracks  that  make  part  of  the  fortifications, 
mnst  of  the  men  immediately  gave  themselves  up  for  lost,  and  I 
had  the  greatest   difficulty  iu  getting  any  of  my  orders  executed 

and,  sir,  from  the  raging  of  the  fire;  the  yelling  and  howling 

of  8ever-!l  hundred  Indians  ;  the  cries  of  nine  women  and  chil- 
dren (a  part  soldiers' and  a  part  citizens'  wives,  who  had  taken  shel* 
ter  in  the  fort)  ;  and  the  desponding  of  so  many  of  the  men, 
which  was  worse  than  all ;    1  can  assure  you  that  my   feelings 

were  very  unpleasant and  indeed  there  were  not  more  than  10 

or  15  men  able  to  do  a  great  deal,  the  others  being  either  sick  or 
convalescent  ;  and  to  add  to  our  oth?r  misfortunes,  two  of  the 
stoutest  men  in  the  fort,  and  whom  f  had  every  confidence  in, 
jumped  the  picket  and  left  us.  But  my  presence  of  mind  did  not 
for  a  moment  forsake  me.  I  saw,  by  throwing  off  part  of  the 
roof  that  joined  the  block  house  that  was  on  fire,  and  keeping  the 
end  perfectly  wet,  the  whole  row  of  buildings  might  be  saved, 
and  leave  only  an  entrance  of  18  or  20  feet  for  the  Indians  to  en- 
ter, after  .Se  house  was  consumed;  and  that  a  temporary  breast- 
work might  be  erected   to  prevent  their  even  entering  there T 

convinced  the  men  that  this  could  be  accomplished,  and  it  appear- 
ed to  inspire  them  with   new  life,   and  never  did  men   act  with 
more  tirnnesa  and  desperation.     Those  that  were  able  (while  the 
others  kept  up  a  constant  fire  from  the  other  block  house  and  the 
two  bastions)  mounted  the  roofs  of  the  houses,  with  Doct.  Clark 
at  their  head,  who  acted  with  the  greatest  firmness  and  presence 
of  mind,  the  whole  time  the  attack  lasted,  which  was  seven  hours, 
under  a  shower  of  bullets,  and  in  a  moment  threw  off  as  much  of 
the  roof  as  was  necessary.     This  was  done  only  with  the  loss  of 
one  man  and  two  wounded,  and  I  am   in  hopes  neither  of  thena 
dangerously.  The  man  that  was  killed  was  a  little  deranged,  and 
did  not  get  off  the    house   as  soon  as   directed,  or  he  would  not 
have  been  hurt  ;    and  although  the  barracks  were  several  times 
in  a  blaze,  and  au  immense  quantity  of  fire  against  them,  the 
men  used  such  exertions  that  they  kept  it  under,  and  before  doy 
raised  a  temporary  breast-work  as  high  as  a  man's  head,  although 
the  Indians  continued  to  pour  in  a  heavy  fire  of  ball,  and  an  innu- 


merable q 

ed,  I  had 

life  by  bei 

bastions, 

rades  that 

in  an  instt 

the  picket: 

the  gate,  b 

it  to  be  a 

the  voice.. 

to  be,  to  s 

fired  at  hir 

they  knew 

close  to  th 

there,  and 

a  most  shot 

and  which 

probable  ths 

130  yards  f 

keeping  up 

ing,   which 

removed  ou 

up  the  horse 

not  catch  th 

as  well  as  a 

the  cattle  w 

lie  oxen. 

made  by  the 

ets  which  I  , 

whole   of  on 

corn  until  w 

long.     1  beli 

the  Prophet'i 

which  reseni 

was  there  lil 

numerous  as 

Defence  i 
garrison  at  i 
near  St.  Loui 
M  one  of  the 
sippi.  The 
that  complete 
a  fiijv  paces  < 
iVom  ,vhich  t 
burning  timb« 
Slant  sheet  of 


Qi 


THE  WAR. 


77 


of  the 
nee  in, 
did  not 
t  of  the 
ling  the 
saved, 
Is  to  en- 
breast- 

lere I 

jappear- 

It  with 

lile  the 

Lnd  the 

Clark 

Iresencc 

hours, 

luch  of 

loss  ol 

thorn 

id,  and 

lid  not 

times 

I,   the 

re  dcy 

[hough 

innu- 


merable quantity  of  arrows  during  the  whole  time  the  attack  last- 
ed, I  had  but  one  other  man  killed  inside  the  fort,  and  he  lost  his 

life  by  being  too  anxious he  got  into  one  of  the  gallies  of  the 

ba8tion8,  and  fired  over  the  pickets,  and  called  out  to  his  com* 
rades  that  he  had  killed  an  Indian,  and  neglecting  to  stoop  down^ 
in  an  instant  he  was  shot  dead.  One  of  the  men  that  jumped 
the  pickets,  returned  an  hour  before  day,  and  running  up  towaids 
the  gate,  begped  for  God's  sake  that  it  might  be  opened.  I  tiUMpected 
it  to  be  a  stratagem  of  the  Indians  to  get  in,  as  1  did  not  recollect 

the  voice I  directed  the  men  in  the  bastion,  where  1  happened 

to  be,  to  shoot  him  let  him  be  who  he  would,  and  one  of  them 
fired  at  him, but  fortunately  he  ran  up  to  the  other  bastion,  where 
they  knew  his  voice,  and  Doct.  Clark  directed  him  to  lie  down 
close  to  the  pickets  behind  an  empty  barrel  that  happened  to  be 
there,  and  at  day  light  I  had  him  let  in.  His  arm  was  broken  io 
a  most  shocking  manner,  which  he  says  was  done  by  the  Indians, 
and  which  I  suppose  was  the  cause  of  his  returning.  I  think  it 
probable  that  he  will  not  recover.  The  other,  they  caught  about 
130  yards  from  the  garrison,  and  cut  him  all  to  pieces.  After 
keeping  up  a  constant  tire  until  about  sy.  o'clock  the  next  morn- 
ing, which  we  returned  with  some  effect  ;  at  day-light,  they 
removed  out  of  the  reach  of  our  guns.  A  party  of  them  drove 
up  the  horses  that  belonged  to  the  citizens  here,  and  as  they  could 
not  catch  them  very  readily,  shot  the  whole  of  them  in  our  sight, 
as  well  as  a  number  of  their  hogs.  They  drove  off  the  whole  of 
the  cattle  which  amounted  to  sixty-five  head,  as  well  as  the  pub- 
lic oxen.  I  had  the  vacany  filled  up  before  night,  (which  was 
made  by  the  burning  of  the  block  house)  with  a  strong  row  of  pick- 
ets which  i  got  by  pulling  down  the  guard  house.  We  lost  the 
whole  of  our  provisions,  but  must  make  out  to  live  upon  green 
corn  until  we  can  get  a  supply,  which  [  am  in  hopes  wiji  not  be 
long.  1  believe  the  whole  of  thf  Miamies  or  Weas  were  among 
the  Prophet's  party,  as  one  chief  gave  his  orders  in  that  language, 
which  resembled  Stone  Eater's  voice,  and  I  believe  Negro  Lf  gs 
was  there  likewise.  The  Indians  suffered  severely,  but  were  so 
numerous  as  to  take  off  all  that  were  shot." 

Offence  of  fort  Bellevue On  the  5th  September,  1812,  the 

garrison  at  iort  fielle-vue,  an  American  post  on  the  Missisi^ippi, 
near  St.  Louis,  was  attacked  by  upwards  of  200  Winabagoes.  It 
H  one  of  the  most  ineligible  positions  for  defence  upon  the  Missis- 
sippi. The  parade  ground  is  within  musket  shot  of  an  eminence: 
that  completely  commands  the  fort,  and  is  surrounded  to  within 
a  fe  A'  paces  of  the  pickets  and  block-hcises,  by  hollows  or  chasms, 
I'rorD  <vhich  the  Indians  threw  upwards  of  five  hundred  pieces  of 
burning  timber  on  the  roofs  of  che  block  houses,  and  emitted  a  con- 
stant sheet  of  fire  onevery  side,  from^uns,  fiery  arrows  and  brands,. 


VP 


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.SKETCHES  OF 


which  aiforded  the  garrison  little  opportunity  of  annoying  theH), 
except  such  as  had  the  impudence  to  peep  over  the  banks.  To 
counteract  the  effects  of  the  fiie-brands  and  arrows  with  matches, 
which  were  thrown  upon  the  block  houses,  surringes  were  made 
of  gun  barrels  and  the  roofs  kept  wet :  by  these  means  all  the  at- 
tempts of  the  Indians  to  fire  the  block-houses  were  defeated. 
They  however  continued  to  invest  the  fort  for  several  days,  wait- 
ing a  favourable  wind  to  set  fire  to  a  factory  near  the  garrison, 
hoping  thereby  to  effect  their  object.  But  Lieut.  Hamilton  antici- 
pated their  designs,  and  took  a  favorable  opportunity  to  fire  the 
factory  when  it  would  not  endanger  the  garrison. 

The  Indians,  being  thus  baffled  in  all  their  attempts  to  fire  the 
works,  withdrew  from  the  fort  on  the  9th.  No  lives  were  lost  at 
the  garrison,  and  but  one  wounded.  The  Indians  had  many  kill 
ed,  as  they  were  seen  to  fall  from  the  garrison.  Lieuts.  Hamilton 
and  Vasques  did  themselves  great  honour  in  so  ably  defending 
this  fort. 

Forsyth^s expedition...,On  thp20th  Sept. Capt. Forsyth, with  70of 
his  rifle  company,  and  34  militia  men, embarked  on  board  a  num- 
ber of  boats,  at  Cape  Vincent,  and  went  over  to  a  small  vilUge 
called  Gananoquc,  in  the  town  of  Leeds,  for  the  purpose  ot  de- 
stroying the  king's  store-house  at  that  place.  They  landed  unob- 
served, a  f.hort  distance  from  the  village,  a  little  before  sunrise 
on  the  morning  of  the  yjst,  but  were  soon  after  discovered  and 
fired  upon  by  a  party  of  the  British,  consisting  of  about  125  regu- 
lars and  militia.  The  Americans  returned  the  fire  with  so  much 
effect,  that  the  British  retreated  in  disorder,  and  were  pursued  to 
the  village,  where  they  again  rallied,  but  soon  finding  the  eonttst 
too  warm  for  them,  they  fled  over  a  bridge  and  made  their  es- 
ctipe,  leavin:^  behind  ten  of  thi'ir  number  killed,  (bcsicle*  several 
who  were  se<;n  to  M\  into  the  stream  as  they  were  fired  upon 
when  passing  the  bridge)  and  8  regulars  and  a  number  of  miliiia 
privsoners.  Capt  Forsyth  hid  only  one  man  killed  and  one  slight- 
ly wounded The  number  of  wounded  on  the  part  of  th«  eneniy> 

was  not  ascertained.  Tlie  militia  prisoners  were  discharged  on 
parole.  Capt.  Forsyth  ;>.nd  his  party,  with  8  prisoners  and  (JO 
stands  of  arms,  two  barrels  of  fixed  ammunition,  one  barrel  of 
powder,  one  barrel  of  Hints,  and  some  other  articles  of  public  prop- 
erty, which  they  h.jd  taken  from  the  enemy,  then  returned  to  Cape 
Vincent  ;  not  however,  till  they  had  set  fire  to  his  majesty's  .vtorc- 
house,  which  was  consumed,  tog»ilher  with  a  quantity  of  floui 
and  pork. 


Defeat   of  the    enemy   at  Ogdensburir On   the   fourth  ot 

October     the     British     made    an    attack     upon    the    village    o! 
Ojudensburg.      The  Friday  and  Saturday  prtcedin^r,  thry  cannon 
aded  the  town  for  several  hours  each  day,  from  the  fort  at    Pre? 
cot  I  and  on  Sunday,  having  prepared  40  boats,  with  from  10  to 


THE   WAR.  IP 

15  armed  men  in  each,  and  eix  pieces  of  artillery,  they  advanced 
to  storm  the  town.  When  tli<  y  advanced  within  a  short  dis- 
tance, the  American  troops,  nnder  Gen.  Brown,*  commenci'd  a 
warm  fire  upon  them,  which  continued,  on  both  sides,  for  about 
two  hours,  at  wliich  time  the  British,  having  two  of  their  boats 
so  knocked  to  pieces  as  to  render  it  necessary  to  abandon  tht- m, 
and  one  taken,  on  board  of  wliich  was  six  i.ien,  were  compelled 
to  relinquish  the  unproftt«bk  rontest,  and  fled  pricipitately  to  Pres- 
cot.  No  damage  was  )i«>«taii)«-d  on  our  tiik-^  i*xcept  the  injury  of 
some  bufldings  by  theii  c<tnnonad  ng, 

Observatiome  on  the  canif^ign  of   1812 The   army  of  th(.' 

ir»ited  Stat^P,  upon  the  declaration  of  war,  consisted  of  eleven 
reginaents,  of  the  old  peace  e»t»blishment.  We  arc  not  precise- 
ly informed  how  full  tht-se  regiments  wt-rf,  but  believ*'  they  ought 
not  to  be  estimated  at  more  than  five  hundred  men  <'ach. 

In  1811,  congress  passed  an  act  for  raising  te!)  additional  regi- 
ments of  2000  men  each,  to  be  enlisted  for  five  years.  By  subse- 
quent acts,  however,  these  regiments  were  divided  into  twenty, 
to  con.sist  of  1000  men  tach,  and  enlistments  authorized  for  eigh- 
teen months.  Little  progress  had  been  made  in  enlistments  for 
the  new  regiments,  at  the  time  of  the  declaration  of  war.  It  was, 
however,  immediately  undertaken,  and  with  considerable  success  ; 
but  it  could  hardly  be  expected  to  add  much  to  the  real  iorce  of 
this  campaign. 

In  addition  to  this  force,  congress  had  put  at  the  controul  of  the 
presidtn*,  upon  the  hdpp<  ning  ol  either  of  the  exigencies  pointrd 
out  in  the  constitution,  100,000  militia,  apportioned  among  thj 
several  states  as  stattd,  p.  12  ;  and  also  authoriz*  d  him  to  accept 
the  st-rvices  of  such  vohinlnr  companies  as  rnip;ht  tender  their 
services,  not  exceeding  50,000  men.  Such  portion  of  this  force 
as  was  in  actual  service,  was  divide  d  iistv)  tliree  armies,  e:s!I  d 
the  north-wi  stern,  centre,  and  northern.  The  fir.vt,  under  the 
inimedinte  command  of  (Jen.  Hull,  ri.i.si'ii '*  of '.*;cyt  500  reg)i- 
lars,  and  2000  inilitia  from  the  state  of  O  •  •,  tnd  V.  "  lenil  )ry  of 
Michigan.  This  ariry  eomnienced  r'^bnsive  o|  . jaiions  in  Up- 
per Canada,  opposite  Detioit,  as  eaily  ms  the  12tb  of  July;  but 
I'.iially  retreated  to  Drtroit,  and  siiris-ixi',  -ed  Aug.  KM!'.  The 
second,  under  the  immediate  comniaiid,  t'rs.  of  Gen.  \'nu  llenssc- 
laer  of  the  New-  York  militia,  and  after  ards  of  Gen.  Smyth,  con- 
sisted of  near  2000  regulars,  and  3000  New  York  militia.  This 
army  was  distributed  along  the  Niagara  .iver,  from  fort  Niagara 
to  Buffalo.  The  third,  under  the  immedi>ite  comniuiQ,  first  of 
(len.  Bloomfield,  and  afterwards  of  Gen.  Dearb' »;  .  consisted  of 
about  ,'SOOO  men,  regulars,  and  \'ermoni  and  Niw  \ork  militia. 
Thiu  army  was  not  actively  employed  (Iniiiig  the  car  "i-ign. 


''M 


'■iM 


•At  ll  »t  linn- o!' llii-  X'W  T^Knilit;*. 


f"*' 


80 


SKETCHES  09 


The  following  is  a  list  of  the  general  officers  of  the  United 
States*  army  for  the  year  1812  : 

Major  General8....Henry  Dearborn  and  Thomas  Pinckney. 

Brigadier  General8....Jame8  Wilkinson,  Wade  Hampton,  James 
Winchester,  William  Hull,  John  Chandler,  Joseph  Bloomfield, 
Thomas  Flournoy,  John  Aru'^strong,  William  H.  Harrison,  and 
Jfphn  P.  Boyd. 

Q,uarter-Ma8ter-Genera]....Morgan  Lewis. 

Adjutant  General....Thoma8  Gushing. 

Inspector  Genfral....Alexander  Smyth. 

To  forr.^  a  just  estimate  of  the  merits  of  the  American  armies 
for  the  campaign  of  1812  is  indeed  a  difficult  task.  We  ought 
to  reflect  that  the  nation  had  been  in  profound  peace  for  four  and 
twenty  years,  and  that  consequently  the  art  of  war  had  been  al- 
most wholly  lost.  We  had  not  remaining  any  officers  of  experi* 
ence  to  conduct  our  armies,  and-  not  a  single  company  that  had 
seen  service.  In  addition  to  thif,  the  whole  system  for  the  re- 
cruiting, feeding,  clothing,  and  maintaing  an  army,  was,  as  it 
■were,  to  be  created.  Many  of  the  necessary  munitions  of  war 
were  to  be  provided.  Platoon,  staff,  and  many  of  the  general 
officers  were  to  be  selected  from  the  body  of  the  American 
people,  upon  conjecture  merely  as  to  their  merits.  It  was  there- 
fore  to  be  expected,  that  many  of  them  would  be  found  incompe* 
tent,  and  undeserving.  The  campaign  has  therefore  proved,  that 
our  generals  needed,  at  least,  experience,  and  our  officers  and 
soldiers  discipline.  It  was  indeed  disastrous,  but  it  was  not  with- 
out its  consolations.  The  great  body  of  the  army  was  found  to 
be  brave  to  a  fault  ;  and  many  officers  gave  earnest  of  their  fu- 
ture glory.  A  Miller,  a  Snelling,  a  Van  Rensselaer,  a  Scott,  a 
Christie,  a  Wadsworth,  and  a  Wool  have  done  immortal  honour 
to  themselves  and  country ;  and  Maguago  and  Uueenstown  will 
be  lasting  monuments  of  their  fame. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Naval  operations  on  lakes  Ontario  and  Erie.,..Mtack  on  Sacket's 

Hnrbour,...Thf'  Julia Capt.  Chauncey....His  cruize. ...Batth  in 

Kingston  harbour Capture  of  the  Detroit  and  Caledonia 

Biography  of  Capt,  Elliot, 

The  reader  will  no  doubt  rejoice  with  us,  that  we  have  at 
length  passL'd  the  most  bairt^n  and  uninteresting  part  of  tlie  cam- 
paiiri),  and  have  arrived  af  d  field  of  incidents  and  achifvemtfnts 
most  intercating  in  the mst.' Ives,  and  honourable  to  our  country....' 


'SilE  WAH* 


81 


acJiievemcnls  that  have  filled  our  enemy,  the  world,  and  even  our- 
selves with  astonishment  and  admiration.  But  we  will  not  de- 
tain our  readers  upon  achievements  that  need  onlj'  be  faithlully 
related  to  be  duly  appreciated. 

Operations  on  lake  Ontario When    war  was   declared  the 

American  f  rce  upon  lake  Ontario  consisted  only  of  the  Oneida  of 
16  guns,  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Woolsey.  The  British  had 
been  for  a  considerable  time  previous  actively  employed  in  equip- 
ping vessels  of  war  on  that  lake.  Their  force  C(^nsi8ted  of  five 
tail,  viz.  the  Royal  George,  of  !22  guns,  the  Piince  Regent,  of  16, 
the  Eail  Mr.ira,  of  12,  the  Seneca,  of  8  and  the  other  unkown. 
On  the  1 9th  July  Lieut.  Woolse),  of  the  Oneida,  lying  in  Sackets' 
Harbour,  discovered  from  the  mast-head  of  his  brig,  the  whole 
British  force  about  five  leagues  distance,  beating  up  for  the  Har- 
boui  with  the  wind  ahead.  The  troops  were  immed  ately  called 
to  arms,  and  expresses  sent  to  call  in  the  neighboring  detach- 
ments and  volunteers,  who  arrival  in  the  course  of  the  day,  to  the 
amount  of  nearly  3000.  Soon  aft^  r  sunrise,  the  Prince  Kegent 
brought  to  and  captured  the  custom  boat,  about  seven  miles  trom 
the  harbour,  on  her  return  from  Gravelly  Point.  The  boat's  crew 
were  liberated  and  set  on  shore,  with  a  message  to  Col.  Bellenger, 
the  commandant  at  the  harbour,  demanding  the  surrender  of  the 
Oneida,  and  the  late  British  schooner  Nelson,  siez'-d  for  a  breach 
of  the  revenue  laws,  and  fitting  for  a  privateer  ;  and  declaring, 
that  in  case  of  a  refusal  to  surrender  tiie  vessels  the  squadron 
would  burn  the  village,  or  lay  the  inhabitants  under  contribution. 
Soon  after  this,  Capt.  Woolsey  left  the  harbour  in  the  Oneida,  and 
ran  down  within  a  league  of  the  squadron  ;  when  he  returned  and 
moored  his  vessel  on  a  line  with  a  battery,  with  springs  on  his 
cables.  Capt.  Woolsey  being  tlie  most  experienced  engineer  pres- 
ent, left  the  Oneida  under  the  command  of  a  Lieutenant,  and  went 
on  shore  and  took  the  commant'  of  a  S2  pounder  on  the  battery, 
the  ot'  <  r  guns  of  which  consiste<i  of  nine  pounders. 

B^  ihis  time  the  enemy  had  arrived  w  .thin  gunshot,  the  Royal 
George,  as  flag  ship,  ahead,  and  firing  was  commenced  from  the 
32  pounder.  This  >vas  returned  by  the  squadmn,  which  stood  (^ff 
and  on. ...and  a  brisk  cannorading  was  reciprocally  continued  for 
more  than  two  hours,  all  our  guns  being  well  manned  and  served 
....and  it  was  plainly  discovered  that  the  Royal  George  and  Prince 
Regent  were  much  injured.  At  this  time,  as  the  flng  ship  w  as 
wearing  to  give  anoth**r  broadside,  a  ball  from  the  32  pounder  was 
seen  to  strike  her  and  rake  her  completely  ;  after  which  tlie  squad- 
ron fi»-'?d  but  a  few  guns  and  bore  awny  for  Kingston,  not  a  man 
being  hurt  on  our  side. 

The  action   was  maintain«?d  within  point  blank  shot.     Most  of 
the  ene  ny's  balls  struck  dv2  rocks  below  the  battery,  and  one  32 


^^'1 

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SKETCHES  OP 


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1.  V 


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pound  sliot  was  piclced  up  by  our  citizens,  it  having  lodged  near 
tile  brcatit  worlt. 

The  Julia On  tlie  31pt  of  July,  !lie  sclionner  Julia,  /late  the 

Loid  Ni'Ison)  ot  about  60  tons,  carrying;  three  guns,  one  a  32 
poiuider,  and  40  men,  was  put  under  the  command  ofCwpt  Dick- 
son, and  dryp.itchtd  to  Ogdensburgh,  to  convoy  seven  schooners 
to  Sackcts'  Harbour.  As  «he  arrived  at  the  narrows,  about  elev- 
en miles  from  Ogdensburg,  she  anchored  and  hailed  a  >ntiacK, 
with  six  men  on  board.  They  gave  no  answer,  but  pulled  '>ft'...,. 
The  Julia  *ired  a  shot  ahead  of  Ihem,  but  they  continued  their 
course.  Capt.  Dickson  ordered  his  crew  to  fire  on  them  ;  and  so 
eflVctually  was  his  order  executed,  that  four  were  killed,  and  two 
leaped  from  the  smack  and  swam  ashore. 

The  KatI  Moria  and  Duke  of  Gloucester,  then  lying  at  Eliza- 
bethtown,  came  out,  and  after  firing  a  broadside  at  the  Julia, 
which  did  no  injury,  for  some  unknown  reason,  retreated  under 
the  fort.  Capt.  Dickson  pursued  ♦lie.m,  and  fired  his  32  pounder 
about  one  hundred  tinus,  with  ,',reat  effect.  Screeches  were  dis- 
tinctly heard  on  board  the  enemy,  and  the  splinters  were  seen  to  fly 
mast  high  almost  every  shot. 

Capt.  Chauncy In  the  month  of  Sept.   Capt.  Isaac  Chauncy 

was  appointed  to  si*.:>erintend  the  building  and  command  of  the 
Anurican  fleet  on  'ake  Ontario.  He  arrived  at  Sackets'  Harbnur 
in  the  month  of  Ortober  ;  and  so  great  were  his  exertions,  that  ou 
the  8th  of  Nov.  iollowing  lie  wns  enabled  to  sail  with  an  aggre- 
gate force  of  40  guns,  and  430  men.  Having  learned  that  the 
British  fleet,  then  consisting  of  an  aggregate  force  of  108  guns, 
and  896  men,  were  separated,  he  di-ter mined  to  take  an  advan- 
tagt  ous  position  near  the  False  Ducks,  (a  number  of  small  islands, 
so  ealied,  on  the  Canada  shore,  near  which  the  enemy  must  pass 
to  ,^et  into  Kingston,)  aud  attack  and  defeat  either  purtiou  of  this 
scjundi  on,  it  possible. 

The  following  is  an  extrnc*  cf  Capt.  Chauncy*s  oflficial  letter  to 
the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  dated  Nov.  13,  1812,  detailing  the 
events  of  the  cruise  : 

"  On  the  8tl'  J  fell  in  with  the  Royal  George  and  chased  her 
into  the  bay  of  C^uanti,  where  I  lost  sight  of  her  in  the  night  In 
the  mormnp^  of  the  9th  %\e  again  got  sight  of  he--,  l>ing  in  King- 
ston channt  1.  VVe  gave  chase  and  followed  he*-  in  the  harbour 
of  Kingston,  where  we  engaged  her  and  the  batteries  for  one 
hour  and  forty  minutes.  I  had  made  up  my  mind  to  board  her, 
but  slie  was!  so  well  protected  by  the  batteries  and  tlie  wind  blow- 
ing directly  in,  it  was  deemed  iniprudent  to  make  the  attempt  at 

that  time the  pilots  also  rcfusi  d    to  ^^]^t   cliaig«r  of  the  v<  >\«;els. 

tender  tijcse  circumstances,    and  it  being  after  sundown,  I  deter 


m 


i  ,1 


THU  WAR. 


83 


mined  to  hnul  off  and  renew  the  attack  next  mornin(|r.  We  beat 
up  in  gooil  ordtT,  uiKJcr  a  licavy  fire  from  tin-  KmniiI  (Itorgc  nnd 
batttrits,  to  Four  Vlile  Point,  where  we  anchored.  U  blew  heavy 
in  Kqu?'l8  from  the  westward  during  the  night,  and  there  was  c  - 
cry  appearance  of  a  gale  of  wind.  The  pilots  became  alarmed, 
and  I  thought  it  most  prudnit  to  get  into  a  place  of  mort-  safi-ty. 
I  therefore  (very  reluctantly)  dcHT'cd  renew iiio;  the  attack  upon 
the  ship  and  forts  until  a  more  favourable  opportunity. 

At  7  A.  M.  on  the  10th,  I  made  the  signal  to  weigh,  and  we 
beat  out  ol  a  very  narrow  channti,  under  a  very  h^avy  ptei's  of 
sail  to  the  open  lake.  At  10  we  fell  in  with  the  Guvernor  Sim- 
coe,  running  for  Kingston,  and  chased  her  in  the  harbour.  She 
escaptd  by  running  over  a  reef  of  rocks,  under  a  heavy  fire  from 
the  Governor  Tompkins,  the  Hamilton,  and  the  Julia,  which  cut 
liet  very  much.  All  her  people  ran  below  while  undc  the  fire  of 
these  vessels.  The  Hamilton  chased  her  into  i:ine  feet  water  be- 
fore she  hauled  off  We  tacked  to  the  southward  with  an  inten- 
tion of  running  to  our  station  nt  the  Ducks,  but  it  coming  on  to 
blow  very  heavy,  the  pilots  told  me  it  would  be  unsafe  to  keep 
the  lake. 

"  In  '^ur  passage  through  the  Bay  of  Quanti,  I  discoveied  a 
schooner  at  the  village  of  Armingstown,  which  we  took  posses- 
sion of,  but  finding  she  would  detain  us,  (being  then  in  ch'jse  of 
the  Royal  Genrge)  1  ordered  Lieut.  Macpherson  to  take  ou»  her 
sails  and  rigging  and  burn  her,  which  he  did.  WV  also  took  the 
^cliooner  Mary  Hall  from  NiHgara,  at  the  muuth  of  Kingston  har- 
bour, qnd  took  her  with  us  to  our  anchorage.  The  next  moriiing, 
finding  that  she  could  not  beat  through  the  channel  with  us,  J 
ordered  the  sailing  master  in  the  Growler  to  take  her  under  con- 
voy and  run  down  past  Kingston,  anchor  on  the  east  end  of  L'lig 
Island  and  wait  for  a  wind  to  con4e  up  on  the  east  side.  1  v\as 
also  in  hopes  that  the  Royal  George  might  be  induced  to  follow 
her  for  the  purpose  of  re  taking  our  prize,  but  her  com-Tiaiider 
was  too  well  aware  of  the  const  quences  to  leave  his  ntooriogs. 

"  We  lost  in  this  afi'air,  one  man  killed  and  three  ."lightly 
wounded,  with  a  few  shofxhrough  our  sails.  The  othf  r  verseU 
lost  no  men,  and  received  but  littU  injury  in  their  hull  and  sails, 
with  the  exception  of  the  Pert,  whose  gun  bwrsted  in  the  early 
pan  of  the  action,  and  wounded  her  commander,  (sailing  master 
Arundel;  badly,  and  a  midshipman  and  three  men  slighllv.  Mr. 
Aruudal,  who  refused  to  quit  the  deck  although  wounded,  was 
knocked  overboard  in  beating  up  to  our  anchorage,  and  1  urn  ai>i- 
ry  to  say  was  drowned. 

"  The  Royal  George  must  have  received  very  considerable  in- 
jury in  he  hull  nnd  in  men,  as  the  gufi  v.ssels  with  a  lonjj  i'^ 
pounder,  weie  saeu  to  strilie  her   almoit  every    shot,  ;^4id  it  was 


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observed  that  she  wrs  reinforced  with  troops  four  different  timet 
durin|2^  the  action 

**  I  have  great  pleasure  in  saying,  that  the  officers  and  men  on 
board  every  vessel  bt  liaved  with  the  utmost  coohiess,  and  are  vx- 
trennely  anxious  to  meet  the  enemy  on  the  open  lake  ;  and  as 
lon^  as  I  have  the  honour  to  command  such  officers  and  such 
men,  1  have  no  doubt  of  the  result." 

The  following,  a  more  detailed  account  of  the  action  in  Kings- 
ton harbour,  u  taken  from  the  notes  of  an  officer  on  board  the 
fleet  during  the  action  : 

"  At  50  minutes  after  2,  set  top  gallant  sails  ;  5  minutes  after 
3,  the  batteries  on  India  and  Navy  points  opened  their  fire  on  the 
leading  vesseli.  Lieut.  Elliot  of  the  Conquest  pushed  forward,  and 
went  in  the  handsomest  style  :  he  was  followed  by  the  Julia, 
Frant....Pert,  Aurundle.... Growler,  Mix  ;  next  came  the  brig 
bearing  the  commodore's  broad  pendant.... then  the  Hamilton, 
Lieut  M'Pl.erson,  and  Governor  Tompkins,  Lieut.  Brown,  who 
was  far  astern,  having  been  despatched  in  the  early  part  "f  the 
day  on  particular  business.  12  minutes  after  3,  Lieut.  Elliot  open- 
ed his  fire  ;  i5  minutes  after  3,  the  Pert,  Growler,  and  Julia  com- 
menced Iheir's ;  20  minutes  after  3,  batteries  opened  on  the  brig, 
and  she  sustained  the  principal  part  of  the  fire  during  the  remain- 
der of  the  action  ;  22  minutes  after  3,  signal,  "  engage  closer," 
thrown  out,  and  answered  by  all  ;  25  minutes  after  3,  the  Pert's 
gun  burst ;  Aurundel  wounded  badly. ...(he  vvasafterwards  knocked 
over  by  the  boom,  and  drowned  !)  ;  30  minutes  after  3,  Garnet 
killed  aboard  the  brig;  40  minutes  after  3,  brig  opened  her  fire 
on  the  ship,  and  the  ship  on  the  Hamilton  ;  fire  continued  with 
ustonishing  alacrity. 

**  4  o'clock,  ship  George  cut  her  cables  and  run  away  further  up 
the  bay.  The  squadron  is  now  exposed  to  the  cross  fire  ot  five 
batteries,  of  flying  artillery,  of  ihe  ship  with  springs  on  her  ca- 
bles so  as  to  enable  her  to  bring  her  guns  to  bear.  The  Govern- 
or Tompkins  now  bears  up  in  the  bay  and  opens  her  fire  !  and  the 
firiug  bt  comes  general  and  very  warm  !  Showers  of  round  and 
grape  fall  around  us. 

**  Half  past  4,  hauled  by  the  wind,  and  began  to  beat  out  of  the 
bay,  as  night  was  closing  in,  and  the  prospect,   blowing  weather 

....anchored  two  miles  out  in  tull  sight heavy  gales    all  night 

continued  in  sight  next  day....the  Royal  George  was  too  prudent 
to  vejiture  out. 

"  Our  sailors  had  no  grog :  they  need  no  stimulous  of  that 
kind  ;  they  seem  to  have  no  fear  of  death.  I  was  by  the  side  of 
Garnet  a  few  moments  before  he  fell.  He  was  laughing  heartily, 
and  in  that  act  was  cut  in  two  by  a  nine  pound  shot.  I  after- 
wards saw  hi<  countenance  ;  it  seemed  as  if  the  smile  had  not  yet 


THE  WAE. 


85 


J 


lf;ft  it.  Tiiis  disaster  only  exaRperated  our  leamen  ;  they  prayed 
and  rntrcatod  to  be  laid  cIojg  aboard  the  Royal  George  only  5 
minutes,  "  just  to  revenge  Garnet's  death." 

One  incident  deserves  notice,  which  does  great  honour  to  Capt. 
Chauncy When  going  into  the  harbour,  he  directed  the  squad- 
ron to  level  their  fire  as  much  as  possible  against  tin*  Koval  Geoigc 
And  batteries,  as  it  was  not  his  wish  to  do  injury  to  i:iUiviJunb,  by 
beating  down  the  houses  at  Kingston. 

Opfrations  on  lake  Erie On  the  morning  of  the  8th  October, 

two  British  vessels,  the  Detroit  and  Cal<  donia,  came  dovvn  the 
lake  and  anchored  under  the  guns  of  fort  Erie  Lieut.  Elliot, 
then  at  Black  Rock,  had  the  superintendance  of  our  naval  ai^'iirs 
on  that  lake.  He  immediately  conceived  a  project  for  their  cnp- 
tare,  though  hit  seamen  had  not  then  arrived  :  and  in  the  moin- 
ing  of  the  succeeding  day  most  gallantly  eflVcted  his  object,  as  re- 
lated in  the  following  extract  from  his  olllcial  lettei  to  the  Secre- 
tary of  the  Navy  :  . 

"  On  the  morning  of  the  8th  Oct.  two  British  vessels,  which  I 
was  informed  were  his  Britannic  majesty's  brigs  Detroit,  late  the 
United  States'  brig  Adams,  and  the  brig  Hunter,  mounting  M 
guns,  but  which  afterwards  proved  to  be  the  brig  Caledonia,  both 
said  to  be  well  armed  and  manned,  came  down  the  lake  and  an- 
chored under  the  protection  of  fort  Eiie.  Having  beei.  on  the 
lines  for  some  time,  and  in  a  measure  inactively  employed,  I  de- 
termined to  make  an  attack,  and  if  possible  get  possession  of  them. 
A  strong  inducement  to  this  attempt  arost^  from  a  conviction  that 
with  these  two  vessels,  added  to  those  which  I  have  purchased  and 
am  fitting  out,  I  should  be  able  to  meet  the  remainder  of  the  Brit- 
ish force  on  the  upper  lakes,  and  save  an  incalculable  expence  and 
labour  to  the  government.  On  the  morning  of  their  arrival  I 
heard  that  our  seamen  were  but  a  short  distance  from  this  place, 
and  immediately  despatched  an  express  to  the  officers  directing 
them  to  use  all  possible  dispatch  in  getting  their  men  to  this  place, 
as  I  had  important  service  to  perform.  On  their  arrival,  which 
was  about  12  o'clock,  1  discovered  that  they  had  only  20  pis- 
tols, and  neither  cutlasses  or  battle  axes.  But  on  application  to 
Gens.  Smith  and  Hall,  of  the  regulars  and  militia,  1  was  supplied 
with  a  few  arms,  and  Gen.  Smith  was  so  good  on  my  request,  as 
immediately  to  detach  fifty  men  from  the  regulars,  armed  with 
muskets. 

"  By  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  I  had  my  men  selected  and 
stationed  in  two  boats,  which  1  had  previously  prepared  for  the 
purpose.  With  these  boats,  fifty  men  in  each,  and  under  circum- 
stancf^s  very  disadvant^igeous,  my  men  having  scarcely  had  time 
to  refresh  theintielves  after  a  fatiguing  march  of  500  miles,  I  put 


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olFfrom  the  mouth  of  Buffrtlc'  crefK  Mt  t  o'clock  the  following 
morning,  and  at  3  I  vas  alon^  side  the  vi'sjel".  In  lh»-  spare  of 
ab(>ut  10  tninntps  1  had  thf  prisonerfi  all  secnnd,  the  topitiiiU  ^l1((t■ 
ed  home,  and  the  vt-sjels  under  way.  Unf'ntunately  tin-  wind 
was  not  suiricienti"  strong  to  get  np  a  rapid  current  into  the  lake, 
wficre  1  had  understood  another  armed  veB."<el  lay  at  atichor,  and 
I  was  obliged  to  run  down  the  rivtr  by  iht:  fort»,  under  a  heavy 
fire  of  round,  grape,  and  cani«M  r,  from  a  number  of  piecisof 
heavy  ordnance  and  several  pi»  cep  of  flving  artillery,  was  com- 
pi  1!'  d  to  anchor  at  a  distance  of  about  400  yaro^  from  two  of  their 
biitteries.  After  the  dischiuge  of  the  fntit  »{uii,  which  was  ff(  m 
th«  ilying  artillery,  1  hailed  the  shore,  and  i)b«erved  to  the  f  Hi. 
ccr,  that  if  another  gun  was  fired  I   would  bring  the  priconerti  oil 

dick,  and  expose    them  to  the  same  fate  we  should  all  sharr- 

but  notwithi^tanding  they  dix.i  garded  the  caution,    and  continut-d 
a  constant  and  distinctive  fire.     One  single  moment's  reflection 
determined  me  not  to  commit  an    act    that  would   >ubject   me  to 
the  imputation  of  barbarity      The  Caledonia  had  been  hi  ached  in 
as  safe  a  position  as  the  circumstances  would  admit  of,  under  one 
of  our  batteries  at  Black  Rock.     I  now  brought  all  the  guns  of  the 
Detroit  on  one  side  next  the  enemy,    stationed  the  men  at  them, 
and  directed  a  fire  which  was  continued  as  long  as  our  ammuni- 
tion lasted,   and    circumstances  permitted.     During  the  contest  I 
end«  avored  to  get  the    Detroit  on  our    side,  by  sounding    a  line, 
there  being  no    wind  on  shore,  with  all  the  line  I    could  muster; 
but  the  current  being  so  strong  the  boat  could  not  reach  the  shore. 
1  then  hailed  our  shore,  and  riquested  that  warps  would  be  made 
fa>.t  on  land,   and  sent  on  bo<ird  ;  the  attempt  to  all  which  again 
proved  useless.       As  the  fire  was  such  ua  would  in  all  probability, 
^iiik  the  vessel  in  a  short  time,  I  deti't  mined  to  drift  down  the  riv- 
er out  of  reach  of  the  batteries,  and  make  a  stand  against  the  fly- 
incj  artillery.       I  accordingly  cut  the  cable,  made  sail  with  very 
li;:r|)t  airs,  and  at   that  instant  discovered  that  the  pilot  had  aban- 
doned me.       I  dropped  astern   for  about  ten  minutes,  when  I  was 
brought  up  on  our  shore  on  Squaw  Island. ...got  the  boarding  bjat 
ready,  had  the  prisoners  put  in  and  sent  on  shore,  with  directions 
for  the  ofiicer  to  return   for  me  and  what  property  we  could  get 
from  the  hr'tfr.     He  did  not  return,  owing  to  the  difficulty  in  the 
boat's  getting  on  shore.       Discovering  a  skiff  under  the  counter, 
I  put  the  four  remaining  prisoners  in  a  boat,  and  with  my  officers 
I  went  on  shore  to  bring  the  boat  off.       1  asked  for  protection  to 
the  brig,  of  Lieut.   Col.  Scott,  who  readily   gave  it.     At  this  nio 
iTient  I  discovered  a  boat  with  about  40  soldiers  from  the   British 
side,  making  for  the  brig.       They  got  on  board,    but    were  soon 
coiTipelled   to  abandon  her,  with  the  loss   of  nearh'  all  their  men. 
During  the  whole  of  this  motniiijj,  both  sid'^s  of  the  river  U'  pt  up 
alternately  a  contiiioed  fire  on  the  brig,  and  so  much  injured  her 


XllK  WAR. 


87 


tb.it  it  wat  impoMible  to  hnvc  floated  her.  Before  I  left  her,  she 
hid  .Hcvi-rul  lii'iv.  xlii.t  (if  lurge  vize  in  hvr  bi-iKii*,  h*  r  sails  in  rib- 
boiiii, 'Old  ri^»;iiii;  all  cut  to  pieuis. 

«  To  my  ollicers  and  mrn  I  feel  under  great  obligation.  To 
C;n)t.  T  nvjion  and  Lit-ut.  Roach  of  the  Wd  rtniment  of  artilK  ry, 
E:i'ii;n  PreRtman,  of  the  iiiftintry,  Capt.  Cliapin,  Mr.  John 
M'''<>mb,  Mes8-««.  John  Town,  Thomas  Dain,  Prter  Ov«rsti'ch.«, 
an  I  James  Sloan,  resident  gentlemen  of  Ruflalo,  for  thvir  Holdier 
anr*  .^aiioi  like  conduct.  In  a  word,  sir,  every  man  fought  u*  if 
wiM)  tiit'ir  hearts  animated  only  by  the  interest  and  honour  of 
ihpir  country. 

«  The  prixonerg  f  have  turned  over  to  the  military.  The  De- 
troit mounted  six  6  pound  long  guns,  commanding  Lieut,  marine?, 

fi  horitswain  and  gunntr,  and  50  men about  30  Americini  pris- 

|eners  on  board,  muskets,  pistol*,  cutlasses  and  battle-axes.  In 
boHrding  her  I  lo«t  one  majj,  oni  'Vicer  wounded,  Mr.  John  C. 
I Ciimniings,  acting  midi'liipniar),  .yonet    through  the  leg.  ..his 

conduct  was  conect,  and  deserves  the  notice  of  the  departmiiit. 
The  Caledonia  mounted  two  small  guns,  blunderbusses,  pistols, 
Imiiskett*,  cutlasses  and  bo.trding  pikes,  12  men  including  ollict  rs, 
10  prisoners  on  board.  The  boat  boarding  her,  commandf  d  by 
sailing  master  George  Watts,  performed  hi.-*  duty  in  a  masterly 
style.  But  one  man  killed,  and  four  wounded  badly,  I  am  afraid 
[mortally." 

About  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day,  the  Prit- 

lish  boarded  the  Detroit  the  second  time,  and  were  again  dii^lodged, 

with  the  loss  of  three   prisoners,  and  sev«ral  wounded     She  waa 

afterwards  burned    by    the  Americans,   after  having  secured  her 

[stores  and  armament.       The  Caledonia,  having  on  board  a  cargo 

of  fur,  valued  at  150,000   dollars,    was  safely  moored  under    the 

|batierie.'>  at  Black  Kock. 

Biography  of  Capt.  Elliot The    following  biographical   no- 

Itirt  of  Lieut,  now  Capt  Elliot,  is  from  the  Port  Folio,  and  we 
[think  cannot  fail  of  being  interesting  : 

Jkssk  Duncan  Elliot  was  born  in  Maryland,  on  the  14th  of 

Ju  V,  1780.     His  futher,  Robert  Elliot,  was  unfortunately  slain  by 

t!i'  Indians  in  the  year  1794,  mar  the  Muskingum  river,  while 

triDjMcti  ig  business  for  the  armv  of  the  United  States.      The  par- 

Iticihr  natur-   of  this  business  may  be  known  by  the  resolution  of 

ICO" vvp^^y^  passed  on  this  melancholy  event:  "  Be  it  enacted,  &c. 

IthHt  the  Mitn  of  tvvo  thou>and  dollars  be  allowed  to  the  widow  of 

jRobort  Klliot,  who  was  killed  by  a  party  of  hostile  Indians  while 

ht  vvim  condiirtine  the  necess  iry  !»upplie.s  for  the  army  command- 

1*'^    '    '*^M   •  ^'         '•^'   ^'1^  ">  »ii''  >eai    17{>4,  nnd  that  the  sun)  be 

[paid  to  her,  to  and  lor  the  use  of  herself  and  the  childicn  of  the 


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said  Robert,  out  of  aoy  monies  in  the  treasury,  not  otherwi«e  ap- 
proptiated." 

Until  the  year  1804,  Jesse  Elliot  was  engaged  in  prosecuting 
his  regular  studies  in  a  school  in  Pennsylvania,  when  he  was  ap- 
pointed a  nnidshipman  in  the  navy,  and  ordered  on  board  the  U.  S. 
frigate  Essex.  The  United  States  being  engaged  in  a  war  with 
the  Barbary  powers,  the  above  mentioned  frigate  was  ordered  to 
cruise  in  the  Mediterranean. 

The  little  forci  that  congress  were  enabled  to  detach  for  that 
service....their  limited  means  of  annoyance... .the  treachery  and  fe- 
rocity of  their  barbarous  antagonists,  created  a  deep  responsibility 
in  the  officers,  and  conspired  to  introduce  a  system  of  masculine 
intrepidity,  severity   of  discipline,  and   promptitude  of  obedience,  I 
of  which,  even  to  the  present  hour,  we  reap  the  beaefits.       The 
treachery  of  our  opponents  taught  our  men  to  be  fver  on  the  alert,  { 
and  their  cruelty  made  them  bold  and  rasolute  to  rashness.  Know- 
ing how  much  was  expected,  and  how  scanty  were  their  means,  I 
they  supplied  every  deficiency  by  skill  and  courage.     Contempt  of  | 
danger  was  so  rigidly  enforced,  that  when  one  of  our  subordinate 
officers  showed   symptoms   of  fear  in  an  engagement,  and   was  I 
tried  by  a  court-martial,  the  commodore  assigned  for  his  acquittal, 
a  reason  no  less  curious  than  just,  (v'z.)  that  the  bare  suppositioD 
that  one  coward  existed  on  board  of  the  American  flt^et,  was  of 
itself  a  greater  injury  than  the  condemnation   of  this  man  could 
possibly  be  a  benefit,  as  it  ivould  establish  the  fact.      The  British 
squadron  in  the  Mediterranean  minutely  watched  the  movements! 
of  our  little  fleet  for  the  purpose  of  sarcasm  and  jest.      Their  sar- 
casms were  however  soon  converted  into  expressions  of  wanitj 
admiration. 

<  . . .  Thus  does  the  sturdy  son  of  Vulcan  deal, 

Oh  the  hard  anvil  he  tomu- uti  his  titetrl. 
-'  Drawn  riom  the  forgfe.  it  g:l'jws  with  angry  lights, 

•   ,      And  sparkles  indignation  while  he  smitn 
"'    *"  ■*  Fast  fall  the  Wows,  but  thty  new  strength  afford, 

<    ..  «      .  U  -«  -      Till  chang'd  at  last. ifiAinejfAfW'or'ier'snfwrf.     , 


h 


Amidst  such  a  band  of  kindred  spirits,  our  young  midshipmaR 
learned  to  smile  at  danger  while  he  grew  familiar  with  it,  and 
felt  his  ideas  expanded  and  enlarged.       Returning  to  the  United 
States   in    July  1807,  and  desirous  of  obtaining  a  lieutenancy  io 
the  navy,  he  solicited  the  kind  offices  of  Mr.  Robert  Serrit  Smith, 
in  whose  charge  he  had  been  placed  as  well  privately  as  officiall}',| 
to  obtain  a  station  on  board  the  frigate  Chesap'-ake.     He  remain- 
ed in  this  station  until  June  1810,  when  he  was  appointed  actingl 
lieutenant  on  board  the  schooner  Enterprize.      This  vessel  wasor[ 
dered  to  cruise  on  the  coast,  and  to  enforce  the  embargo  laws. 
Lieut.  Elliot  remained  in  this  service  until  tht    \ear  1810,  and  vvajj 
then  appointed  to  carry  a  despatch  to  Mr.  Pinkney  our  minister  atj 
the  court  of  Great  Britain. 


!■>? 


THE  WAR. 


88 


rwise  &p' 

osecuting 
B  was  ap- 
the  U.  S. 
war  with 
)rdered  to 

\i  for  that 
;ry  and  fe- 
iponsibility 
masculine 
obedience,  I 
its.       The 
)  the  alert,  I 
«8S.  Know-] 
eir  means, 
lontempt  of  I 
tubordinate 
t,  and   was 
is  acquittal,! 
supposition 
et,  was  of 
man  could 
The  British 
move  ments  | 
Their  sar- 
8  of  war!!)  I 


ndshipmai 
[ith  it,  and 
Ithe  United 
litenancv  in 
trrit  Smi»b, 
is  official!}') I 
[e  re  main- 1 
ited  acting  I 
jsel  was  or- 
|argo  lawi.1 
),  ai)d  vvaJl 
I  minister  at 


#n  his  return  to  the  United  States  he  served  in  the  John  Adams 
tintil  September  1811.  From  the  Adams  he  was  transferred  to 
the  Argus,  on  board  of  which  he  acted  as  first  lieutenant,  and  in 
which  he  remained  until  the  following  year.  He  was  all  this 
time  preparing  his  mintl  for  the  severe  duties  of  his  profession ; 
for  to  shine  in  gold  lace  and  epaulets,  to  talk  of  his  own  intrepi- 
dity, to  become  the  petty  hero  of  a  drawing-room,  constituted  no 
part  of  his  ambition.  He  left  that  grovelKng  pride  to  those  who 
can  condescend  to  become  the  heroes  of  their  own  fame,  and  who 
wear  the  badges  of  their  country's  honour  to  show  how  little  they 
deserve  them. 

The  probability  that  an  opportunity  would  be  soon  afforded  of 
distinguishirig  himself  in  the  service  of  his  country,  was,  in  his  es- 
timation, becoming  every  hour  more  and  more  remote.  He  saw- 
no  prospect  of  war,  and,  fatigued  in  the  chace  of  glory's  brilliant 
visions  that  still  sparkled  over  his  head,  and  still  eluded  his  grasp, 
he  resigned  his  mind  to  the  sway  of  the  more  endearing  passions* 
Onttie  5th  of  April  1812,he  was  married  to  Miss  Frances  Vaughan, 
daughter  of  Mr.  Williai.i  Vaughan,  of  Norfolk  county,  Virginia. 
Fortune,  that  capricious  goddess,  as  if  to  try  the  strength  of  his 
attachment  to  arms,  immediately  compelled  him  to  relinquish  the 
sweets  of  domestic  intercourse,  and  the  calm  delights  of  conjugal 
afiTection,  for  the  hardier  scenes  of  danger  and  battle :  war  was 
declared  against  England.  He  immediately  and  with  all  speed 
repaired  to  New  York,  to  rejoin  the  vessel  whence  he  had  been 
furloughed,  and  found,  to  his  mortification,  that  she  had  already 
sailed  upon  a  cruize. 

He  was  nevertheless  solicited  by  Commodore  Chauncey  to  em- 
bark with  him  on  a  secret  and  novel  expedition,  to  which  he  cor- 
dially  assented,  and  the  commodore  applied  to  the  proper  depart- 
ment to  reeeive  his  instrfictions.  Lieutenant  Elliot  was  honoured 
by  an  appointment  to  the  command  on  Lake  Erie,  and  received 
orders  to  repair  to  that  place  with  all  possible  despatch,  purchase 
what  private  vessels  he  could,  build  two  ships  of  twenty  guns^ 
and  as  early  as  possible  have  his  fleet  in  readiness  to  meet  that  of 
the  enemy. 

Lieutenant  Elliot  knew  the  vast  importance  of  the  commaLd  of 
the  lakes  in  our  war  against  Canada  and  the  difficulty  and  delay 
which  would  attend  the  building  of  the  vessels,  to  say  nothing  of 
the  expense.  He  had  indeed,  in  pursuance  of  his  instructions, 
purchased  some  vessels ;  but  here  again  he  was  much  embarrass- 
ed with  the  difficulty  of  getting  up  the  Niagara  and  into  the  lake. 
After  revolving  in  his  mind  all  these  obstacles,  he  formed  the  re- 
solution of  boarding  and  capturing  two  British  brigs  of  war,  called 
the  Detroit  and  Caledonia,  lying  under  the  protection  of  the  bat- 
teries on  .  Fort  Erie.  He  accordingly  embarked  in  two  boats, 
^ith  fifty  men  in  each,  and  put  off  from  the  mouth  of  Buffalo 

M 


.  /  ■ 


hi'. 


m 


!  ■  ■ 


I    : 

'I;  I 


'  ^- 

ri; .- . 

fc  t). 

S'if    -I 


'$ 


00 


SKETCHES  or 


creek,  and  at  one  o'clock  in  the  morning  came  along  side  of  the 
enemy.       He  boarded  and  captured  the  two  vessels,  and  secured 
all  the  prisoners  in  ten  minutes.     Unfortunately  the  wind  was  not 
stroMg  t-noufirh  to  enable  Lieutenant  Elliot  to  make  head  against 
the  rapid  current  in  the  lake,  and  he  was  compelled  to  anchor  op- 
posite the  enemy's  forts,  within  about  four  hundred  and  fifty  yards 
of  their  batteries,  exposed  to  a  heavy  and  incessant  fire  of  round, 
grape,  and  cannister  shot  from  a  number  of  pieces  of  heavy  ordi- 
nance and  their  flying  artillery.     The  Caledonia  was  however  be- 
yond the  reach  of  the  enemy's  guns,  under   one  of  our  batteries 
at  Black  Rock.       Lieut.  Elliot  ordered  all  the  guns  of  the  Detroit 
to  be  mounted  on  one  side,  whence  he   kept  up  a  constant   fire 
again9t  the  enemy's  batteries  as  long  as  his  ammunition  lasted. 
He  determined  then  to  drop  down  the  river  out  of  reach  of  their 
cannon,  and  make  a  stand  agamst  the  flying  artillery.     At  this  in- 
stant he  discovered,  for  the  first  time,  that  his  pilot  ^had   deserted 
him.       He  however,  cut  the  cable  and  falling  astern,  made  good 
his  way  to  Square  Island.       He  sent  the  boarding  boat  on  shore 
with  the  prisoners,  himself  and  four  others  only  remaining  in  the 
Detroit,  directing  the  officer  to  return  for  him  and  what  property 
they  might  be  able  to  save  from  the  brig.     The  officer  was  unable 
to  return  on  account  of  the  strength  of  the  current.       At  length 
discovering  a  skiff  under  the  stern,  he  made  for  the  shore  in  her 
with  the  remaining  part  of  the  crew. 

During  all  this  time  an  incessant  fire  was  kept  up  from  both 
sides  of  the  river  on  the  brig.  She  received  twelve  shot  of  large 
size  in  her  bends,  her  sails  were  reduced  to  ribbands,  and  her  rig- 
ging cut  to  pieces.  Finding  that  all  attempts  to  carry  off  the  De- 
troit was  unavailing,  he  dismantled  her  of  all  her  ordinance  and 
stores  and  set  her  on  fir4>.  The  Caledonia  was  found  to  be  a  ves- 
sel belonging  to  the  north-west  company,  loaded  with  peltry. 
Lieutenant  Elliot's  party  consisted  of  one  hundred  men.  He  was 
fortunate  enough  to  capture  one  hundred  and  thirty  prisoners  with 
their  officers,  and  to  release  from  captivity  forty  of  his  own  coun- 
trymen, belonging  to  the  fourth  (J.  S.  regiment.  Lieut.  Elliot  on 
boarding  opposed  three  of  the  enemy  with  no  other  weapon  than 
his  cutlass.  During  the  hottest  of  the  fire  from  the  batteries,  a 
cannon  shot  passed  through,  and  striking  a  large  silver  wedge  de- 
posited in  a  trunk  belonging  to  one  of  the  officers,  bent  it  double. 
This  wedge  is  still  preserved  as  a  curiosity. 

So  sensible  were  congress  of  the  gallantry  and  skill  of  this 
young  officer,  a«  displayed  in  this  exploit,  that  they  passed  the  fol- 
lowing resolution :  "  Be  it  enacted,  &c.  that  the  president  of  the 
United  States  be,  and  he  is  hereby  authorized  to  have  distributed 
as  prize  money  to  Lit-ut.  Elliot,  his  officers  and  companions,  or  to 
their  widows  and  children,  the  sum  of  twelve  thousand  dollars, 
for  the  capture  and  destruction  of  the  British  brig  Detroit."    **  Re- 


XHE  WAR, 


mi 


dollars, 
(t  Re- 


loived,  that  the  president  of  the  United  States  be,  aild  he  is  here- 
by requested  to  present  to  Lieut.  Elliot  of  the  navy  of  the  United 
States,  an  elegant  sword  with  suitable  emblems  and  devices,  in 
testimony  of  the  just  sense  entertained  by  congress  of  his  gallant* 
ry  and  good  conduct  in  boarding  and  capturing  the  British  brigs 
Detroit  and  Caledonia,  while  anchored  under  the  protection  of 
Fort  Erie.»» 

Shortly  after  this  brilliant  exploit,  Lieut.  Elliot  left  Erie  and  ar- 
rived at  Sachet's  Harbour,  where  he  joined  Commodore  Chauncey. 
The  commodore  sailed  on  the  8th  cf  November  with  six  schoo- 
ners in  quest  of  the  enemy's  fleet,  and  on  the  same  day  fell  in 
with  the  Royal  George.  Losing  sight  of  her  in  the  night,  he 
discovered  her  the  next  morning  riding  in  Kingston  channel,  un- 
der the  protection  of  the  batteries.  He  immediately  followed  her 
into  the  channel  where  he  engaged  her  and  the  batteries  for  an 
hour  and  three  quarters,  and  determined  to  board  her  in  the  night. 
But  as  the  wind  blew  directly  on  shore,  and  the  pilot  refused  to 
take  charge  of  the  vessels,  the  commodore  was  reluctantly  com- 
pelled to  forego  his  determination.  Lieut.  Elliot  commanded  the 
leading  vessel  in  this  engagement. 

On  the  24th  of  July  Lieut.  Elliot  was  promoted  over  thirty  lieu- 
tenants, to  the  rank  of  master  commandant.     Being  appointed  to 
commant)  the  Madison  in  Commodore  Chauncey's  fleet,  when  that ' 
officer  sailed  for  York,  on  his  arrival  he  discovered  that  he  could 

not  bring  his  ship  into  action  from  the  shoaliness  of  the  water 

He  then  volunteered  his  services,  and  asked  and  obtained  the 
commodore's  permission  to  kad  the  small  vessels  employed  in  co- 
vering the  troops  while  they  were  landing  and  attacking  the  bat- 
teries. Gen.  Dearborn  embarked  his  troops,  amounting  to  seven- 
teen hundred  men,  on  board  Com.  Chauncey's  fleet,  and  arrived 
at  York,  the  capital  of  Upper  Canada.  The  squadron  taking  a 
position  to  the  westward  and  southward  of  the  fort,  covered  the 
debarkation  of  the  troops.  The  riflemen  under  Major  Forsyth 
landed  under  a  heavy  fire,  and  seven  hundred  regulars  with  one 
hundred  Indians  marched  to  oppose  the  landing  of  the  American 
army.  Gen.  Pike  with  seven  hundred  men  having  eflfected  a  land- 
ing, routed  the  enemy  and  pushed  direct  for  the  principal  batteries. 
At  this  time  the  enemy  blew  up  his  magazine,  and  precipitately 
retreated.  Thirty-eight  of  our  men  were  killed  by  this  explosion, 
amongst  whom  we  have  to  lament  the  gallant  Pike,  and  two  hun- 
dred and  thirty-eight  were  wounded.  The  town  surrendered  by 
capitulation,  and  Capt.  Elliot  was  appointed  by  Com.  Chauncey  to 
see  that  the  articles  were  carried  into  execution  on  the  part  of 
the  navy. 

After  his  return  to  Sacket's  Harbour,  he  found  an  oflicer  of 
usual  rank  in  waiting  for  the  Madison,  while  he  himself  was  or- 
dered by  the  secretary  of  the  navy  to  take  the  command  of  one 


'■'"  ''1 


•'  '■■'i 


■'m 


I   i 


\  I' 


'?'  • 


Krh. 


92 


SKETCHES  OF 


of  the  brigs  on  Lake  Erie.  He  complied  with  this  order,  not 
without  regret,  desiring  as  he  did  to  be  with  Com.  Chauncey  in 
the  action  hourly  expected  to  be  fought  on  Lake  Ontario.  He  vo- 
lunteered until  after  the  contemplated  action  to  serve  on  board  the 
General  Pike  as  acttng  first  lieutenant.  He  made  this  proposition 
however  with  reluctance,  as  he  thought  that  his  rank  and  services 
entitled  hira  to  a  more  conspicuous  command. 

When  the  squadron  was  ready  for  sea  and  had  proceeded  to 
the  head  of  the  lake,  information  was  received  that  the  American 
fleet  was  blockaded  at  Erie,  that  the  siege  of  Fort  Meigs  was 
raised,  and  that  the  troops  were  waiting  for  the  navy  to  cover 
their  crossing  to  Maiden.  The  commodore  communicated  this  in- 
telligence  to  Capt.  Elliot.  He  Xwas  then  under  a  belief  that  Sir 
James  Yeo  would  not  venture  out  of  Kingston  and  give  battle  to 
Com.  Chauncey  for  some  time,  and  agreed  to  leave  Ontario  for 
Lake  Erie.  He  accordingly  set  out  with  one  hundred  volunteers, 
arrived  at  Erie  in  five  days,  and  on  the  sixth  sailed  for  Maiden  in 
pur9Ciit  of  the  enemy.  On  the  10th  of  September  the  enemy's 
fleet  were  discovered  at  sun  rise  from  Put-in-bay,  where  the  Ame- 
rican squadron,  commanded  by  Commodore  Perry,  were  riding  at 
anchor. 

The  American  commander  immediately  prepared  for  action, 
and  gave  chase  to  the  enemy.  On  the  flag  of  the  com^uodore's 
vessel  were  inscribed  the  dying  words  of  the  gallant  Lawrence.... 
«  Dont  give  up  the  ship." 

Perry  having  formed  his  line,  bore  down  for  the  enemy's  fleet, 
in  order  of  battle,  and  outsailing  his  squadron,  pursued  his  course^ 
with  an  intention  to  come  to  close  quarters,  ^nd  thus  received  th« 
whole  file  of  the  enemy's  line.  Being  much  annoyed  by  the  lone 
guns  of  the  enemy,  with  all  his  rigging  shot  away,  and  his  guns 
all  dismounted,  the  Lawrence  became  unmanageable,  having 
sustained  the  enemy's  fire  for  two  hours  within  cannister  distance. 
At  this  moment  Com.  Perry  formed  the  resolution  of  shifting  his 
fiag  and  abandoning  the  ship  to  the  care  of  Lieut.  Yarnali.  He 
repaired  in  an  open  boat,  exposed  to  the  whole  range  of  the  ene- 
my's fire,  from  his  broad-side  and  small  arms,  on  board  the  Niaga- 
ra commanded  by  Capt.  Elliot.  He  determined  now  on  breaking 
the  enemy's  line,  and  bearing  up  passed  ahead  of  their  two  ships, 
giving  them  a  raking  fire  from  the  right  and  left.  While  this 
bold  manoeuvre  was  performing,  some  circumstances  occurred  that 
induced  Capt.  Elliot  to  quit  his  station  and  proceed  to  the  head  of 
the  line. 

Here  unfortunately  rests  the  difference  between  these  two  gal- 
lant officers.  Com.  Perry  states  in  his  official  apcount  of  this  bat- 
tle, that  he  made  sail  and  directed  the  other  vessels  to  follow  him, 
for  the  purpose  of  closing  with  the  enemy.  He  further  states, 
that  at  half-past  two  Capt.  Elliot  was  enabled^  by  the  wind  spring- 


THE  WAR. 


03 


)ur8e. 


ene- 
jaga- 

|king 

iip«, 

this 

[that 

Id  of 

|gal' 

)at'> 
lim, 
Ite8« 


]£  up,  to  bring  his  vessel  gallantly  into  close  action,    Capt.  Elliot 

Uledges  that  at  the  time  the  commodore  relinquished  the  Law- 

ence  and  came  on  board  the  Niagara,  he  went  to  the  head  of  the 

|nei  unauthorised  and  on  his  own  responsibility.      He  apprehended 

lat  the  commodore  was  dead,  and  was  preparing  to  change  the 

jne  of  battle  when  that  officer  came  on  board  the  Niagara.     Capt. 

PUiot  discovering  an  important  part  of  the  fleet  improperly  placed^ 

Diunteered  his  services   to  pass   the  whole  of  the  enemy's  line, 

ring  up  these  vessels  and  place  them  in  a  position   more  capable 

annoying  the  enemy.     To  this  proposition  the  commodore  cor- 

ially  assented.       Accerdingly  Capt.  £Uiot  passed  in  a  small  boat 

}wn  the  whole  line,  during  which  time  the  fire  of  the  enemy 

fas  so  incessant,  that  his  clothes  were  wet  from  the  water  thrown 

|l  around  him  by  the  balls.       The   gun -boats  were  at  that  time 

IrowiBg  random   and  ineffectual  shot  at  a  distance,  when  Capt. 

|liot  commanded  them  to  cease  their  firing,  and  to  make  sail  and 

ijlow  him.     This  was  accordingly  done,  and  he  placed  theni  un- 

\t  the  stern  of  the  two  heaviest  ships  of  the  enemy.       In   thii 

lanner  were  the  gun-boats  all  brought  up  and  disposed  by    Capt. 

lliot,  when,  after  some  considerable  fire,  the  enemy's  fleet  struck 

leir  colours.       The  guns  not  having  been  fired  from  the  Somers 

I  he  wished,  be  repaired  on  board  that  vessel  and  fired  the  thirty 

|ro  pounder  three  times  himself,  while  Commodore  Perry  gallant- 

I  broke  the  line  of  the  enemy,  and  bringing  both  sides  of  the  Ni- 

iara  into  action  at  ooce,^  the  fire  from  the  gun-boats  raking  them 

janother  direction  from  their  sterns,  soon  decided  the  fate  of  the 

It  is  singular  in  such  contests  to  observe  the  accordance 


IV. 


il  sometimes  happen  in  the  chances  of  war.       Com.  Perry,  by 

eaking  the  enemy's  line,  passed  ahead  of  his  two  heaviest  ships^ 

d,  as  before  stated,  poured  in  a  raking  fire  from   his  starboard 

Ins,  while  the  gun-boats  so  disposed  by  Capt.  Elliot,  saluted  them 

Ithe  same  manner  from  their  sterns.      The  larboard  guns  at  the 

ne  time  gave  a  raking  fire  to  a  targe  schooner  and  sloop   that 

passed  at  half  pistol  shot  distance. 

|We  know  not  whether  another  instance  can  be  produced  in  the 

I  of  naval  history,  of  bringing  all  the  guns  of  a  single  ship  to 

|r,  and  so  effectually  upon  the  enemy  as  was  done  by  his  bold 

bject  of  breaking  their  line.     It  is  no  less  astonishing  that  Capt. 

|iot,  without  knowing  how  the  senior  ofRcer  proposed  to  manage 

Niagara,  should  on  his  own  responsibility,  at  such  a  time  have 

Iced  the  gun  boats  under  the  sterns  of  the  enemy's  largest  ships. 

lesee  two  great  and  gallant  minds,  maintaining  an  immoveable 

|enety  in  the  midst  of  danger,  and  occupied  solely  by  one  great 

ect,  the  destruction  of  the  enemy's  fleet,  and  acting  strictly  in 

kcert,  although  unconscious  of  it  themselves.       It  proves  bow 

ply  this  etherial  spirit  is  the  same  on  whatever  portion  of  ha- 


m 


■'"■i'.f 


%-^ 


■ '  *  ii'l 


''m 


'*:  «\' 


f" 


M 


m" 


li'''       , 


il>V 

1 J 

Hnj  ';^ 

Inlf-        * 

wkA 

1'* 

WBM 

a 

Mi 

Mt 

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II 

1 

M 


SKETCHES     OF 


to  Capt.  Jet 
them.  And  ti 

inanity  it  acts,  and  that  it  is  always  consistent  in  the  display  of  jtil  ver  raedal,  \ 
proper  character.  I  missioned   o 

We  all  can  admire  the  courage  and  skill  of  a  successful  wnrriorfl  each  of  the 
"Wherever  victory  impresses  her  dazzling  stamp,  we  dare  not  calll  guished  ther 
in  question  the  act  that  passes  her  consecrated  seal.       And  yetil    Capt.  Elli 
we  soberly  investigate  the  matter,  how  nearly  is  even  this  wondef  arrangement 
of  the  million  allied  to  glorious  rashness.       We  will  suppose  thai 
the  light  breeze  which  favoured  Perry  when  he  went  on  board  thi 
Niagara,  and  enabled  him  to  pass  triumphantly  through  the  em 
my's  line,  had  settled  to  a  dead  calm  when,  he   had  reached  tbi 
head  of  the  hostile  ships.     They  would  have  wore  round,  and  hi 
exposed  to  two  full  broadsides,  and  incapable  of  extricating  hi 


barkation  of 
fleet,  and  w( 
vanced,  he  s< 
for  the  purpo; 
taid  to  have 
\y  fell  into  t1 


self,  must  have  surrendered.  But  his  raking  fire  threw  every  thmfl  before  they  v 


Capt.  £lliol 

{the  fleet  on  It 

fort  MackinM< 

mittee  of  Pen 

into  the  navy 

Capt.  Ellio 
Com.  Chaunc 
liuch  a  manm 


into  confusion,  and  while  he  was  rounding  to,  to  pass  the  defili 
again,  the  thunders  of  the  gun-boats  were  breaking  on  thei 
sterns.  On  such  nice  and  delicate  points  rests  the  reputation  of 
hero.  That  successful  breath  of  wind  consecrated  to  fame  tbj 
character  of  the  American  navy. 

We  hope  it  may  not  be  deemed  altogether  unappropriate, 
we  have  traced  the  character  of  this  great  spirit  when  surroundi 
by  the  lustre  of  victory,  to  observe  its  complexion  under  tl 
shade  of  misfortune.  Commodore  Barclay,  the  British  commanledgements  fro 
er  had  participated  in  Nelson's  lustre.  Wounded  and  faint  frol  The  private 
the  loss  of  blood,  he  was  carried  below ;  he  beheld  his  fleet  dj 
persed  and  captured  with  all  that  mortification  felt  by  a  generoi 
and  ardent  mind,  compelled  to  submit,  but  not  conquered  or  ei 
slaved  by  misfortune.  He  is  sent  home  a  prisoner  on  parole,  ai 
a  festival  is  given  by  his  countrymen  to  his  honour.  At  that  tii 
and  at  that  place,  the  toast  of  that  gallant  and  heroic  officer 
Commodore  Perry,  the  brave  and  generous  enemy.  NothingBfor  support,  by 
all  that  has  been  said  to  Perry's  honour  equals  this,  and  it  may|ger  could  movi 
generously  retorted  by  every  high  minded  American,  that  the  gi 
lant  soul  who  could  indulge  in  such  a  sentiment,  has  achiever 
victory  over  misfortune  more  glorious  than  even  the  triumph 
£rie.  To  Capt.  Elliot  belongs,  beyond  all  dispute,  an  import 
share  in  the  lustre  of  this  memorable  day.  The  moment  he  p| 
ceives  the  commodore's  flag  shifted  on  board  his  own  ship,  heci 
siders  what  service  he  can  now  render,  what  newllangers  he 
encounter  with  a  prospect  of  advantage.  He  assumes  the  ci 
mand  of  the  gun-boats  wHh  the  same  promptitude  that  he  re 
quished  his  own  vessel,  intent  only  on  serving  his  country, 
giving  lustre  to  her  name.  Let  the  highest  authority  known 
our  laws  speak  for  themselves  on  this  occasion.  Congress 
the  following  resolution : 

"  Resolved,  that  the  president  of  the  United  States  be  requi 
ed  to  cause  gold  medals  to  be  struck,  emblematic  of  the  action 
tween  the  two  squadrons,  and  to  be  presented  to  Capt.  Perry 


contrast  to  th 
invested.  Th 
companion,  an 
that-remain  of 
istence.  He  t 
life,  and  veils  1 


Thus  tt 
Sliakes 
But  \vh 
The  tre 


THEWAft, 


^wp^ 


to  Capt.  Jesse  Elliot,  in  such  manner  as  will  be  most  agreeable  to 
them,  and  that  the  pTesident  be  further  requested  to  present  a  sil- 
ver medal,  with  suitable  emblems  and  devices,  to  each  of  the  com- 
missioned of¥icers  either  of  the  navy  or  army,  and  a  sword  to 
each  of  the  midshipmen  and  sailing-masters  who  so  nobly  distin- 
guished themselves  on  that  day." 

Capt.  Elliot,  after  the  action  on  Erie,  was  entrusted  with  the 
arrangement  of  Gen.  Harrison^s  boats  in  the  embarkation  and  de- 
barkation of  his  troops,  when  he  assumed  the  command  of  the 
fleet,  and  went  up  the  lake.       When  Gen.    Harrison's  army  ad- 

Ivanced,  be  selected  some  of  his  best  men  to  man  three  gun-boats, 
for  the  purpose  of  boarding  a  force  of  gun  boats  the  enemy  were 
laid  to  have  collected  in  the  Thames.  These  vessels  unfortunate- 
ly fell  into  the  hands  of  the  British,  who  destroyed  them  by  fire 

[before  they  were  ready  for  action. 

Capt.  Elliot  afterwards  received  orders  to  take  the  command  of 

I  the  fleet  on  lake  Erie,  and  make  preparations  for  the  reduction  of 
fort  Mackinac  in  the  spring.  He  received  the  thanks  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Pennsylvania,  the  state  from  which  he  was  introduced  . 

I  into  the  navy,  accompanied  by  a  gold  medal. 

Capt.   Elliot   is  now  attached  to  the  squadron  commanded  by 

I  Com.  Chauncey  on  lake  Ontario,  and  has  signalized  himself  in 
luch  a  manner,  as  to  have  received  the  most  marked  acknowl- 

jedgements  from  that  gallant  and  intrepid  officer. 

The  private  life  of  Capt.  Elliot  affords  a  delightful  and  reposing 

I  contrast  to  that  character  in  which  we  have  all  along  seen  him 
invested.     The  warm  and  generous  friend,  the  kind  and  hospitable 

Icompanion,  and  the  affectionate  hu8band,  are,  at  such  seasons,  all 

|tbat.remain  of  him  who  in  the  chase  of  fame  is  so  prodigal  of  ex- 

listence.  He  then  cultivates  assiduously  all  the  tender  charities  of 
life,  and  veils  from  sight  the  noble  stock  round  which  they  twine 
for  support,  by  the  intervening  blossoms.     The  heart  that  no  dan- 

||er  could  move,  yields  to  the  slightest  touch  of  compassion. 


11 


.»■■«■ 


Thus  tht  ptoud  nak,  when  tempests  raga  on  high. 
Shakes  his  ^iren  bi-ad  agaiiiit  'lie  'towuing  sky ; 
lint  when  liis  bifath  the  gcnileZLiihyrhfavcs, 
Hie  trembliflff  t'ew^drups  trickk  trom  bhkavi:*.     ^^ 


*<M'V  't-iK    ■  ''%'Cfj'iH.sy   f^ 


••  •  <^'_  ■   ■-"  ? 


'*m 


Jii: h.^ 


'W't-.^-.  ■:. 


■    i   '•:5  •W'ij^tii^i 


' .-  <>;■:■■  ,^-n-4.   i    ♦.!■■■, 


)•! 


99 


9KITCHE6  OF 


»,  '  t*  i'}  t  ■'»•• 


CHAPTER  VII. 


Iv 


IM 


r  -ti . 


J^aval  operatioru  on  the  ocean Com.  Rodgers*  cruise Chase 

of  the  Constitution Capture  of  the  Guerriere Comparison 

of  American  and  British  frigates Biography  ofCapt,  Hull, 

Com.  Rodgers^  cruize Com.  Rodgers,  on  the  2l8t  of  June, 

having  received  instructions  from  the  navy  department,  and  offj. 
cial  information  of  the  declaration  of  war,  sailed  from  New- York, 
on  board  the  President,  having  under  his  command,  also,  the 
United  States,  Congress,  Argus,  and  Hornet.  Previous  to  leav- 
ing New- York,  he  had  learned  that  the  homeward  bound  Jamai- 
ca fleet  had  sailed  under  convoy,  on  the  20th  of  the  preceding 
month.  He  shaped  his  course  eastwardly,  in  expectation  of  fall- 
ing in  with  vessels  which  had  seen  the  convoy  ;  and  the  follow, 
ing  evening  fell  in  with  an  American  brig,  which  gave  him  such 
information  as  he  desired.  He  now  crowded  all  sail  in  pursuit ; 
but  the  next  morning  was  taken  out  of  his  CQurse,  by  chasing  the 
British  frigate  Belvidere. 

The  Belvidere  was  discovered  on  the  23d,  at  6  A.  M.  when 
the  squadron  gave  chase.  The  superiority  of  the  President's  sail- 
ihg,  while  the  breeze  continued  fresh,  enabled  her  to  get  within 
gun  shot  between  4  and  5  P.  M.  when  it  had  moderated  so  much 
as  to  give  very  faint  hopes  of  getting  along  side.  At  this  time, 
perceiving  she  was  training  her  guns  to  bear  upon  the  President, 
the  latter  commenced  a  fire  at  her  spars  and  rigging,  with  a 
view  to  cripple  and  get  abreast  of  her.  A  fire  was  kept  up  about 
two  hours.  The  President  gave  her  two  or  three  broad-sides, 
and  kept  up  a  well  directed  fire  from  the  chase  guns,  which  cut  | 
her  sails  and  rigging  very  much,  but  did  not  succeed  in  destroying 
any  of  her  spars,  although  some  of  them  were  much  wounded. 
The  President  all  this  time  was  exposed  to  a  running  fire  from 
her  4  stern  chasers  ;  and  once  the  British  frigate  commenced  a 
fire  from  her  main  deck,  with  an  intention  of  raking  the  Presi* 
dent  with  a  broadside,  but  at  that  moment  receiving  one  from  the 
President,  continued  her  course  under  a  press  of  sail,  and  used 
only  her  stern  guns.  All  sail  was  crowded  in  pursuit,  but  in  vain. 
The  chase  was  now  throwing  overboard,  every  thing  that  could 

y  be  spared,  to  increase  her  sailing,  and  escaped  by  the  lightness  of 
the  wind.     Four  of  her  boats  were  seen  tleating  by  the  President 

.  completely  knocked  to  pieces,  together  with  a  great  number  of 
cask»,  spars,  &c. 

The  President   received  a   considerable   number  of  shot  in  her 

«  sails  and  rigging,  but  was  not  materially  injured.  The  chase  was 
continued  till  about  midnight,  when  it  was  relinquished  as  hope- 
less, and  the  President  hove  too  for  the  squadron  to  come  up 


THE  W^R. 


0 


..,Chase 

iparison 
pU  Hvl 

)f  June, 
knd  offi. 
w-York, 
ilso,  the 
to  leav* 
I  Jamai- 
receding 
n  of  fall- 
e  follow, 
lim  such 
pursuit ; 
ising  the 

H,  when 
>nt*8  sail* 
et  within 
I  so  much 
his  time, 
resident, 
with  a 
up  about 
lad-sides, 
hich  cut 
straying 
ounded. 
ire  from 
lenced  a 
le  Presi- 
Tom  the  1 
id   used 
in  vain. 
it  could 
Itness  of 
esident 
ber  of 

in  her 

lise  was 

hope- 

up.i>« 


Early  in  the  cha8«^  one  of  the  President's  chase  gum,  on  the  gun 
deck,  burst,  and  injured  the  upper  deck  so  much,  as  to  prevent 
the  use  of  the  cha^e  guns  on  that  side  for  a  considerable  time. 
The  Prerident  had  three  killed  and  nineteen  wounded,  most  of  the 
latter  slightly  ;  of  the  wounded  16  were  by  the  bursting  of  a  gun. 
By  the  same  gun  Com.  Rodgers  had  his  leg  fractured. 

On  board  the  Belvidere  two  were  killed  and  seven  wounded  ; 
among  the  latter,  her  captain  and  one  lieutenant. 

The  squadron  then  resumed  its  course  in  pursuit  of  the  Jamai- 
ca fleet,  but  received  no  further  intelligence  of  it  until  the  29th 
of  June  ;  when  on  the  western  banks  of  Newfoundland,  an  Amer- 
ican schooner  was  spoken,  the  master  of  which  gave  information 
that  he  had  passed  the  fleet  two  days  before.  On  the  1st  of  July, 
a  little  to  the  eastward  of  Newfoundland  bank,  the  squadron  fell 
in  with  quantities  of  cocoa  nut  shells,  orange  peals,  &c.  which  in* 
dicated  that  the  fleet  was  not  far  distant.  The  pursuit  was  now 
continued  with  great  spirit,  though  frequent  interruptions  were 
occasioned  by  vessels  it  was  necessary  to  pursue.  No  more  in* 
telligence  was  obtained  until  the  9th  of  July,  when  a  British  pri- 
vate armed  brig  was  captured.  She  had  seen  the  fleet  the  pre- 
ceding evening,  and  had  counted  eighty-five  sail.  The  convoy 
consisted  of  a  two  decker,  a  frigate,  a  sloop  of  war,  and  a  brig. 

This  was  the  last  intelligence  the  commodore  received  of  the 
fleet.  He  continued  the  pursuit  until  the  13th  of -July.  He  was 
then  within  eighteen  or  twenty  hours'  sail  of  the  British  channel.. 
The  Commodore  now  directed  the  squadron  to  steer  for  Madeira. 
It  passed  close  by  that  island  on  the  21st  of  July  ;  thence  near 
the  Azores  ;  returned  by  the  banks  of  Newfoundland,  and  enter- 
ed the  port  of  Boston,  after  a  cruize  of  upwards  of  two  months. 

During  the  cruize  seven  merchant  vessels  were  captured,  and 
one  American  re-captured. 

Though  this  cruize  was  not  attended  with  any  success  of  a 
brilliant  nature,  yet  it  was  productive  of  considerable  advantage^ 
by  the  American  squadron  being  thus  united,  and  cruizing  for 
such  a  length  of  time,  the  attention  of  the  British  vessels  was 
drawn  from  the  harbours  of  the  United  States,  while  thipy  went 
in  quest  of  it.  Thus  an  almost  incalculable  amount  of  American 
property,  that  would  otherwise  have  been  captured,  was  brought 
safe  into  port. 

Chase  of  the  Constitution On  the   12th  of  July,  the  United 

States'  frigate  Constitution,  Capt.  Hull,  sailed  from  Chesapeake 
bay.  On  the  16th  Capt.  Hull  saw  and  gave  chase  to  a  frigate^ 
but  was  unable,  the  wind  being  light,  to  come  up  with  hei  before 
night.  It  continued  calm  during  the  night.  In  the  morning. 
Captain   Hull    found  himself  near  an  enemy's  squadron,   cob- 


Hi*'  I 


a 


vm 


«3 


SKETCHES  Of 


ii,:ir. 


i!  "■  ■ 

p\ 

m 

m 

i:-:! 


lilting  of  one  iliip  of  the  line,  four  frigateSi  a  br'tg  and  « 
ichooner.  The  nearest  frigate  wai  within  gun-shot.  It  was  a 
dead  calm.  The  British  immediately  put  all  the  boats  of  the 
squadron  to  two  frigates,  and  thereby  gained  on  the  Conititution, 
and  brought  some  of  their  bow  guns  to  bear.  The  Constitution 
occasionally  fired  her  stern  chasers.  In  this  state  the  vessels  con- 
tinued all  that  day.  On  the  following  morning  a  light  breeze 
sprang  up,  which  enabled  the  Constitution  to  escape,  after  a  chasn 
of  sixty-four  hours.  During  the  whole  of  this  time,  her  gallant 
crew  remained  at  their  quarters  without  a  murmur.  So  ably  and 
successfully  did  Capt.  Hull  manoeuvre  his  vessel  on  this  occasion, 
that  it  excited  admiration  even  in  the  British  admir<«I.  The  Con- 
stitution  arrived  safe  in  Boston. 

On  the  2d  of  Aug.  she  again  sailed  from  Boston.  Capt.  Hull 
8tood  to  the  eastward,  along  the  coast,  in  hopes  of  falling  in  with 
one  of  the  British  frigates,  reported  to  be  cruizing  in  that  direc- 
tion. He  passed  near  the  coast,  as  far  as  the  bay  of  Fundy,  with- 
out seeing  any  vessel  whatever.  He  then  ran  off  Halifax  and 
cape  Sables.  Seeing  no  vessel  for  three  or  four  days,  he  deter- 
mined to  steer  eastward,  toward  Newfoundland.  He  passed 
near  the  isle  of  Sables  ;  and  took  a  station  off  the  Gulph  of  St. 
Lawrence^  near  cape  Race,  to  intercept  vessels  bound  either  to 
or  from  Canada.  While  cruizing  off  this  station  he  captured  two 
merchant  vessels.  On  the  Ifith  he  discovered  a  convoy  of  five 
sail,  to  which  he  gave  chase.  He  captured  one  of  them,  and  pre- 
vented the  prize  ship  of  an  American  privateer  from  being  taken. 

Having  received  information,  that  the  British  squadron  were 
off  the  Grand  Bank,  and  not  far  distant,  he  determined  to  change 

his  cruizing  ground.      He  accordingly  stood  to  the  southward 

On  the  18th  he  was  informed  by  the  commander  of  an  American 
privateer,  that  a  British  ship  of  war  had  been  seen  the  day  before 
standing  to  the  southward,  and  could  not  be  far  oflT.  It  was  then 
about  12  o'clock  at  night.  Hull  immediately  made  sail  to  the 
southward,  intending,  if  possible,  to  fall  in  with  her. 

On  the  lOlh  of  Aug.  at  2  o'clock,  P.  M.  the  Constitution  being 
in  latitude  41  degrees  and  42  minutes  north,  and  55  degrees  3^ 
minutes  west  longitude,  a  vessel  was  discovered  to  the  south- 
ward. The  Constitution  instantly  made  all  sail  in  chase,  and 
soon  gained  on  her.  At  3  P.  M.  it  could  plainly  be  perceived  she 
was  a  ship  on  the  starboard  tack,  under  easy  sail,  close  hauled  to 
the  wind.  At  half  past  3  ^he  was  ascertained  to  be  a  frigate. 
The  Constitution  continued  the  chase.  At  about  three  miles  dis- 
tance Capt.  Hull  ordered  the  light  sails  ttf^ 'be  taken  in,  the  cours- 
ers to  be  hauled  up,  and  the  ship  to  be  cleared  for  action.  The 
chase  now  bncked  her  main-top  sail,  and  waited  for  the  Constitu- 
tion to  come  down  As  soon  as  the  Constitution  was  ready  for 
aetion,  she  bore  down,  intending  to  brmg  immediately  to  close 


THK  WAR. 


'rtCtioiii  the  Britiih  frigate,  which  had  about  this  time  hointed  tlirec 
Eiiglisli  ensigns  in  token  of  defiance.  As  soon  as  the  Constitu- 
tion  came  within  gun-shot,  the  British  frigate  fiied  her  broadside  ; 
then  filled  away,  wore,  and  gave  a  broadi^ide  on  the  other  tack. 
They,  however,  produced  no  effect  ;  her  phot  fell  short.  The 
British  frigate  manoeuvred  and  wore  several  times  for  nbout 
three  quarters  of  an  hour,  in  order  to  obtain  a  raking  position. 
But  not  succeeding  in  this,  she  bure  up  under  her  topsails  and 
jib  with  the  wind  on  the  quarter.  Capt.  Hull  immediately  made 
sail  to  bring  his  ship  up  with  her.  At  5  minutes  before  six,  P.  M. 
the  Constitution  being  along  side,  within  pistol  shot,  he  ordered 
a  brisk  firing  to  be  commenced  from  all  her  gun?,  which  were 
double-shotted  with  round  and  grape  shot,  and  so  well  directed, 
and  so  warmly  kept  up  that,  in  fifteen  minutes,  the  mizen  mast 
of  the  British  frigate  went  by  the  board,  and  her  main  yard  in  her 
slings.  Her  hull  was  much  injured  ;  and  her  rigging  and  sails 
torn  to  pieces.  The  fire  was  kept  up,  in  the  same  spirited  man* 
ner,  for  fifteen  minutes  longer  by  the  Constitution.  She  had  now 
taken  a  position  for  raking,  on  the  bows  of  the  British  frigate  ; 
when  the  latter  could  only  bring  her  bow  guns  to  bear  on  the 
Constitution.  The  grape  shot  and  small  arms  of  the  Constitution 
completely  swept  the  decks  of  the  British  frigate.  Thirty  min- 
utes after  the  commencement  of  the  action  by  the  Constitution, 
the  mainmast  and  foremast  of  the  British  frigate  went  by  th« 
board,  taking  with  them  every  spar  except  the  bowsprit.  She 
then  struck  her  colours,  which  had  been  fastened  to  th£  stump  of 
the  mizen-mast.  The  Constitution  then  sat  fore  and  main  sails^ 
and  hauled  to  the  eastward  to  repair  damages.  All  her  braces,  a 
great  part  of  her  standing  and  running  rigging,  and  some  of  her 
tp'ATH  were  shot  away.  At  7  P.  M.  she  stood  under  the  lee 
of  the  prize  and  sent  a  boat  on  board,  which  returned  at  8, 
with  Capt.  Dacres,  commander  of  the  frigate.  She  was  the  Guer- 
riere,  rating  38  and  mounting  40  guns.  The  hull  of  the  Guer- 
riere  was  so  much  shattered,  that  a  few  more  broadsides  would 
have  sunk  her.  She  had  fifteen  men  killed,  sixty-one  wounded, 
and  twenty-four  missing,  who,  it  is  presumed,  were  sv%ept  over- 
board by  the  falling  masts.  The  Constitution  had  only  seven  kill- 
ed and  seven  wounded. 

The  boats  were  immediately  employed  in  bringing  the  wound- 
ed and  prisoners  on  board  the  Constitution.  About  two  A.  iVl.  a 
sail  was  discovered  off  the  larboard  beam,  standing  to  the  south. 
The  ship  was  instantly  cleared  for  action.  At  three  the  vessel 
iitood  away.  At  day-break,  information  was  received  from  the 
Lieut,  on  board  the  prize,  that  the  ship  was  in  a  sinking  condition^ 
and  had  four  feet  water  in  the  hold.  As  soon  as  all  her  crew 
were  removed  from  on  board  of  her,  she  was  set  on  fire,  and  blew 
up  a  quarter  past  three* 


•a 


il»'T:--Ji',f"-'«W 


i*f* 


100 


.*f3 


SKETCHES   OF 


■,■•* 


mi->^ 


t"  ■! 


\A-' 


Capt.  Hull,  in  his  letter  to  the  secretary  of  the  navy,  says  : 
**  that  from  the  smallest  boy  in  the  ship,  to  the  oldest  seaman, 
not  a  look  of  fear  was  seen.  They  all  went  into  action  giving 
three  cheers,  and  requesting  to  be  laid  along  side  the  enemy." 

An  instance  of  heroism  may  be  here  given,  which  fully  shows 
with  what  spirit  the  American  sailors  entered  into  the  action,  and 
the  noble  enthusiasm  and  bravery  that  animated  thenr.  In  the 
heat  of  the  engagement,  one  of  the  crew  of  the  Constitution,  per- 
ceiving that  the  flag  at  the  fore  top-mast  head  had  been  shot 
away,  went  up  with  it,  and  lashed  it  so  securely,  as  to  render  it 
impossible  to  shoot  it  away,  unless  the  mast  went  with  it. 

Few  events  ever  excited  greater  sensations  of  joy  throughout 
the  United  States,  than  the  capture  of  the  Guerriere.  All  the 
principal  towns  through  which  Capt.  Hull  passed,  after  his  return 
to  Boston  welcomed  him  with  every  dr'monstration  of  joy.  At 
Boston  a  splendid  entertainment  was  given  to  him  and  his  offi- 
cers. The  citizens  of  Philadelphia  subscribed  for  the  purchase  of 
two  elegant  pieces  of  plate.....one  to  be  presented  to  Capt.  Hull; 
and  the  other  to  Charles  Morris,  his  first  lieutenant. 

The  legislatui  e  of  Ne  w-York....th^  council  of  the  city  of  Albany  and 
Savannah the  congress  of  the  U.  S the  house  of  representa- 
tives of  Massachusetts,  and  other  public  bodies,  voted  their  thanks 
to  Capt.  Hull,  his  officers  and  crew.  The  order  of  Cincinnati  ad- 
mitted the  Captain  as  an  honourary  member.  And  congress  voted 
50^000  dollars  as  an  indemnification  to  the  captain,  his  officers 
and  crew,  for  the  loss  sustained  by  the  destruction  of  the  Guer- 
riere. ' 

Much  having  been  said  on  the  disparity  of  force  between  the 
American  44  gun  frigates  and  the  British  38,  the  rates  of  the 
Constitution  and  Guerriere,  it  will,  perhap.<«,  not  be  out  of  place 
here  to  give  a  comparative  view  of  the  force  of  each.  Both  the 
American  44  gun  ships,  and  the  British  38  gun  ships  are  con- 
structed on  the  same  principles  ;  and  their  guns  are  placed  in  the 
same  relative  position,  forming  batteries  of  a  similar  nature.  The 
guns  in  each  ship  are  placed  on  the  main  or  gun  deck,  the  quarter 
deck,  and  the  forecastle.  The  gun  deck,  which  may  be  consider- 
ed as  the  line  of  defence,  is  about  1 76  feet  long  in  the  American 
44  gun  ships,  and  about  ISO  feet  in  the  English  38  gun  ships. 
The  line  of  defence,  therefore,  in  the  American  44  gun  ships  ex- 
ceeds the  English  by  about  16  feet.  But  it  is  to  be  observ«d  that 
the  length  of  line  of  defence  by  no  mens  implies  strength.  This 
essentially  consists  in  the  number  of  guns  that  can  be  placed  in 
battery,  with  advantage,  in  a  given  line,  and  the  strength  of  the 
ramparts  and  parapets  ;  in  which  light  the  sides  of  the  ship  may 
be  considered.  A  line  of  defence  of  200  feet,  mounting  30  guns 
in  battery,  would  be  about  one  fourth  weaker,  and  produce  an  ef- 
fect one-fourth  less  than  a  line  of  defence  150  feet  long,  mounting 


lis; 


*  ^ 


icon* 
the 

Th<! 

irter 
|ider> 


THE  WAR. 


10,1 


[e  same  uumber  of  gunt.  The  American  44  gun  ships  mount 
I  twsnty-four  pounders  on  the  gun  deck,  24  thirty  two  pound 
Irronades,  and  two  eighteen  pounders  on  the  quarter  deek  and 
\ecastle  or  upper  decks.*  The  British  38  gun  ships  mount  28 
thteen  pounders  on  their  gun  deck,  18  thirty-two  pound  car- 
Qades,  and  two  eighteen  pounders,  on  their  quarter  deck  and 
tecastle,  besides  a  24  pounder  shifting  gun.  In  an  engagement 
jtween  ship  and  ship,  the  eifect  produced  is  by  the  broadside  or 

number  of  guns  placed  in  battery  on  one  side  of  the  ship 

I  that  only  half  the  number  of  guns  in  a  ship  can  be  considered 

[placed  in  battery  in  its  length  or  line  of  defence.     The  num- 

of  guns,   therefore,  of  the  American  44  gun  ships,  placed  in 

^tery  in  its  line  of  defence  of  176  feet,  will  be  28.      The  num- 

of  guns  in    the  English  38  gun  ships,  placed  in  battery  in  its 

of  defence  of  160  feet,  will  be  24  ;  but  as  they  carry  a  shift- 

[gun,  which  may  be  placed  in  battery  on  either  side,  the  num- 

will  actually  be  25.      So  that  the  number  of  guns  in  battery 

{the  American  44  gun  ships,   will  exceed  those  in  the  English 

gun  ships,  only  one-tenth.     But  the  American  line  of  defence 

bae  tenth  longer,  and  consequently  would  be  one-tenth  weaker 

|n  the  English,  if  it  had  only  the  same  number  of  guns  in  bat> 

consequently,   the  force  of  each,  when  the  line  of  defence 

number  of  guns  placed  in  battery  are  considered,  is  very  near* 

leqiial. 

The  American  44  gun  ships  carry  twenty-four  poQnders  on  their 
I  decks  ;    the  English    eighteen  pounders.      But  are  not  eigh- 
pounders  of  sufficient  weight  of  metal  for  the  service  of  large 
[ates,  and  fully  calculated  to  produce  every  effect  that  may  be 
uired  in  an  engagement  between  frigates  ?     It  has,  moreover, 
asserted  by  the  officers  of  the  Constitution,  that  the  shot  of 
|Java*s  eighteen  pounders  were  only  three  pounds  lighter  than 
Ise  9f  the  American  twenty-four  pounders,   after  accurately 
liiag   them  both.      So  that   consequently  the  difference   in 
^t  of  metal  was  only  one-eighth. 
|t  has  been  often  asserted  in  the  British  newspapers,   that  the 
erican  frigates  were  74's  in  disguise.      It  has  also  been  assert- 
by  an  English  naval  commander,  in  his  official  letter,  that  the 
jerican  44  gun  ships  were  built  with  the  scantling  of  a  74.     If 
lis  assertion  he  meant  to  insinuate,  that  the  American  44  gun 
I  were  of  the  same  nature  with  a  74,  or  a  ship  of  the  line,  he 
Imanifested  an  extreme  want  of  candour  or  want  of  profession- 
inowledge.     74  gun  ships  are  all  of  the  line,  that  is,  they  have 
p  mounted  on  two  gun  decks,  extending  the  whole  length  of 
or  its  line  of  defence,  besides  those  on  the  quater  deck 


'I  I  "^    T. 


i 


forecastle  ;    and  in  addition  to  these,  there  are  guns  on  the 


Mn« 


I  The  reader  will  plane  cont«c  «  iniit«ke  in  page  I),  ttnting  the  ntnnkn:  of  pun  on  board 

l<s-tliere  are  but  *«. 


11Q2 


SKETCHES  QF 


m ; 


poop.    The  length  of  the  line  of  defence  of  a  74  is  about  the  shr 
as  that  of  the  American  44  gun  chips.      A  74  gun  ship  moun 
about  88  guns  ;    therefoie,  the  number  of  guns  placed  in  battenl 
in  her  line  of  defence,  will  be  44  guns  ;    and  in  the  American fnj 
gate  of  44  guns,   only  28   in  the  same  line  of  defence.     Cons 
quently,  the  strength  of  the  line  of  defence  of  a  74,  is   not  veiJ 
far  from  double  that  of  an  American  44  gun  ship,  considered  J 
respect  of  the  number  of  guns :  without  taking  into  consideratii 
the  difference   in   weight  of  metal,   and  the   compactness  ^ 
strength  of  sides. 

This,  we   believe,  sufficiently  demonstrates  the  illiberality  \ 
absurdity  of  comparing  the  American   44  gun  frigates  to  Briti 
74'8  with  a  view  to  disparage  the  rising  glory  of  the  AmericJ 
Navy,  and  to  depreciate  the  noble  exploits  of  her  gallant  tars, 

Biography  of  Capt,  Hull The  following  biographical  notlti 

of  Capt.  Hull  is  taken,  with  some  alterations,  from  the  Analecl 
Magazine. 

"  Capt.  Isaac  Hull  was  born  at  Derby,  a  small  town  in  i 
state  of  Connecticut,  about  ten  miles  from  New- Haven.      He  iil 
son  of  the  gentleman  who  distinguished  himself  in  the  capturei 
some  whale  boats  in  the  Sound  during  the  late  war.       Choosii( 
the  sea  for  the  exercise  of  his  profession,  he  entered,  soon  aili 
leaving  school,  on  board  a  merchant  vessel,  and  in  due  course  t 
came  master  of  a  ship.     He  was  in  this  situation  at  the  first  eit 
blishment  of  the   navy,  and,  at  that  time,  received  the  appoii 
ment  of  a  lieutenant.     In  this  capacity  he  always  ranked  highj 
an  excellent  seaman,  an  attentive  and  vigilant  officer.    The  iil 
ation  of  the  United  States  for  some  years  past,  it  is  well  knov 
afforded  little  opportunity  for  the  acquisition  of  either  naval  on 
Htary  reputation ;  or  to  obtain   any  other  distinction  than  till 
which  arises  from  an  attentive  discharge  of  an  officer's  daily  d 
ties."     Upon  a  certain  occasion,  however,  during  this  period,  Cti 
tain  Hull  gave  evidence  of  the  spirit  he  has  since  so  abundanlj 
manifested.     While  the  Constitution  was  lying  at  Spithead,] 
1811,  one  of  her  seamen  deserted  to  the  Havana,  a  British  frig 
then  lying  in  the  harbour.     Capt.  Hull  made  demand  of  hiin,li 
was  referred  to  the  port  admiral  at  Portsmouth,  and  by  him 
formed  that  the  seaman  could  not  be  restored  until  he   was 
structed  by  the  admiralty  board  on  the  subject.     In  a  day  or  tij 
afterwards,  an  American  seaman  swam  from  the  Havana  tot 
Constitution;  and  being  demanded  by  the  British  commaiiii 
Capt.  Hull  refused  to  deliver  him  until  he  had  received  jnstructiij 
from  his  government,  taking  for  the  basis  of  his  refusal,  the  | 
cedent  which  the  British  officer  had  furnished  him  in  the  first | 
«tance. 

^ince  the  declaration  of  war,  he  has  excited  the  public  attd 


// 


XHEWAA. 


103 


90  by  the  two  brilliant  exploits  before  related.  The  one  exhi> 
Iting  an  instance  of  consummate  skill  as  a  seaman,  and  the  other 

his  gallantry  as  an  officer. 

Upon  his  arrival  in  Boston,  after  his  successful  escape  from  the 
Iritish  squadron,  he  found  the  public  ascribing  the  whole  merit  to 
Jim :  he  therefore  inserted  the  following  card  in  the  books  of  the 
ixchange  Coffee  house. 

»  Capt.  Hull  finding  that  his  friends  in  Boston  are  correctly  in- 
Lrmed  of  his  situation  when  chased  by  the  British  squadron  off 
Bew-York,  and  that  they  are  good  enough  to  give  him  more  cre- 
Itfor  having  escaped  it  than  he  ought  to  claim,  takes  this  oppor- 
[inity  of  requesting  them  to  transfer  their  good  wishes  to  Lieut. 
lorriSf  an'l  the  other  brave  officers,  and  the  crew  under  his  corn- 
Land,  for  their  very  great  exertions  and  prompt  attention  to  his 
^ders  while  the  enemy  were  in  chase.  Capt.  Hull  bas  great  ple- 
iire  in  saying,  that  notwithstanding  the  length  of  the  chase,  and 
lie  officers  and  crew  being  deprived  of  sleep,  and  allowed  but  lit* 
|e  refreshment  during  the  time,  not  a  murmur  was  heard  to  escape 
hem." 

It  was  naturally  to  be  expected  that  a  man,  who  had  the  hon- 
kt  pride  to  decline  monopolizing  that  praise,  which  he  was  con- 
clous  ought  to  be  shared  with  others,  would,  when  opportunity 
lifered,  distinguish  himself  in  the  most  honourable  manner.  Those 
rho  are  themselves  conscious  of  desert,  are  the  last  to  claim 
|iat  praise  which  belongs  to  others  ;  and  those  who  feel  a  capa- 
tty  to  acquire  reputation,  are  ever  the  most  liberal  in  awarding  it 

others.      It  is    only  little   stinted  minds  that  are  anxious  to 
|laim  that  glory,  winch  they  can  only  gain  by  defrauding  their  as- 
ociates :    liberal  hearts  are  not  afraid  even  to  resign   what  they 
|an  so  easily  acquire. 

Acccordingly,  we  have  found  Capt.  Hull,  on  the  nineteenth  of 

lie  ensuing  Aug.    with  the  same  vessel,   the  same  officers,    and 

Ihe  same  crew,  falling  in  with  a  large  frigate,  which  struck  to 

)im  after  a  close  action  of  thirty  minutes.      She  proved  to  be  his 

Mjesty's  ship  the  Guerriere,  rated  at  thirty-eight  guns,  and  car- 

ying  fifty  ;  commanded  by  Capt.  J.  R.  Dacres,  who  some  time 

efore  had  politely  endorsed  on  the  register  of  a  merchant  ship, 

|q  invitation  to  Capt.  Hull  to  give  him  a  meeting  of  this  kind. 

In  this  action,  where  there  was  a  vast  disparity  of  loss  on  the 
jiart  of  the  enemy,  we  think  we  can  trace  some  of  the  effects  of 
papt.  Hull's  generous   self  denial,    on  bis  officers   and  crew 

Hiatever  may  be  the  fashion  of  considering  soldiers  and  sailors 
M  mere   machines,   without  capacity  of  being  operated  upon  by 

ny  excitement  but  that  of  the  fear  of  punishment,  we  are  con- 
[iiiced  that  all  men,  high  or  low,  are  fond  of  glory,  and  that  this 
ondnes  is  one  of  the  strongest  incitements  to  brave  actions,  even 

>  the  most  common  minds.     Mere  discipline,  however  indispen- 


■w$ 


V.-M 


v..  At-  '•■a 


104 


SKETCHES   OF 


V'l'i>.'  ) 


1.: 


;'l   -i 


sable  it  may  be  to  constitute  a  soldier  or  sailor,  is  but  a  tame  n 
spirer,  when   compared  with  the  impulse  given  by  the  hope 
expectation  of  renown.     It  was  from  this  conviction^  that  alltl 
distinguished  commanders  we  ever  read  or  heard  of,  were  can 
ful  to  celebrate  the  valour  of  their  officers  and  soldiers,  and  to 
stow  on  them  the  glory  of  every  action.       Men,  let  them 
what  they  may,  will  assuredly  make  greater  sacrifices  and  exti 
tions  in  an  engagement,  where,  if  they  conquer,  they  share  tl 
glory,  than  if  it  is  all  to  be  given  to  their  commander,   let  thei 
love  him  ever  so  well.     Small  as  may  be  the  portion  of  this  gloi 
which  falls  to  the  share  of  each  man,   still  we  are  to  considi 
that  though  he  is  not  individually  named  in  the  records  ofti 
times,  or  trasmitted  to  future  periods  in  the  page  of  history  ;  yi 
in  that  little  circle  by  which  every   being,  however   insigni 
cant,  is  surrounded,  he  moves  an  object  of  wonder  :  and  is  a  hei 
among  the  little  men  of  his  little  world.     In  our  minds,  therefori 
that  commander  not  only  displays  his  magnanimity,  but  his  kiio' 
edge  of  mankind,  who  assigns  a  large  portion  of  his  fame  to 
followers.     They  will  fight  the  better  for  it,  and  the  world  wi 
make  him  ample  amends  for  his  generosity,  inasmuch  as  this  libei 
al  self-denial  is  a  much  more  rare  and  heroic  quality,  than  mei 
personal  courage-or  military  skill. 

Captain  Hull  has  not  been  at  sea  since  bis  return  from  the  crui 
Mrhich  terminated  in  the  capture  of  the  Guerriere,  having  beei 
we  understand,  employed  a  time  in  settling  the  aflfairs  of  a  decei 
ed  brother.  It  was  reported,  but  without  foundation,  that  hew 
under  some  disgust  at  the  command  of  the  Constitution  being  a| 
signed  to  Capt.  Bainbridge,  who,  as  his  seniour  officer  had 
doubtedly  a  right  to  claim  it  according  to  the  etiquette  of  the  sej 
vice.  Capt.  Hull,  we  are  confident,  knows  too  well  the  dul 
which  he  owes  to  his  country  in  this  period  of  danger,  to  desei 
his  colours.  The  sailor  as  well  as  the  soldier  is  a  man  who 
war,  by  defending  his  country,  makes  her  amends  for  the  care  si 
extends  to  him  in  the  time  of  peace.  Their  duties  are  reciproci 
and  we  think  the  officer  who  in  time  of  war  retires  premature 
from  a  station  where  he  has  been  placed  in  the  time  of  peac 
ought  to  have  the  strongest  motives  for  such  a  desertion. 

This  gallant  officer  is  still  in  the  vigour  of  life  ;  of  pleasing,  u 
aflfected  manners,  and  of  unblemished  reputation -in  all  therel 
tions  of  social  life. 


•*fTi  'n'*f->^-vit^i' 


THE  WAR. 


I    105 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

Cruize  of  the  Essex Cruize  of  the  Wasp...>»Capture  of  the 

Frolic Loss  of  the  Wasp  and  Frolic Biography  of  Capt. 

Jones. 


Cruize  of  the  Essex Capt.  Porter  of  the  Essex,  sailed  from 

New- York  on  the  Sd  July,  shaping  his  course  to  the  southward,  in 
pursuit  of  the  Thetis  frigate,  which  he  had  learned  from  a  captur- 
ed vessel,  was  to  sail  from  Jamaica  on  the  26th  June,  with  a 
large  convoy  for  England :  he  therefore  made  every  exertion  to 
get  oif  St.  Augustine  in  time  to  fall  in  with  theno,  but  without  ef- 
fect, as  fresh  gales  prevailed  from  the  S.  W.  JSaffled  in  his  at- 
tempt to  meet  them  there,  he  resolved,  if  possible,  to  intercept 
them  on  the  banks  of  Newfoundland,  and  made  sail  for  that  pur- 
pose :  but  in  this  he  was  also  disappointed. 

On  the  13th  August,  the  British  sloop  of  war  Alert  of  20  guns, 
ran  down  on  the  weather  quarter  of  the  Essex.  Her  crew 
gave  three  cheers  and  immediately  commenced  an  engagement ; 
but  the  Essex  poured  in  such  a  tremendous  fire  that  in  eight  mi- 
nutes the  Alert  was  forced  to  strike  her  colours.  She  had  seven 
feet  water  in  her  hold,  was  much  cut  to  pieces,  and  had  three  of 
her  crew  wounded.  The  Essex  did  not  receive  the  slightest  in- 
jury. 

Capt.  Porter  being  now  much  embarrassed  with  the  number  of 
prisoners  on  board  his  ship,  amounting  to  about  five  hundred,  re- 
solved to  send  them  to  a  British  port,  in  the  Alert  as  a  cartel.  He 
accordingly  threw  her  guns  overboard,  withdrew  from  her  all  the 
Essex's  men,  put  the  prisoners  on  board,  and  despatched  her  as  a 
cartel  to  St.  Johns,  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Wilmer,  with 
orders  to  proceed  from  thence  to  New- York,  with  such  Amerir 
cans  as  he  should  receive  in  exchange.  The  Alert,  upon  her  re- 
turn to  the  United  States,  was  fitted  out  as  a  government  ves- 
sel. 

On  the  30th  of  August,  the  Essex  being  in  latitude  36  N.  long. 
€2  W.  a  British  frigate  was  discovered  standing  towards  her,  un- 
der a  press  of  sail.  Porter  stood  for  her  under  easy  sail,  with  his 
3hip  prepared  for  action ;  and  apprehensive  that  she  might  not 
find  the  Essex  during  the  night,  he  hoisted  a  light.  At  nine  the 
British  vessel  made  a  signal.  It  consisted  of  two  flashes  and  a 
blue  light.  She  was  then  apparently  about  four  miles  distant. 
Porter  stood  for  the  point  where  she  was  seen,  until  midnight, 
when  perceiving  nothing  of  her,  he  concluded  it  would  be  best  to 
heave  to  for  her  until  morning,  concluding  she  had  done  the  same. 
But  to  his  great  surprise,  and  the  mortification  of  his  officers  and 
f^rew,  she  was  no  longer  in  sight. 

O 


;»■; 


t: 


k-  '^^m 


f^\^ 


1Q6 


SKETCHKS  09 


:!i^  i 


rr 


On  the  4th  of  September,  the  Essex  being  off  the  tail  of  S{. 
George's  Bank,  two  ships  of  war  were  discovered  to  the  south- 
ward, and  a  brig  to  the  northward,  The  brig  was  in  chase  of  an 
American  merchant  ship.  Porter  immediately  chased  the  brig, 
which  attempted  to  pass,  and  join  the  rest  of  the  squadron.  This 
he  prevented,  and  compelled  her  to  stand  to  the  northward.  He 
continued  in  chase  of  her,  until  abreast  of  the  American  ship, 
when  the  wind  becoming  light,  she  escaped  by  means  of  her 
sweeps..  On  showing  American  colours,  several  signal  guns  were 
Urcd  by  the  ships  to  the  southward.  All  sail  was  made  by  them 
in  chase.  At  4  P.  M.  they  had  gained  the  wake  of  the  Essex, 
and  were  coming  up  with  her  very  fast.  Calculating  on  making 
his  escape  by  some  manoeuvre  during  the  night,  he  fired  a  gun  to 
windward.  The  two  ships  still  continued  to  gain  on  the  Essex. 
The  largest  was  considerably  to  windward  of  the  other,  and  about 
five  miles  astern  of  the  Essex.  Capt.  Porter  determined  to  heave 
about  as  soon  as  it  grew  dark,  and  in  case  he  should  not  be  able  to 
pass  her,  he  determined  to  fire  a  broadside  into  her,  and  lay  her 
on  board.  Every  preparation  was  made  for  this  purpose.  The 
crew,  as  soon  as  the  plan  was  proposed  to  them,gave  three  cheers, 
and  were  in  high  spirits.  At  20  minutes  after  seven,  the  Essex 
hove  about,  and  stood  S.  E.  by  S.  until  30  minutes  after  eight, 
when  she  bore  away  S.  W.  without  seeing  any  thing  more  of 
them.  This  was  the  more  extraordinary,  as  a  pistol  was  fired  on 
board  the  Essex,  when  nearest  to  them. 

The  Essex  arrived  safe  in  the  Delaware  a  few  days  after* 
wards. 


li;  i:' 


m' 


ll"  >.  , 


m:'i 


Cruize  of  the  Wasp The  Wasp,  Capt.  Jones,  sailed  from  the 

Delaware  on  a  cruize,  the  13th  Oct.  and  on  the  16th,  it  came  on 
to  Wow  a  heavy  gale,  which  carried  away  her  jib  boom  and  two 
men.  On  the  17th,  at  11  P.  M.  in  lat.  37  N.  Ion.  65  W.  (the 
track  of  vessels  passing  from  Bermuda  to  HalifaXji)  she  found  her- 
self near  five  strange  sail,  steering  westward. 

As  some  of  them  seemed  to  be  ships  of  war,  it  was  thought 
better  to  get  farther  from  them.  The  Wasp  therefore  hauled  her 
wind,  sind  having  reached  a  .ew  miles  to  windward,  so  as  to  es- 
cape or  fight  as  the  occasion  might  require,  followed  the  strange 
sail  through  the  night.  At  daybreak  on  Sunday  morning,  Capt. 
Jones  found  that  they  were  she  large  merchant  ships,  under  con- 
voy of  a  sloop  of  war,  which  proved  to  be  the  Frolic,  Captain 
Whinyates,  from  |Ionduras  to  England,  with  a  convoy,  strongly 
armed  and  manned,  having  all  forty  or  fifty  men,  and  two  of 
them  mounting  sixteen  gwns  each.  He  determined,  however,  to 
attack  them,  and  as  there  was  a  heavy  swell  and  the  wea> 
ther  boisterous,  got  down  his  top-gallant  yards,  close- reefed  the 
topsails,  and  prepared  for  action.    About  eleven  o'clock,  the  Fro^ 


i,!ii!    ' 


•^.> 


tttE  WAR. 


107 


il  of  SJ, 

?    8011th- 

se  of  an 
he  brig, 
1.    This 
rd.     He 
an  ship, 
3  of  her 
ins  were 
by  them 
B  Essex, 
making 
a  gun  to 
e  Essex, 
nd  about 
to  heave 
e  able  to 
i  lay  her 
f.       The 
e  cheers, 
he  Essex 
er  eight, 
more  of 
fired  on 

/s  after* 


from  the 
Icame  on 
land  two 
W.  (the 
lund  her- 

thought 
iuled  her 
^s  to  es- 

strange 
|g,  Capt. 

Jer  con- 
I  Captain 

^trongly 

two  of 

|ever,  to 

le  wea- 

kfed  the 

me  Fro' 


iio  showed  Spanish  colours,  and  the  Wasp  immediately  displayed 
the  American  ensign  and  pendant.  At  32  minutes  past  eleveil^ 
the  Wasp  came  down  to  windward,  on  her  larboard  side,  within 
about  60  yards,  arid  hailed.  The  enemy  hauled  down  the  Spanish 
colours,  hoisted  the  British  ensign,  and  opened  a  fire  of  cannon 
and  musketry.  This  the  Wasp  instantly  returned,  and  coming 
nearer  to  the  enemy,  the  action  became  close,  and  without  inter- 
mission. In  four  or  five  minutes  the  maintopmast  of  the  WasJ) 
was  shot  away,  and  falling  down  with  the  maintopsail  yard, 
across  the  larboard  fore  and  foretopsail  braces,  rendered  her  head 
yards  unmanageable  during  the  rest  of  the  action.  In  two  or 
three  minutes  more  her  gaft  and  mizen-topgallantsail  were  shot 
away.  Still  she  continued  a  close  and  constant  fire.  The  sea 
Was  so  rough  that  the  muzzle  of  the  Wasp's  guns  were  frequently 
in  the  water.  The  Americans  fired  as  the  ship's  side  was 
going  down,  so  that  their  shot  struck  on  the  enemy's  deck  or 
below  it,  while  the  English  fired  as  the  vessel  rose,  and  thus  her 
balls  chiefly  pierced  the  rigging,  or  were  thrown  away.  The 
Wasp  now  shot  ahead  of  the  Frolic,  raked  her,  and  then  resumed 
her  position  on  her  larboard  bow.  Her  fire  was  now  obviously 
attended  with  such  success,  and  that  of  the  Frolic  so  slackened, 
that  Capt.  Jones  did  not  wish  to  board  her,  lest  the  roughness  of 
the  sea  might  endanger  both  vessels  ;  but  in  the  course  of  a  few 
minutes  more,  ever}'  brace  of  the  Wasp  was  shot  away,  and  her 
rigging  so  much  torn  to  pieces,  that  he  was  afraid  that  his  masts, 
being  unsupported,  would  go  by  the  board,  and  the  Frolic  be  able 
to  escape.  He  thought,  therefore,  the  best  chance  of  securing 
her  was  to  board,  and  decide  the  contest  at  once.  With  this 
view  he  wore  ship,  and  running  down  upon  the  enemy,  the  ves- 
sels struck  each  other,  the  Wasp's  side  rubbing  along  the  Frolic's 
bow,  so  that  her  jibbootn  Oame  in  betweeh  the  main  and  mizzen 
rigging  of  the  Wasp,  directly  ovet-  the  heads  of  Capt.  Jones  and 
the  first  lieutenant,  Mr.  fiiddle,  who  were  at  that  moment  stand- 
ing  together  near  the  capstan.  The  Frolic  lay  so  fair  for  raking^ 
that  they  decided  not  to  board  until  they  had  given  a  closing 
broadside.  Whilst  they  were  loadiiig  for  this,  so  near  were  the 
two  vessels,  that  the  rammers  of  the  Wasf)  were  pushed  against 
the  Frolic's  sides,  and  two  of  her  guns  went  through  the  bov¥ 
ports  of  the  Frolic,  and  swept  the  whole  length  of  her  deck.  At 
this  moment,  Jack  Lang,*  a  seaman  of  the  Wasp,  a  gallant  felt 
low,  who  had  been  once  impressed  by  a  British  man  of  war, 
jumped  on  a  gun  with  his  cutlass,  and  was  springing  on  board 
the  Frolic  :  Capt.  Jones,  wishing  to  fire  again  before  boarding. 
Called  him  down  ;  but  his  impetuosity  could  not  be  restrained,  and 

•  John  Lanp  U  a  native  of  Newbrunwitk,  iu  Newjctsey.   We  mention  >vith  great  pleaiure  the 
name  ut'  this  b.ave  AniericM  iMimn.  av  a  proof  that  tonipicmiu  valouc  to  wiBMiri  vu  o«  nak  ia 

'  be  naval  ifTTiv^t, 


■h.\y 


■   '  ^:-'M 


m 


\w 

4 

^■3 

■  !l  ■ 

fl[> 

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Mi 

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11 

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■'  "^j 

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J  * 

n^ 

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m 

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I']      '' 

M:' 

j'  y  ■ 

i 


3m. 

B  "tit]'' 


106 


SKETCHES  OV 


he  was  already  on  the  bowsprit  of  the  Frolic  ;    when,  seeing  the 
ardour  and  enthusiasm  of  the  Wasp's  crew,  Lieut.  Biddle  mount 
ed  on  the  hammock  cloth  to  board.      At  this  signal  the  crew  fol- 
lowed :    but  Lieut.  Biddle's  feet  got  entangled  in  the  rigging  of 
the  enemy's  bowsprit,  and  midshipman  Baker,  in  his  ardour  to 
get  on  board,  laying  hold  of  his  coat,  he  fell  back  on  the  Wasp's 
deck.     He  sprang  up,  and  as  the  next  swell  of  the  sea  brought 
the  Frolic  nearer,  he  got  on  her  bowsprit,  where  Lang  and  anoth 
er  seaman  were  already.     He  passed  them  on  the  forecastle,  and 
was  surprised  at  seeing  not   a  single  man  alive  on  the  Frolic's 
deck,  except  the  seaman  at  the  wheel,  and  three  officers.      The 
deck  was  slippery  with  blood,  and  strewed  with  the  bodies  of  the 
dead.      As  he  went  forward,  the  captain  of  the  Frolic,  with  two 
other  officers,  who  were    standing   on  the    quarter-deck,  threw 
down  their  swords,   and  made  an  inclination  of  their  bodies,  de- 
noting that  they  had  surrendered.        At  this  moment  the  colours 
were  still  flying,  as,  probably,  none  of  the  seamen  of  the  Frolic, 
would  dare  to  go  into  the  rigging  for  fear  of  the  musketry  of  the 
Wasp.     Lieut.  Biddle,  therefore,  jumped  into  the  rigging  himself 
and  hauled  down  the  British  ensign,  and  possession  was  taken  of 
the  Frolic,  in  forty-three  minutes  after  the  first  fire.     She  was  in 
a  shocking  condition  :    the  birth-deck,  particularly,  was  crowded 
with  dead,   and  wounded,  and  dying ;   there  being  but  a  small 
portion  of  the  Frolic's  crew  who  had  escaped.      Capt.  Jones  in- 
stantly sent  on  board  his  surgeon's  mate,  and  all  the  blankets  of 
the  Frolic  were  brought  from  her  slop- room  for  the  comfort  of  the 
wounded.    To   increase  this  confusion,  both  the  Frolic's  masts 
soon  fell,  covering  the  dead  and  every  thing  on  deck,  and  she  lay 
a  complete  wreck. 

It  now  appeared  that  the  Frolic  mounted  16  thirty-two  pound 
carronades,  4  twelve  pounders  on  the  main-deck,  and  2  twelve 
pound  carronades.  She  was,  therefore,  superior  to  the  Wasp,  by 
exactly  four  twelve  pounders.    The  number  of  men  on  board,  as 

stated  by  the  officers  of  the  Frolic,  was  one  hundred  and  ten 

the  number  of  seamen  on  board  the  Wasp  was  one  hundred  and 
two  ;  but  it  could  not  be  ascertained,  whether  in  this  one  hun- 
dred and  ten  were  included  marines  and  officers  ;  for  the  Wasp 
bad,  besides  her  one  hundred  and  two  men,  officers  and  marines, 
making  the  whole  crew  about  one  hundred  and  thirty-five.  What 
is,  however,  decicive,  as  to  their  comparative  force  is,  that  the  of- 
ficers of  the  Frolic  acknowledge  that  they  had  as  many  men  as 
they  knew  what  to  do  with,  and,  in  fact  the  Wasp  could  have 
spaied  fifteen  men.  There  was,  therefore,^  on  the  most  favoura- 
ble view,  at  least  an  equality  of  men,  and  an  inequality  of  four 
guns.  The  disparity  of  loss  was  much  greater.  The  exact  num- 
bee  of  killed  and  wounded  on  board  the  Frolic  could  not  be  pre^ 
cisely  determined  ;  but  from  the  observations  of  our  officers,  and 


THE  WAR. 


loa 


the  declarations  of  those  or  the  Frolic,  the  number  could  not  be 
Ies5  than  aboui  thirty  killed,  including  two  officers,  and  of  the 
wounded  between  forty  and  fifty  ;  the  captain  and  second  lieuten- 
ant being  of  the  number.  The  Wasp  had  five  men  killed  and  five 
slightly  wounded. 

All  hands  were  now  employed  in  clearing  the  deck,  burying  the 
dead,  and  taking  care  of  the  wounded,  when  Capt.  Jones  sent 
orders  to  Lieut.  Biddle  to  proceed  to  Charleston,  or  any  southern 
port  of  the  United  States  :  and,  as  there  was  a  suspicious  sail  to 
windward,  the  Wasp  would  continue  her  cruise.  The  ships  then 
parted.  The  suspicious  sail  was  now  coming  down  very  fast.  At 
first  it  was  supposed  that  she  was  one  of  the  convoy,  who  had 
all  fled  during  the  engagement,  and  who  now  camr  for  the  pur- 
pose of  attacking  the  prize.  The  guns  of  the  Frolic  were,  there- 
fore, loaded,  and  the  ship  cleared  for  action  ;    but  the  enemy,  as 

she  advanced,  proved  to  be  a  seventy-four the   Poictiers,  Capt. 

I  Beresford.  She  fired  a  shot  over  the  Frolic  ;  passed  her  ;  over- 
took the  Wasp,  the  disabled  state  of  whose  rigging  prevented 
hpr  from  escaping  ;  and  then  returned  to  the  Frolic,  who  could, 
of  course,  make  no  resistance.  The  Wasp  and  Frolic  were  carri- 
ed into  Bermuda.* 

Biography  of  Capt.  Jones Jacob  Jones,  Esq.  of  the  United 

Sfttes' navy,  was  born  about  the  year  1770,  near  the  village  of 
Smyrna,  in  the  county  of  Kent,  state  of  Delaware.  His  father 
was  an  independent  and  respectable  farmer,  of  excellent  moral 
and  religious  character.  His  mother  was  of  a  good  family,  of  the 
name  of  Jones  ;  an  amiable  and  interesting  woman  ;  she  died 
when  the  subject  of  this  memoir  was  yet  an  infant.  Between 
two  and  three  years  afterwards  his  father  married  again,  with  a 
Miss  Holt,  grand-daughter  of  the  honourable  Ry  vez  Holt,  former- 
ly chief  justice  of  the  supreme  court  of  Delaware  ;  or,  as  it  wa» 
then  deponAinated,  "  the  lower  counties  on  Delaware."  Shortly 
after  this  second  marriage  his  father  died,  when  this  his  only 
child  was  scarcely  four  years  of  age.  It  was  the  good  fortune  of 
our  hero  to  be  left  under  the  care  of  a  step-mother,  who  had  all 
I  the  kind  feelings  of  a  natural  parent.  The  aiTection  which  this  ex- 
cellent woman  had  borne  towards  the  father,  was,  on  his  death, 
transferred  to  the  child.  By  her  he  was  nurtured  from  infancy 
to  manhood,  with  a  truly  maternal  care  and  tenderness.  At  an 
early  age  he  was  placed  at  a  school,  and  his  proficiency  in  learn- 
ing was  equal  to  her  most  anxious  wishes.  After  becoming  well 
acquainted  with  the  general  branches  of  an  English  education,  he 
was  transferred  to  a  grammar  school  at  Lewes  in  Sussex  cotinty, 
conducted  by  the  learned  and  pious  Dr  Matthew  Wilson.  Un- 
der his  direction  he  read  the  classics  with  much  assiduity,  and  be- 
came well  acquainted  with  the  Latin  and  Greek  languages.    Tiie 


'!>• 


■^'^ 


■'r:"s?i 


^Vtf  arc  indebted  t'»  the  T'ort  Folio  for  the  forci^imf  ueeou;it  oT'\\f  ojfiirc  t.'.'tli'  FioV.r. 


-W.*. 


UO 


SKETCHES  OF 


'm 


writer  of  this  memoir  distinctly  remembers  also,  that  in  the  gef 
graphical  lessons  he  continually  bore  off  the  palm,  and  received, 
beyond  all  others,  repeated  proofs  of  approbation  from  his  precep. 
tor.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  left  Lewes  Academy,  and  enter, 
ed  on  the  study  of  physic  and  surgery,  under  Dr.  Sykes,  an  emi- 
nent physician  and  surgeon  of  Dover  in  the  county  of  Kent.  M^ith 
him  he  diligently  prosecuted  his  studies  for  four  years,  after  which 
he  attended  the  usual  courses  of  medical  lectures  of  the  Universi 
ty  of  Pennsylvania,  and  tnen  returned  to  Dover  to  commence  the 
exercise  of  his  profession. 

He  did  not,  however,  continue  long  in  the  practice.  He  found 
the  field  already  engrossed  by  a  number  of  able  and  exptrieuced 
gentlemen  of  the  faculty,  among  whom  was  the  late  lamented  Dr. 
Miller  of  New  York.  Discouraged  by  the  scanty  employment 
that  is  commonly  the  lot  of  the  young  physician,  and  impatient  of  | 
an  inactive  life,  he  determined  to  abandon  the  profession  for  the 
present,  and  seek  some  more  productive  occupation.  This  reso 
lution  was  a  matter  of  much  regret  among  the  elder  physicians. 
They  entertained  a  high  opinion  of  his  medical  acquirements,  and 
considered  him  as  promising  to  become  a  distinguished  and  skilful 
memberof  their  body.  Gov.  Clayton,  (who  was  himself  an  emi* 
nent  physician)  seeing  that  he  was  fixed  in  his  determination,  con- 
ferred upon  him  the  clerkship  of  the  supreme  court  of  the  state  cf 
Delaware,  for  the  county  of  Kent. 

In  this  office  he  continued  for  some  time,  but  the  sedentaiy  na* 
ture  of  its  duties  was  uncongenial  with  his  health  and  habits  ;  he 
longed  to  mingle  in  more  active  scenes,  and  possessed  that  ardent 
spirit  of  enterprise  that  can  never  rest  contented  with  the  tranquil 
ease  of  common  life.  With  a  certain  bravery  of  resolution,  theie- 
ibre,  or  rather  a  noble  unconcern,  he  turned  his  back  upon  the 
comforts  and  emoluments  of  office  ;  and  resolved  upon  a  meas- 
ure as  indicative  of  the  force  of  his  character,  as  it  was  decisive 
of  his  future  fortunes.  This  was  to  enter  as  a  midshipm'an  into 
the  service  of  his  country,  in  the  year«  1799,  when  menaced  with 
a  war  with  France. 

He  was  at  this  time  almost  twenty-nine  years  of  age,  highly  re- 
spected for  the  solidity  of  his  understanding  and  his  varied  ac 
quirements  ;  it  may  readily  be  imagined,  therefore,  how  greatly 
his  friends  were  dissatisfied  at  seeing  him  in  a  manner  taking  a 
retrograde  step  in  life,  entering  upon  that  tedious  probation  which 
the  naval  service  peculiarly  requires,  end  accepting  a  grade 
which  is  generally  allotted  to  boys  and  stripplings.  It  was  in  vain} 
however,  to  remonstrate  against  a  resolution,  which,  once  form- 
ed, never  vibrated.  Jones  had  determined  on  embracing  the 
profession  ;  he  had  weighed  all  the  peculiar  inconveniences  and 
sacrifices  incident  to  his  determination,  and  had  made  up  his  mind 
to  encounter  and  surmount  them  all.     His  friends  could  only  cod- 


THI  WAR. 


Ill 


lole  themielveg  with  the  reflection,  that  if  ooura|g;e,  activity,  and 
hardihood  could  ensure  naval  success,  Jones  was  peculiarly  fitted 
for  the  life  he  had  adopted  ;  and  it  is  probable  they  felt  some  de- 
gree of  admiration  for  that  decision  of  character,  which,  in  the 
pursuit  of  what  he  conceived  a  laudable  object,  could  enable  him 
I  to  make  such  large  sacrifices  of  peisoDal  pride  and  convenience. 

The  first  cruises  which  he  made  in  his  new  capacity  were  un- 
[der  the  father  of  our  infant  navy,  the  late  Com.  Barry,  from 
I  whom  he  derived  great  instruction  in  the  theory  and  practice  of 

profession,  and  experienced  the  utmost  kindness  and  civility. 
I  He  was  a  midshipman  on  board  the  frigate  United  States,  when 
she  bore  to  France  Chief  Justice  Ellsworth  and  Gen.  Davie,  as  en- 
voys extraordinary  to  the  French  Republic.  He  was  next  on 
board  of  the  Ganges,  as  midshipman,  and  during  the  whole  in- 
tervening period  between  his  appointment,  and  the  war  with  Tri- 
poli, he  was  sedulously  employed  in  obtaining  that  nautical  skill  for 
1  which  he  is  at  present  celebrated.  -  ♦ 

On  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  with  Tripoli,  he  was  stationed 

loa  board  of  the  frigate  Philadelphia,  under  the  command  of  the 

gallant  Bainbridge.      The  disaster  which  befel  that  ship  and  her 

crew  before  Tripoli,  forms  a  solemn  page  in  our  naval  history  ; 

attoned  for,  however,  by  the  brilliant  achievements  to  which  it 

{gave  rise.    Twenty  months  of  severe  captivity  among  a  barba- 

Irous  people,  and  in  a  warm  climate,  neither  broke  the  spirit  nor 

liaapaired  the  constitution  of  our  hero.      Blest  by  nature  with  vig- 

jorous  health  and  an  invincible  resolution,  when  relieved  from  bon- 

re  by  the  bravery  of  his  countrymen,  he  returned  home  full  of 
liife  and  ardour.  He  was  soon  after  promoted  to  a  lieutenancy. 
iThis  grade  he  had  merited  before  his  confinement  in  Tripoli,  but 
[oider  warrant  officers  had  stood  in  the  way  of  his  preferment. 

He  was  now  for  some  time  employed  on  the  Orleans  station, 
Iwhere  he  conducted  himself  with  his  usual  judgment  and  propriety, 
land  was  a  favorite  in  the  polite  circles  of  the  Orleans  and  Missis- 
Itippi  territories.  He  was  shortly  after  appointed  to  the  command 
■of  the  brig  Argus,  stationed  for  the  protection  of  our  commerce  on 
■the  southern  maritime  frontier.  In  this  situation  he  acted  with 
vigilance  and  fidelity,  and  though  there  were  at  one  time  insidious 
Isuggestions  to  the  contrary,  it  has  appeared  that  he  conformed  to 
Ihis  instructions,  promoted  the  public  interest,  and  gave  entire  sat- 
|islaction  to  the  government. 

In  1811,  Capt.  Jones  was  transferred  by  the  secretary  of  the 
I  navy  to  the  command  of  the  slsop  of  war  the  Wasp,  mounting 
Icighteen  twenty-four  pound  carronades,  and  was  despatched,  in 
Ithe  spring  of  1812,  with  communications  from  our  government 
jto  its  functionaries  at  the  courts  of  St.  Cloud  and  St.  James.  Be- 
Ifore  he  returned  from  this  voyage,  war  had  been  declared  by  the 
lUQited  States  ajB;ainst  Great  Britain.     Capt.  Jonei  refitted  his  ship 


inf'," 

*"  rraM 

.  '■   ^MlM 

'iR 

f  ,  Jf|t3|] 

''■r 

W 

t    T'  tfE 

1  iT< 

3' 

l-t'  flKI 

n 

MsM 

•SMI 

■.';)l 

vi,''?l,«l 

.1 

kM 

'  .1 

'A 

m 

C^i 

-  T  f  XI 

^ 


ikM 


.  V 


*I  .,., 


liii. 


i|-    V 


•112 


bKkTCHES   Ikc. 


with  rII  possible  dispntcli,  und  repaired  to  sen  on  a  cruise,  in  vvhicn 
he  met  with  no  other  luck  than  the  capture  of  an  inconridi  ruble 
prize.  He  again  put  to  sea  on  the  13th  of  October  lost,  and  on 
the  18th  of  the  month,  after  a  long  and  heavy  gale,  he  fell  in  with 
a  number  of  strongly  armed  merchantmen  under  convoy  of  his 
Britannic  majesty's  sloop  of  war  the  Frolic,  Capt.  Winyates. 

Capt.   Jones  bore  down  upon   the  Frolic,   nnd  a  bloody  action  I 
was  commenced  which  ended  in  the  capture  of  the  Frolic,  though 
unfortunately  both  vessels  were  captured  by  the  Poictiers  74,  with. 
in  an  hour  or  two  after,  and  carried  to  Bermuda,  as  more  partic- 
ularly and  minutely  related  before. 

On  the  return  of  Capt.  Jones  to  the  United  States,  he  was  ev>  I 
ery  where  received  with  the  utmost  demonstrations  of  gratitude 
and  admiration.  Brilliant  entertainments  were  given  him  in  the 
cities  through  which  he  passed.  The  legislature  of  his  native 
state  appointed  a  committee  to  wait  on  him  with  their  thaDki, 
and  to  express  the  "  pride  and  pleasure"  they  felt  in  recognizing 
him  as  a  native  of  their  state ;  in  the  same  resolution  they  vottd 
him  an  elegant  piece  of  plate,  with  appropriate  engravings.  The 
congress  of  the  United  States,  on  motion  of  Mr.  J.  A.  Bayard,  ot 
Delaware,  appropriated  25,000  dollars,  as  a  compensation  to  Capt, 
Jones  and  his  crew,  for  the  loss  they  sustained  by  the  re  capture 
of  the  Frolic.  They  also  ordered  a  gold  medal  to  be  presented  to  | 
the  captain,  and  a  silver  one  to  each  of  his  otHcers. 

Various  other  marks  of  honour  have  been  paid  by  the  legisia- 1 
tures,  and  the  citizens  of  different  states,  which  it  would  be  super 
Jluous  to  enumerate  ;  but  the  most  substantial  testimony  of  appro- 1 
bation  which  he  has  received,  is  the  appointment  to  the  command  [ 
of  the  frigate  Macedonian. 

Capt.  Jones  is  about  the  middle  size,  of  an  active  mind  and  vig- 
orous make,  and  an  excellent  constitution,  capable  of  the  utmost  | 
vigilance  and  fatigue.      Naturally  and  habitually  temperate  him- 
self, he  is  a  great  promoter  of  temperance  among  his  crew  ;  and  I 
has  been  successful  in  reclaiming  many  a  valuable  seaman  from 
'he  pernicious  habits  of  intoxication. 

[j4naleGtie  Magazine.] 


■■  r  ] 


* 
*   # 


TO  READERS. 


Oiir  vout'irt  will  picaic  to  recollect,  that  thii  publication  claims  no  other  merit  than  that  ot'a  jml  - 
riunt  selection.  In  most  initancei  credit  faai  tK-eii  girt-n  ;  in  some,  however,  it  lias  been  omiitiit. 
We  have  already  been,  and  shall  probably  herealter  be  indcixtd  to  the  Naval  Histnrj'  u!'  thr 
United  States,  the  Port  Folio,  Analectio  Magazine,  and  Nile's  Hrgister,  lor  much  or  the  ninttei,  u>'l 
even  the  language  ol'  this  work.  We  have  uiiil  the  language  where  it  uoiild  answer  eur  piirp"v. 
with  more  or  lew  alteration,  as  necessity  or  propriety  dlitat«^l. 


■r-»'t^Y  tt^^'ir 


im^:A*'. ' 


-^     ^^--^^ 


S    vwrr* 


ki 


SKETCHES 

or 


THE  WAR 


li- 


he  was  ev- 


VoLVMK  I Number  3 


vtl 


CHAPTER  IX.        . 

Com.  Rodgers*  second  cruize Capture  of  the  Siva/Zotv..... Cap- 
ture of  the  Macedonian Chase  of  the  Jrgus Biography 

of  Capt,  Decatur, 


,%->, 


On  the  8th  Oct.  the  President,  Com.  Rodgers,  United  States, 
Capt.  Decatur,  Congress,  Capt.  Smith,  and  Argus,  Capt.  Sinclair, 
tailed  from  Boston,  on  n  cruize.  In  a  day  or  two  afterwards, 
however,  the  United  States  and  Argus  parted  company  from  the 
pther  vessels.  Com.  Rodgers,  with  the  President  and  Congress, 
traversed  about  8000  miles  upon  the  atlantic  without  falling  in 
with  any  of  the  enemy's  frigates  :  he  however  captured  two  val< 
uable  prizes,  the  Swallow,  having  on  board  168,000  dollars  in 
specie,  and  a  south-sea  vessel,  the  Argo,  of  great  value,  and  re- 
turned into  the  harbour  of  Boston  the  latter  part  of  December..... 
his  prizes  had  previously  arrived  in  safety. 

Capture  of  the  Macedonian Capt.  Decatur,    after  leaving 

the  squadron,  bore  south-east.  Nothing  of  moment  occurred  un- 
til the  23th,  when,  being  in  latitude  20  d.  N.  long.  20  d.  30  m. 
W.  he  fell  in  with  the  British  frigate  Macedonian,  commanded 
by  Capt.  John  S.  Carden. 

The  Macedonian  being  to  windward,  had  the  advantage  of  en- 
gaging at  her  own  distance.  This  was  so  great,  that  for  the  first 
half  hour  the  United  States  did  not  use  her  carronades.  At  no 
time  was  the  Macedonian  within  such  distance  as  to  admit  of 
musketry  and  grape  being  used  with  good  effect.  Owing  to  this 
circumstance,  and  a  heavy  swell  of  the  sea,  the  action  lasted  an 
hour  and  a  half.  So  brisk  and  spirited  was  the  fire  kept  up  from 
the  United  States,  that  the  crew  of  the  British  ship  supposed  she 
was  on  fire  ;   and  it  was  so  well  directed  that  the  Ma«edonian>8 

P 


..i.'i 


114 


SKETCHES  OF 


li  :/ 


roizen-mast  was  shot  away  by  the  board.  Her  fore  and  main- 
top-masts were  shot  away  by  the  caps.  Her  main  yard  wae 
shot  in  pieces.  Her  lower  masts  were  badly  wounded.  Her 
lower  rigging  was  all  cut  to  pieces.  Only  a  small  portion  of  the 
foresail  was  left  to  the  foreyard.  All  her  guns  on  the  quarter- 
deck  and  forecastle  were  disabled  but  two,  and  filled  with  wreck. 
Two  also  of  her  guns  on  the  main-deck  were  disabled.  She  had 
received  several  shot  between  wind  and  water.  A  very  great 
portion  of  her  crew  were  killed  or  wounded.  So  much  disabled 
\vas  she,  that  she  lay  a  perfect  wreck  and  unmanageable  log. 
At  this  time  the  United  States  shot  ahead,  and  was  about  placing 
herself  in  a  position  to  rake,  when  the  British  vessel  struck  her 
colours. 

The  Macedonian  rated  in  Steel's  List  a  38  gun  ship,  but  mount- 
ed 49  guns.  She  was  only  two  years  old  ;  and  had  been  but 
four  months  out  of  dock.  She  was  reputed  one  of  the  best  sailers 
in  the  British  navy.     The  killed  on  board  of  her  amounted  to  36 

the  wounded  to  68.     She  has  since  been  fitted  out  as  a  38  gun 

ship  in  the  American  navy. 

The  damage  sustained  by  the  United  States  was  very  trifling. 
She  had  only  5  men  killed  and  7  wounded. 

All  the  private  property  of  the  officers  and  men  on  board  the 
Macedonian  was  given  up  to  them.  The  private  property  claim- 
ed by  Capt.  Garden,  valued  at  about  800  dollars,  Capt.  Decatur 
paid  him  for. 

Capt.  Decatur  arrived  at  New  York  with  his  prize  on  the  1st 
Jan.  He  arrived  some  time  previous  off  New  London,  but  con- 
tinued in  the  sound  for  several  weeks,  doubtless,  to  present  his 
prize  to  the  citizens  of  New  York  on  that  day. 

John  Archibald,  one  of  the  crew  of  the  United  States,  received 
a  mortal  wound,  of  which  he  soon  aAer  died.  He  left  three  chil- 
dren to  the  mercy  of  the  world,  with  a  mother  who  had  deserted 
them.  When  the  father  of  the  deceased  seaman  went  on  board 
the  frigate  to  claim  the  wages  and  property  of  his  son,  an  in 
quiry  was  made  into  the  circumstances  of  the  family.  A  plan 
was  immediately  agreed  upon  by  the  seamen,  for  the  relief  of  the 
orphans.  Two  dollars  was  subscribed  by  each  of  them.  A  sum 
of  *iOQ  dollars  was  made  up,  and  placed  in  the  hands  of  suitable- 
trustees,  for  the  maintenance  and  education  of  the  children. 

Capt.  Decatur,  on  his  return  to  the  United  States,  received 
from  all  quarters  the  grateful  congratulations  of  his  countrymen. 

Chase  of  the  Jrgus...„Tiie  Argus  parted  company  from  the 
United  States  previous  to  the  capture  of  the  Macedonian  by  that 
vessel,  and  proceeded  to  the  coast  of  Brazil,  down  the  north  coast 
of  the  country  from  St.  Roquo  to  Surinam,  thence  she  passed  to 
the  windward  of  the  islands,  and  in  every  direction  between  th( 


Bermudas, 
she  returne 
200,000  do 
of  the  ener 
line,  one  of 
moon  enabl 
chase  was  < 
der  various 
officers  and 
all  sides  by 
tied  state  o 
ket  shot  of 
gilancc  of  C 
They  had 
doubt  of  dis 
being  disco* 
clear  the  w 
sailing  of  th 
so  closely 
throwing 
starting  the 
the  fresh  ha 
ting  his  sail 
ing  the  chai 
So  close  we 
two  of  the  i 

Biograpl 
Decatur  i 
ther  was  a  i 
of  Rhode-Is 
port,  (Rhod 
Philadelphif 
man  by  the 
roanded  a  i 
the  establisi 
mand  the  I 
frigate  Phil 
was  given 
had  built  he 
peace  was 
and  retired 
he  resided  \ 

His  son, 
the  5th  Jai 
ther  his  pai 
of  Philadel^ 
months  old 


*     THE  WAR. 


115 


nd  main- 
ard  wa? 
ed.  Her 
on  of  the 

quarter- 
h  wreck. 

She  had 
ry  great 
I  disabled 
able  log. 
It  placing 
ruck  her 

It  mount- 
been  but 
;st  sailers 
ted  to  36 
a  38  gun 

f  trifling. 

loard  the 

ty  claim- 

Decatur 

n  the  1st 

but  con- 
esent  his 

received 
iree  chil- 
deserted 
on  board 
an  in- 
A  plan 
ief  of  the 
A  sum 
suitable 
n. 

received 
rymen. 

rom  the 
by  that 
th  coast 
tassed  to 
veen  th( 


Bermudas,  Halifax^  and  the  continent.  After  a  lapse  of  96  days, 
she  returned  into  port,  having  made  five  prizes,  valued  at  about 
200,000  dollars.  During  her  cruize  she  fill  in  with  a  squudroa 
of  the  enemy,  consisting  of  six  sail,  two  of  which  were  of  the 
line,  one  of  them  a  remarkable  fast  sailer.  The  favour  of  the 
moon  enabling  them  to  chase  as  well  at  night,  as  in  the  day,  the 
chase  was  continued  for  three  days,  without  intermission,  and  un< 
der  various  circumstances,  but  the  unremitted  exertions  of  their 
officers  and  crew  enabled  her  to  elude  the  pursuit.  Pressed  on 
all  sides  by  the  number  of  the  enemy,  and  the  baffling  and  unset- 
tled state  of  the  weather,  the  Argus  was  at  one  time  within  mus> 
ket  shot  of  a  74,  and  at  another  surrounded  ;  the  determined  vi< 
gilancc  of  Capt.  Sinclair  rescued  her  however  from  the  difficulty. 

They  had  joined  in  the  chase  an  armed  transport,  with  a  view  no 
doubt  of  distracting  the  attention,  and  deceiving  the  chase,  which 
being  discovered,  he  bore  down  upon  her  and  compelled  her  to 
clear  the  way.  Such  was  the  confidence  of  Capt.  Sinclair  in  the 
sailing  of  the  Argus,  that  during  the  chase,  although  at  one  time 
so  closely  pressed  as  to  be  compelled  to  lighten  his  vessel  by 
throwing  over  his  spare  anchors  and  spars  and  deck  boats,  and 
starting  the  salt  water  with  which  his  casks  had  been  filled,  as 
the  fresh  had  been  used,  and  reduced  to  the  last  necessity  of  wet- 
ting his  sails  ;  yet  did  he  preserve  all  his  guns,  and  one  night  dur- 
ing the  chase  he  found  time  to  capture,  man  and  despatch  a  prize. 
So  close  were  they  upon  his  heels  that  when  he  again  made  sail, 
two  of  the  ships  opened  their  batteries  upon  him. 

Biography  of  Commodore  Decatur Commodore  Stephen 

Decatur  is  of  French  descent  by  the  male  line.  His  grandfa- 
ther was  a  native  of  La  Rochelle,  in  France,  and  married  a  lady 
of  Rhode-Island.  His  father,  Stephen  Decatur,  was  born  in  New- 
port, (Rhode-Island)  and,  when  a  very  young  man,  removed  to 
Philadelphia,  where  he  married  the  daughter  of  an  Irish  gentle- 
man by  the  name  of  Pine.  He  was  bred  to  the  sea,  and  com- 
manded a  merchant  vessel  out  of  the  port  of  Philadelphia,  until 
the  establishment  of  the  navy,  when  he  was  appointed  to  com- 
mand the  Delaware  sloop  of  war.  He  continued  in  her  until  the 
frigate  Philadelphia  was  built,  when  the  command  of  that  ship 
was  given  to  him,  at  the  particular  request  of  the  merchants,  who 
had  built  her  by  subscription.  In  this  situation  he  remained  until 
peace  was  made  with  France,  when  he  resigned  his  commission, 
and  retired  to  his  residence  a  few  miles  from  Philadelphia,  where 
he  resided  until  his  death,  which  happened  in  November,  1808. 

His  son,  Stephen  Decatur,  the  present  commodore,  was  born  on 
the  5th  January,  1779,  on  the  eastern  shore  of  Maryland,  whi- 
ther his  parents  had  retired,  whilst  the  British  were  in  posset-sion 
of  Philadelf  hia.  They  returned  to  that  city  when  he  was  a  few 
months  old,  and  he  was  there  educated  and  brought  up. 


'^  im 


%:'; 


Il'  ji  • 


yU,    \. 


110 


SKETCHES  U» 


He  entered  the  navy  in  March,  1798>  as  midshipman,  andjoiiK 
ed  the  frigate  United  States,  under  the  command  of  Commodore 
Barry,  who  had  obtained  the  warrant  for  him.  He  continued  for 
some  time  with  that  officer,  and  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of 
lieutenant.  The  United  States  at  that  time  required  some  repairs 
and,  not  wishing  to  remain  in  port,  he  requested  an  order  to  join 
the  brig  Norfolk,  then  bound  to  the  Spanish  Main.  He  performed 
one  cruise  in  her,  as  first  lieutenant,  and  on  his  return  to  port,  re* 
sumed  his  station  on  board  of  the  United  States,  where  he  re- 
mained until  peace  was  concluded  with  France. 

He  was  then  ordered  to  the  Essex,  as  first  lieutenant,  and  sail- 
ed with  Commodore  Dale's  squadron  to  the  Mediterranean.  On 
the  return  of  that  squadron  he  was  ordered  to  the  New-York,  one 
of  the  second  Mediterranean  squadron,  under  the  Command  of 
Commodore  Morris. 

When  he  returned  to  the  United  States  he  was  ordered  to  take 
command  of  the  Argus,  and  proceed  in  her  to  join  Commodore 
Preble's  squadron,  then  in  the   Mediterranean,  and  on  his  arrival 
there  to  resign  the  command  of  the  Argus  to  Lieutenant  Hull,  and 
take  the  schooner  Enterprize,  then  commanded  by  that  officer. 
After  making  that  exchange,  he  proceeded  to  Syracuse,  where  the 
squadron   was  to  rendezvous.       On  his  arrival  at  that  port  he 
was  informed  of  the  fate  of  the  frigate  Philadelphia,  which  had 
ran  aground  on  the  Barbary  coast,  and  fallen  into  the   hands  of 
the   Tripolitans.       The  idea   immediately  presented  itself  to  his 
mind  of  attempting  her  recapture  or  destruction.       On.Commo- 
dore  Preble's  arrival,  a  few  days  afterwards,  he  proposed  to  him 
a  plan  for  the  purpose,  and  volunteered  his  services  to  execute  it. 
The  wary  mind  of  that  veteran  officer  at  first   disapproved  of  an 
enterprse  so  full  of  peril ;  but  the  risks  and  difficulties  that  sur- 
rounded it  only  stimulated  the  ardour  of  Decatur,  and  imparted 
to  it  an  air  of  adventure,  fascinating  to  his  youthful  imagination. 

The  consent  of  the  commodore  having  been  obtained.  Lieute- 
nant Decatur  selected  for  the  expedition  a  ketch  (the  Intrepid) 
which  he  had  captured  a  few  weeks  before  from  the  enemy,  and 
manned  her  with  seventy  volunteers,  chiefly  from  his  own  crew. 
He  sailed  irom  Syracuse  on  the  3d  February,  1804,  accompanied 
by  the  United  States'  brig  Syren,  Lieut.  Stewart,  who  was  to  aid 
with  his  boats,  and  to  receive  the  crew  of  the  ketch,  in  case  it 
should  be  found  expedient  to  use  her  as  a  fire-ship. 

After  fifteen  days  of  very  tempestuous  weather,  they  arrived  at 
the  harbour  of  Tripoli  a  little  before  sunset.  It  had  been  arrang- 
ed between  Lieutenants  Decatur  and  Stewart,  that  the  ketch 
should  enter  the  harbour  about  ten  o'clock  that  night,  attended  by 
the  boats  of  the  Syren.  On  arriving  ofF  the  harbour,  the  Syren, 
in  consequence  of  a  change  of  wind,  had  been  thrown  six  or 
eight  miles  without  the  latrepid.      The  wind  at  this  time  wa$ 


jt;3. 


THE  WAR. 


kW 


,  and  joiiK 
}mmodore 
itioued  for 
le  rank  of 
ne  repairs 
ler  to  join 
performed 

0  port,  re* 
jre  he  re- 

,  and  sail- 
lean.  On 
York,  one 
mmand  of 

ed  to  take 

smmodore 

his  arrival 

Hull,  and 

at  ofl^cer. 

where  the 

t  port  he 

rhich  had 

hands  of 

elf  to  his 

Commo- 

to  him 

xecute  it. 

^ed  of  an 

that  sur- 

imparted 

inatioD. 

.^  Lieute- 

1  Intrepid) 
\my,  and 
rn  crew, 
[mpanied 

18  to  aid 
case  it 

rrived  at 
arrang- 

le  ketch 

|nded  by 

Syren, 

six  or 

Ime  was 


fair,  but  fast  declining,  and  Lieutenant  Decatur  apprehended  that^ 
ihould  he  wait  for  the  Syren»s  boats  to  come  up,  it  might  be  too 
late  to  make  the  attack  that  night.  Such  delay  might  be  fatal  to  * 
the  enterprise,  as  they  could  not  remain  longer  on  the  coast,  their 
provisions  being  nearly  exhausted.  For  these  reasons  he  deter- 
mined to  adventure  into  the  harbour  alone,  which  he  did  about  8  ' 
1  o'clock.  r  -*•  *^  'r 

An  idea  may  be  formed  of  the  extreme  hazard  of  this  enter- 
I prise,  from  the  situation  of  the  frigate.  She  was  moored  within  ' 
■half  gun  shot  of  the  bashaw's  castle,  and  of  the  principal  battery.  - 
(Two  of  the  enemy's  cruisers  lay  within  two  cables'  length,  on  the 
Istarboard  quarter,  and  their  gun-boats  within  half  gun  shot,  on 
jthe  starboard  bow.  All  the  guns  of  the  frigate  were  mounted  and 
(loaded.  Such  were  the  immediate  perils  that  our  hero  veiituif^d 
\o  encounter  with  a  single  ketch,  beside  the  other  dangers  that 
ibound  in  a  strongly  fortified  harbour.  i?  ., ' .,     ,<'  .  '-' 

Although  from  the  entrance  to  the  place  where  the  frigate  lay 
iras  only  three  miles,  yet,  in  consequence  of  the  liglitntss  ct  the 

kind,  they  did  not  get  within  had  of  her  until  eleven  o'clock 

Then  they  had  approached  within  two  hundred  yards,  they  were 
Sailed  and  ordered  to  anchor,  or  they  would  be  fired  into.     Lieut. 
)ecatur  ordered  a  Maltese  pilot,  who  was  on  board  the  ketch,  to    • 
mswer  that  they  had  lost  their  anchors  in  a  gale  of  wind  on  the 
poast,  and  therefore  could  not  comply  with  their  request.     By  this 
[ime  it  had   become   perfectly  calm,  and   they  were   about   fifty 
yards  from  the  frigate.     Lieutenant  Decatur  ordered  a  small  boat 
jhat  was  alongside  of  the  ketch,  to  take  a  rope  and  make  it  fast 
|o  the  frigate's  fore  chains.     This  being  done  they  began  to  warp 
jhe  ketch  alongside.      It  was  not  until  this  moment  that  the  ene- 
Iny  suspected  the  character  of  their  visitor,  and  great   confusion 
Imintidiately  ensued.     This  enabled  our  adventurers  to  get  along- 
jide  of  the  frigate,  when  Decatur  immediately  sprang  aboard,  fol- 
Dwed  by  Mr.  Charles  Morris,*  midshipman.       These   two  were 
kearly  a  minute  on  the  deck,  before  their  companions  could  suc- 
ceed in  mounting  the  side.      Fortunately,  the  Turks  had  not  sufii- 
[iently  recovered   from  their  surprise  to  take  advantage  of  this 
helay.      They  were  crowded  together  on  the  quarter  deck,  per- 
fectly astonished  and  aghast,  without  making  any   attempt  to  op- 
pe  the  assailing  party.       As  soon  as  a  sutficient  number  of  our 
nen  had  gained  the   deck,  to  form  a  front  equal  to  that  of  the 
bemy,  they  rushed  in  upon  them.      The  Turks  stood  the  assault 
p  a  short  time,  and  were  completely  overpowered.  About  twenty 
irere  killed  on  the  spot,  many  jumped  overboard,  and  the  rest  fled 
|o  the  main  deck,  whither  they  were  pursued  and  driven  to  the 
Vld.  '•.•■;       ^  '  •  -»  ■  i 

*  Koxv  CapiBin  Mnriii,  lateof  the  A«ljim».      ,;      ^     ^ 


m 


yj!.; 


lis 


SKETCHES  OF 


After  entire  possession  had  been  gained  of  the  ship,  and  every 
thing  prepared  to  set  fire  to  her,  a  number  of  launches  were  seen 
rowing  about  the  harbour.     This  determined  Lieutenant  Decatur] 
to  remain  in  the  frigate,  from  whence  a  better  defence  could  be 
made  than  from  on  board  the  ketch.       The  enemy  had  alieady 
commenced  firing  upon  them  from  their  batteries  and  castle,  aod 
from  two  corsairs  that  were  laying  near.       Perceiving  that  the 
launches  did  not  attempt  to  approach,  he  ordered   that  the  ship 
should  be  set  on  fire,  which  was  done,  at  the  same  time,  in  difieJ 
rent  parts.     As  soon  as  this  was  completely  effected  they  left  herJ 
and  such  was  the  rapidity  of  the  flames,  that  it  was  with  the  ut* 
most  dif!icu]ty  they  preserved  the  ketch.     At  this  critical  moment  I 
a  most  propitious  breeze  sprang  up,  blowing  directly  out  of  the 
harbour,  which,  in  a  few  minutes,  carried  them  beyond  the  reach 
of  the  enemy's  guns,  and  they  made  good  their  retreat  without  I 
the  loss  of  a  single  man,  and  with  but  four  wounded. 

For  this  gallant  and  romantic  achievement.  Lieutenant  Decaturl 
was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  post  captain,  there  being  at  that  time 
no  intermediate  grade.    This  promotion  was  particularly  gratifyingi 
to  him,  inasmuch  as  it  was  done  with  the  consent  of  the  ofKceril 
over  whose  heads  he  was  raised. 

In  the  ensuing  spring,  it  being  determined  to  make  an  attack  | 
upon  Tripoli,  Commodore  Preble  obtained  from  the  king  of  Na- 
ples the  loan  of  six  gun-boats  and  two  bombards,  which  he  form- 
ed into  two  divisions,  and  gave  the  command  of  one  of  them  \o\ 
Captain  Decatur,  the  other  to  Lieutenant  Somers.  The  squad- 
ron sailed  from  Syracuse,  consisting  of  the  frigate  Constitution, 
the  brig  S^^ren,  the  schooners  Nautilus  and  Vixen,  and  the  guu-[ 
boats. 

Having  arrived  on  the  coast  of  Barbary,  they  were  for  some  I 
days  prevented  from  making  the  attack,  by  adverse  wind  and 
weather ;  at  length,  on   the   morning  of  the   3d  of  August,  thel 
weather  being  favourable,  the  signal  was  made  from  the  commo-l 
dore's  ship,  to  prepare  for  action,  the  light  vessels  towing  tbel 
gun-boats  to  windward.       At  9  o'clock  the  signal  was  made  for 
bombarding  the  town  and  the  enemy's  vessels.       The  gun-boatil 
were   cast  oflT,  and  advanced  in  a  line  ahead,  led  on  by  Captaio 
Decatur,  and  covered  by  the  frigate  Constitution,  and  the  brigil 
and  schooners.      The  enemy's  gun-boats  were  moored  along  thel 
mouth  of  the   harbour  under  the  batteries,  and  within  musket 
shot.      Their  sails  had  been  taken  from  them,  and  they  were  or- 
dered to  sink,  rather  than  abandon  their  position.       They  werej 
aided  and  covered  likewise  by  a  brig  of  sixteen,  and  a  schooQerj 
of  ten  guns. 

Before  entering  into  close  action.  Captain  Decatur  went  along- 1 
side  each  of  his  boats,  and  ordered  them  to  unship  their  bowspritil 
and  follow  him^  as  it  was  his  intention  to  board  the  enemy's  boattJ 


THE  WAR. 


no 


Lieutenant  James  Decatur  commandad  one  of  the  boats  belonging 
I  to  Lieutenant  Somers'  division,  but  being  further  to  windward 
than  the  rest  of  his  division,  he  joined  and  took  orders  from  hia 
brother. 

When  Captain  Decatur,  who  was  in  the  leading  boat,  came 
within  range  of  the  fire  from  the  batteries,  a  heavy  fire  was  open- 
ed upon  him  from  them  and  from  the  gun-boats.  He  returned 
their  fire,  and  continued  advancing  until  he  came  in  contact  with 
the  boats.  At  this  time.  Commodore  Preble,  seeing  Decatur  ap- 
proaching nearer  than  he  thought  prudent,  ordered  the  signal  to 
be  made  for  a  retreat ;  but  it  was  found  that  in  making  out  the 

signals  for  the  boats,  the  one  for  a  retreat  had   been  omitted 

The  enemy's  boats  had  about  forty  men  each ;  ours  an  equal 
number,  twenty-seven  of  whom  were  Americans,  and  thirteen 
Neapolitans.  Decatur,  on  boarding  the  enemy,  was  instantly 
followed  by  his  countrymen,  but  the  Neapolitans  remained  be- 
hiod.  The  Turks  did  not  sustain  the  combat,  hand  to  hand, 
with  that  firmness  they  had  obtained  a  reputation  for :  in  ten 
minutes  the  deck  was  cleared ;  eight  of  them  sought  refuge  in 
the  hold ;  and  the  rest,  some  fell  on  the  deck,  and  others 
jumped  into  the  sea.  Only  three  of  the  Americans  were 
wounded. 

As  Decatur  was  about  to  proceed  out  with  his  prize,  the  boat 
which  had  been  commanded  by  his  brother,  came  under  his  stern 
and  informed  him  that  they  had  engaged  and  captured  one  of  the 
enemy ;  but  that  her  commander,  after  surrendering,  had  trea- 
cherously shot  Lieut.  James  Decatur,  and  pushed  off  with  the 
boat,  and  was  then  making  for  the  harbour. 

The  feelings  of  the  gallant  Decatur,  on  receiving  this  intelli- 
gence, may  rpore  easily  be  imagined  than  described.  Every  con- 
sideration of  prudence  and  safety  was  lost  in  his  eagerness  to  pu- 
nish so  dastardly  an  act,  and  to  revenge  the  death  of  a  brother  so 
basely  murdered.  He  pushed  within  the  enemy's  line  with  his 
single  boat,  and  having  succeeded  in  getting  alongside  of  the  re- 
treating foe,  boarded  her  at  the  head  of  eleven  men,  who  were 
all  the  Americans  he  had  left. 

The  fate  of  this  contest  was  extremely  doubtful  for  twenty 
minutes.  All  the  Americans  except  four  were  now  severely 
wounded.  Decatur  singled  out  the  commander  as  the  peculiar 
object  of  his  vengeance.  The  Turk  was  armed  with  an  espon- 
toon,  and  Decatur  with  a  cutlass ;  in  attempting  to  cut  off  the 
head  of  the  weapon,  his  sword  struck  on  the  iron  and  broke 
close  to  the  hilt.  The  Turk  at  this  moment  made  a  push,  which 
slightly  wounded  him  in  the  right  arm  and  breast.  He  imme- 
diately seized  the  spear  and  closed  with  him.  A  fierce  struggle 
ensued,  and  both  fell,  Decatur  uppermost.  By  this  time  the 
Turk   had    drawn   a   dagger   from    his  belt,  and  was  about  to 


<idii 


.l.-y^a 


ifl^i. 


120 


SKETCHES  Olr 


;<  ;J!* 


M 


j;h 


mi 


Mi.'v: 


plunge  it  in  the  body  of  his  foe,  when  Decatur  caught  bis  arm, 
and  shot  him  with  a  pistol  which  he  had  taken  from  his  pocket. 
During  the  time  they  were  struggling  on  the  deck,  the  crewt 
rushed  to  the  aid  of  their  commanders,  and  a  most  sanguinary 
conflict  took  place,  insomuch,  that  when  Decatur  had  despatch- 
ed his  adversary,  it  was  with  the  greatest  difficulty  he  could  ex- 
tricate himself  from  the  killed  and  wounded  that  had  fallen  around 
him. 

It  is  with  no  common  feeling  of  admiration  that  we  record  an 
instance  of  heroic  courage,  and  loyal  self  devotion,  on  the  part  of 
a  common  sailor.  During  the  early  part  of  Decatur's  struggle 
with  the  Turk,  he  was  assailed  in  rear  by  one  of  the  enemy,  who 
had  just  aimed  a  blow  at  his  head  with  his  sabre,  that  must  have 
been  fatal;  at  this  fearful  juncture,  a  noble  hearted  tar,  who  had 
been  so  badly  wounded  as  to  lose  the  use  of  his  hands,  seeing  no 
other  means  of  saving  his  commander,  rushed  between  him  and 
the  uplifted  sabre,  and  received  the  blow  on  his  own  head,  which 
fractured  his  skull.  We  love  to  pause  and  honour  great  actioni 
in  humble  life,  because  they  speak  well  for  human  nature.  Men 
of  rank  and  station  in  society  often  do  gallant  deeds,  in  a  manner 
from  necessity.  Their  conspicuous  station  obliges  them  to  do  so, 
or  their  eagesness  for  glory  urges  them  on ;  but  an  act  like  this 
we  have  mentioned,  so  desperate,  yet  so  disinterested ;  done  by 
an  obscure,  unambitious  individual,  a  poor  sailor,  can  spring  from 
nothing  but  innate  nobleness  of  soul.  We  are  happy  to  add  that 
this  generous  fellow  survived,  and  now  receives  a  pension  from 
government. 

Decatur  succeeded  in  getting  with  both  of  his  prizes  to  the 
squadron,  and  the  next  day  received  the  highest  commendation, 
in  a  general  order  from  Commodore  Preble.  When  that  able  of- 
iicer  was  superseded  in  the  command  of  the  squadron,  he  gave 
the  Constitution  to  Captain  Decatur,  who  had,  some  time  before, 
received  his  commission.*  From  that  ship  he  was  removed  to 
the  Congress,  and  returned  home  in  her  when  peace  was  con- 
cluded with  Tripoli.  On  his  return  to  the  United  States,  he  was 
employed  in  superintending  gun  boats,  until  the  afTair  of  the  Che- 
sapeake, when  he  was  ordereci  to  supersede  Commodore  Barron 
in  the  command  of  that  ship,  since  which  period  he  has  had  the 
command  of  the  southern  squadron.  When  the  Unked  States 
was  again  put  in  commission,  he  was  removed  from  the  Chesa- 
peake to  that  frigate.  :.,  . 

The  present  war  with  Great  Britain  has  given  Corr-mocore 
Decatur  another  opportunity  uf  adding  to  the  laurels  he  had  al- 
ready won.  On  the  25th  October  1812,  in  lat.  29  N.  bng.  29 
3Q  W«  he  fell  in  with  his  Britannic  majesty's  ship  Macedonian, 


*  It  was  dated  the  1 6th  February,  1804,  tlie  day  on  vihkb  he  dtstrornl  the  PbiladelpluKi   H:  alt* 
rl■o^•^v«d  a  vo»e  of  tlinnks  ami  a  Tword  for  that  aebievcmeut. 


i;*-,,: 


'    THE  WAR. 


121 


mounting  49  carriage  guns.  This  was  one  of  the  finest  frigates 
io  the  British  navy,  and  commanded  by  Captain  John  S.  Garden, 
one  of  the  ablest  officers.  She  was  in  prime  oTder,  two 
years  old,  and  but  four  months  out  of  dock.  The  enemy  being 
to  windward,  had  the  advantage  of  choosing  his  own  distance  ; 
and,  supposing  the  United  States  to  be  the  Essex,  (which  only 
mounts  carronades)  kept  at  first  at  long  shot,  and  did  not  at  any 
moment  come  within  the  complete  effect  of  the  musketry  and 
grape.  After  the  frigates  had  come  to  close  action,  the  battle 
was  terminated  in  a  very  short  period,  by  the  enemy's  surrender. 

The  whole  engagement  lasted  for  an  hour  and  a  half,  being 
prolonged  by  the  distance  at  which  the  early  part  of  it  was  fought, 
and  by  a  heavy  swell  of  the  sea.  The  superior  gunnery  of  the  Ame- 
ricans was  apparent  in  this,  as  in  all  our  other  actions.  The  Ma- 
cedonian lost  her  mizen-mast,  fore  and  main  top-masts  and  main  . 
yard,  and  was  much  cut  up  in  the  hull  Her  loss  was  thirty  six 
killed,  and  sixty-eight  wounded.  The  damage  of  the  United 
States  was  comparatively  trivial,  four  killed  and  seven  wounded  ; 
and  she  suffered  so  little  in  her  hull  and  rigging,  that  she  might 
liave  continued  her  cruise,  had  not  Commodore  Decatur  thought 
it  important  to  convoy  his  prize  into  port.  His  reception  of 
Captain  Carden  on  board  of  the  United  States,  was  truly  charac- 
teristic. On  presenting  his  sword,  Decatur  observed  that  he 
could  not  think  of  taking  the  sword  of  an  officer  who  had  de- 
fended his  ship  so  gallantly,  but  he  should  be  happy  to  take  him 
by  the  hand. 

We  are  sori'y  to  observe  that  Captain  Carden  has  not  been  in- 
genuous in  his  account  of  this  affair.  He  mentions  that,  **  after 
an  hour's  action^^  the  enemy  backed  and  came  to  the  wind,  and 
I'tvas  then  enabled  to  bring  her  to  close  action."  Now,  on  the 
contrary,  we  have  it  from  the  very  best  authority,  ihat  the  United 
States  was  close  haled  to  the  wind,  and  her  commander  was  ex- 
tremely anxious  to  come  to  close  quartets.  There  are  other 
parts  of  Captain  Garden's  official  letter  that  are  exceptionable, 
but  we  shall  pass  them  over  without  comment.  It  is  natural  for 
a  proud  and  gallant  mind  to  writhe  under  humilation,  and  to  en- 
deavour to  palliate  the  disgrace  of  defeat ;  but  a  truly  magnani- 
mous spirit  would  scorn  to  do  it  at  the  expense  of  a  brave  and 
generous  foe.  Captain  Carden  must  know  that  he  had  it  in  his 
power  to  close  with  the  United  States  whenever  he  pleased,  and 
that  there  was  no  movement  on  the  part  of  Commodore  Decatur 
to  prevent  it.  We  again  repeat,  that  it  is  with  regret  we  notice 
any  instance  of  disingenuousness  in  an  officer  whose  general  cha- 
racter we  admire,  and  whose  deportment  at  all  times  to  our 
countrymen  has  been  such  as  to  entitle  him  to  their  highest  good 


win. 


.t.M':S 


ft 


•'  .,ir<^  JtJ 


122 


:3X.ETCH]i3   UF 


!  *■ 


"■     'lAl' 


il 


-  It  is  not  one  of  the  least  circumstances  of  Coniniudoie  Deca 
tur's  good  fortune,  or  rather  good  management,  that  he  con- 
voyed his  prize,  in  her  shattered  condition,  across  a  vast  extent 
of  ocean,  swarming  with  foes,  and  conducted'  her  triumphant- 
ly into  port  ;  thus  placing  immediately  before  the  eyes  of 
his  countrymen,  a  noble  trophy  of  his  own  shill,  and  of  national 
prowess. 

Such  has  been  the  brilliant  career  of  this  naval  hero.  In  pri- 
vate life  his  fortune  has  been  equally  propitious.  Honoured  by 
his  country,  beloved  by  his  friend?,  and  blessed  by  *he  aftectionf 
of  an  amiable  and  elegant  woman.*  He  is  now  in  the  very 
prime  of  life,  pleasing,  in  his  person,  of  an  intelligent  and  inte 
re.stiiig  countenance,  and  an  eye  in  whose  mild  and  brilliant  lustre, 
spirit,  enterprise  and  urbanity  are  happily  blended.  His  deport 
ment  is  manly  and  unassuming,  and  his  manners  peculiarly  gentle 
and  engaging;  uniting  the  polish  of  the  gentleman  with  the  frank 
simplicity  of  the  sailor.  It  is  with  the  most  perfect  delight  that 
we  have  noticed  our  naval  officers,  on  returning  from  the  gallant 
achievements  which  are  the  universal  topics  of  national  pride  and 
exultation,  sinking  at  once  into  unostentatious  and  quiet  citizens: 
No  vainglorious  boastings,  no  puerile  gasconades,  are  ever  heard 
from  their  lips;  of  their  enemy  they  always  speak  with  courtesy 
and  respect ;  of  their  own  exploits,  with  unaffected  modesty  and 
frankness.  With  the  aspiring  ardour  of  truly  brave  spirits,  they 
pay  but  little  regard  to  the  past ;  their  whole  souls  seem  stretch- 
ed towards  the  future.  Into  such  hands  we  confide,  without 
apprehension  or  reserve,  our  national  interest  and  honour ;  to 
this  handful  of  gallant  worthies  is  allotted  the  proud  destiny 
of  founding  the  naval  fame  of  the  nation,  and  of  thus  having 
their  names  inseparably  connected  with  the  glory  of  their  coun- 
try .f  [/Inalectic  Magazine.] 


*  iiome  yean  since.  Commodore  Deeatnr  was  married  to  Miss  Wheeler  of  Norfolk,  a  lady 
ated  lor  uetr  accompUtlimenti,  and  at  that  time  a  reigning  belle  in  Virginia. 


bra  ted 


cele 


t  The  (Vigates  Vnited  Sutet  and  Macedonian  have  been  measured,  and  the  following  are  the 
results : 

length  of  deck  breadth  of  beam  tonnage 

Unitol  States  irsfeet  48  feet  um 

Macedonian  16ft  48  8  inches  I32i 

Each  vessel  has  fil'teen  ports  on  a  side  on  the  main  deck :  the  first  carries  24  and  the  latti  r  I8 
poundei-s  thereon  The  carronades  ol  each,  on  the  c|uarter  deck  and  lorecastie  are  of  the  like  cali' 
biv  ;  and  ilie  only  (urtiier  diffennce  is,  that  the  United  ^tate4  had  five  more  of  them.  It  it  ialse 
that  our  trigates  carry  i  Jb.  eHrroiiades .  they  bnve  only  ii'a- 

The  ital'ant  conduct  of  Commodore  Decatur,  in  capturing  the  Macedonian,  has  been  rewarded b; 
numerous  tokens  o:  public  grai  tude.  He  has  i-eceivcd  a  vote  of  timnks  and  roeJal  from  congresi; 
a  vote  of  iliankD  and  sword  froiu  the  state  ol  Virginia  ;  a  vote  of  thanks  fmrn  Maryland  ;  a  vott  ci 
thanks  and  swoni  from  I'eniisylvai-.ia :  a  sword  from  the  city  ol  fhilade'phia  a  vott  of  iliaiiki 
from  Massni'hust'lts ;  a  vote  oi  ii  ank  from  the  state  of  Ntw-Vork  ;  the  fttidom  of  the  city  of  Ni»- 
Tork  ;  and  has  been  elected  an  lonori'ry  u)embcr  of  the  Cincinnati  Society  of  that  state.  Pub'if 
(iitmtrs  have  been  given  him,  and  various  othtr  cutcrtainmentt. 


!:«>«  K? 


'tis;  -■:. 


< 


'<<fi 


t  <ti^\    ^_W.•^V#-■-f   -P  K-^';r^    ,^..i.»H 


THEWAIU  ^'- 


1«S 


V 


CHAPTER  X. 


|rfolk,  a  lady  «Ie 
kullowing  are  tbc 


Cruize  of  the  Constitution  and  Hornet Capture  of  the  Java 

Biography  of  Capt.  Bainbriige.  '  |         ;•; 

After  the  capture  of  the  Guerriere  by  the  Constitution,  the 
latter  required  repairs,  which  vvere  made  at  Boston  with  all  possi- 
ble despatch.  Capt.  Hull  asked  leave  to  remain  on  shore  to  trans> 
act  some  private  business  of  importance  which  was  granted  by  the 
navy  department,  and  Capt.  William  Bainbridge  was  appointed 
to  the  command  of  the  Constitution. 

In  the  latter  part  of  Oct.  she  sailed  in  company  with  the  Hor- 
net, Capt.  Lawrence,  on  a  cruize  to  the  East-Indies.  They  made 
the  coast  of  South  America,  and  found  the  Bonne  Citoyenne,  of 
22  guns,,  having  on  board  a  million  and  half  of  specie,  lying  at 
St.  Salvador.  Capt.  Lawrence  was  desirous  to  engage  her,  tho* 
superior  to  his  own  vessel  by  four  guds;  and  accordingly  sent  a 
challenge  to  her  commander,  Capt.  Green,  who  declined  meeting 
him,  on  account  of  the  danger  he  should  be  in  from  the  Constitu- 
tiou,  though  Capt.  Bainbridge  had  given  an  assurance  that  he 
would  not  interfere.  To  remove  all  suspicion,  however,  upon 
this  point,  Capt.  Bainbridge  parted  company  from  the  Hornet,  and 
made  northward  along  the  Brazil  coast. 

Capture  of  the  Java On  the  29th  of  December,  Capt.  Bain- 
bridge discovered,  about  nine  in  the  morning,  two  sail,  one  of 
which  was  standing  oif  shore  towaids  him.  He  immediately 
made  sail  to  meet  the  strange  ship,  and  finding,  as  he  approach- 
ed her,  that  she  did  not  answer  his  private  signals,  proceeded  out 
to  sea  in  order  to  separate  her  from  her  companion,  and  draw  her 
oif  the  neutral  coast.  About  one  o'clock,  having  reached  what 
he  considered  a  proper  distance  from  the  shore,  he  hoisted  his  en- 
sign and  pendant,  which  was  answered  by  English  colours,  and 
perceiving  she  was  an  English  frigate  (the  Java,  Capt.  Lambert) 
he  took  in  his  royals,  tacked,  and  stood  for  the  enen)y.  The  Ja- 
va immediately  bore  down,  intending  to  rake,  which  the  Consti- 
tution avoided  by  wearing.  The  enemy  being  now  within  ^half 
a  mile  to  windward,  and  having  hauled  down  his  flag,  the  Con- 
stitution fired  a  gun  ahead  to  make  him  show  his  colours,  and  im- 
mediately poured  in  her  whole  broadside,  on  which  English  col- 
ours were  immediately  hoisted,  and  the  fire  returned.  On  this 
I  the  action  became  general,  within  grape  and  cannister  dis- 
tance. In  a  few  minutes  the  wheel  of  the  Constitution  was  shot 
away  ;  and  in  about  half  an  hour.  Com.  Bainbridge  finding  that 
his  adversary  kept  too  far  off,  determined  to  close  with  him  at  the 
Hsk  of  being  raked.     He  therefore  iufTed  up  so  close  to  the  Jav^j 


ilM 


■':M 


m 


124 


IKBTCltgS  OV 


1} ' 


;■)'    I 


'Jj    1 


iiWI 


that  in  paisinj^,  lier  jibboom  got  foul  of  the  Constitutional  mizzea 
rigf^ing  ;  and  having  now  gained  a  nearer  position,  he  poured  io 
80  well  directed  a  fire,  that  in  ten  minutes  he  shot  away  the  Ja- 
va's jibboom  and  part  ot  the  bowsprit  ;    in  five  minutes  more  her 

foremast  went  by  the  board....her  maintopmnst  followed then 

the  gaft  and  spanker  boom,  and  lastly  the  mizzenmast  went  near- 
ly by  the  board.  At  five  minutes  past  four,  one  hour  and  fifty 
minutes  from  the  commencement  of  the  action,  the  Java's  fire 
was  completely  silenced,  and  her  colours  being  down,  Capt. 
Bainbridge  supposed  that  she  had  struck  :  he  therefore  shot  ahead 
to  repair  his  rigging  ;  but  while  hove  to  for  that  purpose,  discov- 
ered that  her  colours  were  still  flying,  although  her  mainmast  had 
just  gone  by  the  board.  He  therefore  bore  down  again  upon  her, 
and  having  got  close  athwart  her  hows,  was  on  the  point  of  rak- 
ing her  with  a  broadside,  when  she  hauled  down  her  colours,  be- 
ing a  completely  unmanageable  wreck,  entirely  dismasted,  with- 
out a  spar  of  any  kind  standing.  On  boarding  her  it  was  found 
that  Capt.  Lambert  had  been  mortally  wounded,  and  th(>t  the  Ja- 
va was  so  much  injured,  that  it  would  be  impossible  to  bring  her 
to  the  United  States.  All  the  prisoners  and  the  bagi^^ge  were 
therefore  brought  on  hoard  the  Constitution,  a  service  which  it  re- 
quired two  days  to  perform,  there  being  but  a  single  boi«t  left  be- 
tween the  two  frigates.  On  the  31st  she  was  blown  up,  and  the 
Constitution  put  into  St.  Salvador.  The  Java  carried  forty-nine 
gims,  and  upwards  of  four  hundred  men  ;  she  was  bound  to  the 
Enst-Indies,  and  had,  in  addition  to  her  own  crew,  upwards  of  one 
hundred  supernumerary  officers  and  seamen,  for  different  ships  on 
the  East-India  station among  whom  wat  Ji  master  and  com- 
mander in  the  navy,  and  also  Lieut.  Gen.  Hislop  and  bis  two  aids,  | 
of  the  British  army. 

Her  loss  was  sixty  killed ;  and  among  these  Capt.  Lambert 

Of  the  wounded,  the  accounts  varied  from  one  hundred  and  one  { 
(which  were  ascertained  positively)  to  one  hundred  and  seventy. 

On  board  the  Constitution  nine  were  killed,  and  twenty-five  | 
wounded  ;  among  whom  was  the  commodore  himself. 

This  victory  vas  scarcely  less  honourable  to  Com.  Bainbridge,  | 
than  the  generosity  with  which  he  exercised  the  rights  of  a  con- 
queror.     While  on  board,  the  prisoners  were  treated  with  the  I 
md^t  respectful  attention.       Immediately  on  their  landing  at  St. 
Salvador,  they  were  set  at  liberty  on  parole,  and  received  every  | 
article  of  their  baggage  :    and  particularly  a  service  of  plate  be- 
longing to  Gen.   Hislop,  was  carefully  preserved  and  restored  to  I 
him.     These  proofs  of  honourable  courtesy   were  not  lost  on  the 
prisoners,  who  expressed  their  gratitude  iu  a  manner  as  creditable  | 
to  themselves  as  to  the  victors. 

The  decayed  state  of  the  Constitution  and  other  circumstancei  I 
c/jmbining  to  interfere  with  the  original  plan  of  the  cruize,  Coini 


41 


XHS  WAR. 


Buinbridge  now  left  the  Hornet  to  blockade  a  superior  British  foi  ■-% 
at  St.  Salvador,  and  returned  to  the  United  State*. 

Capt.  Bainbridge  arrived  at  Bolton  about  the  middle  of  Februa- 
ry, in  lafety.  i    ,.  • 

Biography  of  Capt.  Bainbridge.>»»^iLLi AM  Bainbridge^ 
aon  of  Dr.  Absalom  Bainbridge,  a  respectable  physician  of  Prince- 
ton, New-Jersey,  was  born  at  that  place  on  the  7th  of  May,  1774. 
While  yet  a  child  his  parents  removed  to  New-York,  and  he  was 
left  under  the  care  of  his  grandfather,  John  Taylor,  Esq.  of  Mon- 
mouth county,  where  he  received  his  education,  which,  as  he  was 
originally  destined  to  mercantile  pursuits,  was  confined  to  the  or- 
dinary branches  of  English  instruction,  and  the  rudiments  of  the 
French  language.     At  sixteen  he  was  placed  in  a  counting-house 
at  New  York,  but  was  soon  removed  by  his  grand-father  to  Phi- 
ladelphia,  and  placed  as  an  apprentice  to   the  sea  service,  in  the 
employ  of  Messrs.  Miller  and  Murray,  merchants,  whom  he  was 
to  serve  for   a  certain  time  without  indentures,   and  free  of  ex- 
pense.      In  their  employ  he  made  many  voyages,  and  soon  rose 
to  command.     At  eighteen  years  of  age,  while  mate  of  the  ship 
Hope,  on  her  way  to  Holland,  the  crew,  taking  advantage  of  a 
violent  gale  of  wind,  rose  upon  the  officers,  seized  the  captain, 
and  had  nearly  succeeded  in  throwing  him  overboard,  when  young 
Bainbridge,  hearing  the  alarm,  ran  on  deck  with  an  old  pistol 
without  a  lock,  and  being  assisted  by  an  apprentice  boy  and  an 
Irish  sailor,   who  was  attached   to  him  from  being  an  old  ship- 
mate, rescued  the  captain,  seized  the  ringleaders,  and  quelled  the 
mutiny.     So  satisfied  were  his  employers  with  this  as  well  as  his 
general  conduct,  that  before  his  term   of  service  expired,  he  re- 
ceived the  command  of  a  ship  in  the  Dutch  trade  when  only  nine- 
teen years  of  age.      From  this  time,  1793,  till  the  year  1798,  he 
commanded  merchant  ships  in  the  trade  from  Philadelphia  to  Eu- 
rope.   In  one  sf  these  voyages,  in  the  year  1796,  on  his  way 
from  Bourdeax  to  St.  Thomas,  in  the  small  ship  Hope,  with  four 
small  carriage  guns  and  nine  men,  he  had  an  engagement  with 
a  British  schooner  of  eight  guns  and  thirty-five  men,  commanded 
by  a  sailing  master  in  the  navy,  and  after  a  smart  action  compel- 
led her  to  strike   her  colours.    As,  however,  the  two  countries 
were  at  peace,  and  he  of  course  was  acting  only  on  the  defen- 
sive, he  could  not  take  possession  of  her  ;   but  sent  her  off  con- 
temptuously to  make  a  repoit  of  her  action.     The  Hope  lost  no 
men,  but  the  enemy  had  many  killed  and  wounded. 

In  the  month  of  July,  1798,  while  preparing  to  sail  for  Spain, 
he  received,  unexpectedly,  and  without  any  application  on  his 
part,  an  offer  of  the  command  of  the  United  States'  schooner  Re- 
taliation, of  fourteei}  guns,  to  be  employed  against  France,  be- 
tween which  power  and  the  United  States  hostilities. had  recent- 


*■  I"', 


■1 


120 


SiKKTCHIS  OF, 


11  •/    I 


w-^y\ 


JHltl 


ly  ccmiTirnced.  He  accepted  the  appointment,  on  condition  Um 
hi*  should  have  a  coniiiiission  ai  lieutenant  and  commander  in  the 
navy,  and  be  placed  first  of  that  grade  on  the  list  of  promotion. 
Having  received  this  he  sailed  in  the  Retaliation,  and  after  cruiz- 
ing during  the  summer,  along  the  coast  of  the  United  States,  ac- 
companied the  squadron,  under  Com.  Murray,  on  a  cruize  in  the 
West-Indies.  While  cruizing  to  the  windward  of  Guadaloupe, 
the  Retaliation  was  captured,  in  the  month  of  November,  by  two 
French  frigates  and  a  lugger,  and  taken  into  that  island,  whtre 
the  remained  three  months.  On  board  the  frigate  which  captured 
her  wasGen.  Desfourneaux,  on  hit  way  t«Gaudaloupe,to  supercede 
Victor  Hughes  in  the  command  of  the  island.  This  officer,  desir- 
ous, as  it  would  appear  from  his  conduct,  of  seeming  to  be  the 
fiiend  of  the  United  States,  and  from  political  motives,  to  soothe 
the  irritation  of  the  American  people  at  the  outrages  oi  the  French 
government,  proposed  to  Lieut.  Bainbridge  to  resume  the  com* 
oiand  of  his  vessel,  and  return  to  the  United  States.  This  offer 
was  accompanied  by  assurances  of  the  refpect  and  regard  in 
which  he  held  the  American  people.  His  conduct,  however,  ren- 
dered these  plausible  appearances  but  too  suspicious.  Whilst  afiect- 
ing  an  ostentatious  generosity  in  giving  up  the  Retaliation,  other 
American  ships,  of  far  more  value,  were  retained,  and  bis  assur- 
ances of  respect  were  contradicted  by  the  harsh  and  rigorous  treat« 
ment  of  many  Americans  whom  he  refused  to  regard  as  prison- 
ers, but  who  were  confined  and  treated  with  as  much  severity  as 
criminals.  Perceiving  the  scheme  which  was  laid  for  him,  Lieut. 
Bainbridge  replied,  that  he  knew  of  no  other  light  in  which  he 
could  be  regarded,  than  either  as  a  prisoner,  or  as  entirely  free 
that  if  Gen.  Desfourneaux  returned  him  his  ship  and  his  com- 
mission, that  commission  required  him  to  cruize  against  the  com- 
merce of  France,  tin  injunction  which  be  dared  not  disobey. 
On  the  other  hand,  if  he  were  a  prisoner,  the  proper  course 
would  be  to  make  his  ship  a  cartel,  and  send  her  home  in  that  way. 
He  remonstrated,  at  the  same  time,  with  great  firmness  against 
the  treatment  which  his  countrymen  were  daily  receiving.  Gen. 
Desfourneaux  insisted  on  his  resuming  his  command,  threatened 
him  with  imprisonment  if  he  refused,  and  declared,  that  if,  on  re- 
ceiving the  Retaliation  he  should  cruize  against  the  French,  every 
American  would  be  put  to  the  sword.  Lieut.  Bainbridjge  replied, 
that  no  threats  should  induce  him  to  act  unworthy  of  his  charac- 
ter as  an  American  officer  ;  till  at  last,  finding  that  he  was  not 
to  be  won  over  into  this  plan  of  dissembled  friendship.  Gen.  Des- 
fourneaux gave  him  a  declaration,  that  he  had  been  obliged  by 
force  to  resume  the  command  of  hi.s  vessel,  with  her  crew  re- 
duced to  forty  men  ;  and  with  this  justification  for  his  govern- 
ment, Lieut.  Bainbridge  sailed,  in  company  with  two  flags  of  truci;. 
for  the  United  States.         ,.    .       ^ 


THE  WAR. 


1«# 


He  reached  home  in  February,  1700,  and  his  exchniige  being 
joon  effected,  he  received  a  commission  of  miister  cominAiidant, 
(ind  sailed  in  the  brip;  Norfolk,  of  eighteen   guns,    on  a  second 
cruize  to  the  West  liidifs.       Here   he  remained,  convoying  the 
trade  of  the  United  Stntes,  for  some  months,  during  which  time 
he  captured  a  French  privateer,  ran  ashore  another  of  sixteen 
guns,  destroyed  a  number  of  barges,  besides  taking  several  of  the 
enemy's  merchant  vessels.     On  his  return  to  the  United  States  in 
August  of  the  same  .V(>ar,  bo  found  that  durmg  his  absence,  con- 
trary to  the  assurani  ls  he  had  received,  as  well  as  to  the  tenure 
of  his  commissions  (both  of  which  were  higher  than  that  of  any 
lieutenant;  that  five  lieutenants  had  been  promoted  over  him  to 
the  rank  of  captain.     As  his  conduct  had  uniformly  received  the 
approbation  of  the  government,  and  as  none  of  those  who  were 
promoted  had  had  any  opportunity   of  distinguishing  themselves 
particularly,  he  remonstrated,  of  course,  against  such  a  violation 
of  his  rights.     He  received,  however,  no  other  satisfaction  than  a. 
promise  that  no  such  appointment  should  take  place  for  the  future. 
Were  it  not  for  this  irregularity  he  would  now  have  ranked   as 
second  captain  in  the  navy.    Although  mortified  and  disappointed, 
bis  attachment  to  the  service  induced  him  still  to  remain  in  it ; 
and  he  again  sailed  with  a  squadron  of  four  brigs  and  a  ship,  des> 
tined  to  protect  the  trade  of  the  United  States  to  Cuba a  ser- 
vice which  he  performed   so  much  to  the  satisfaction  of  all  who 
were  interested  in  it,  that  on  his  leaving  the  station  in  April^ 
1800,  an  address  was  presented  to  him  from  the  American  mer- 
chants and  others  concerned  in  the  United  States'  trade,  express- 
ive of  their  regret  at  his  approaching  absence,  and  their  testimo- 
ny "of  the    vigilance,  perseverance,    and  urbanity    which  had 
marked  his  conduct  during  his  arduous  command  on  this  station," 
end  the  ''essential  services  vviiich   he   had  rendered  to  his  coun- 
try." 

When  he  returned  to  the  United  States  he  received  a  captain's 
commission,  and  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  frigate 
George  Washington,  in  which  he  shortly  afterwards  sailed  for 
Algiers,  with  the  presents  which  the  United  States  were  by  treaty 
bound  to  make  to  that  regency.  He  arrived  in  safety  at  Algiers 
on  the  17th  of  September,  180D,  and  proceeded  to  land  the  pres- 
ents, which  were  well  received,  and  every  attention  paid  to  Capt. 
Bainbridge,  to  wham  the  dey  presented  an  elegant  Turkish  sword. 
In  a  few  days,  however,  these  friendly  appearances  vanished,  and 
the  dey  made  a  most  unexpected  and  extraordinary  demand,^that 
the  George  Washington  should  carry  hii;  ambassador  with  pres- 
sents  to  the  grand  seignior  at  Constantinople.  This  demand  was 
made  under  pretence  of  one  of  the  stipulations  in  our  treaty  with 
Algiers,  by  which  it  is  declared,  that  "  should  the  dey  want  to 
'reight  any  American  vessel  that  may  be  in  the  regency  of  Tur- 


t 


•'  -'M 


ihpC 


]■'■  h:  •   '  -S  'I 

III  ^:'.y  ■  4  ' 

'■.  U  :!'■     J  « 


'.  1 


1.28 


SKETCHES  Oy 


key,  said  vesael  not  being  engaged,  in  consequence  of  the  friend- 
ship subsisting  between  the  two  nations,  he  expects  to  have  the 
preference  given  hinj,   on  his  paying  the  same  freight  offered  by 
any  other  nation.''     Against  this  requisition  Capt.  Bainbridgc  and 
the  American   consul,    Mr.   O'Brien,  remonxtrated  warmly  and 
strenuously.     It  was  evident,  they  said,  that  this  stipulation  could 
apply  only  to  merchant  ships,  not  to  national  vessels,  chargi  d  by 
their  own  government    with  specific   employment8....that  Capt. 
Bainbridge  had  received  positive  instructions  for  his  voyage,  from 
which  he  dared  not,  and  would  not  deviate,  and  that  there  were 
other  ships  in  the  harbour  which  would  answer  the  purpose  equal- 
ly well.     The  dey,   however,  persisted  in  his  demand  ;  and  left 
Capt.  Bainbiidge  only  a  choice  of  great  difficulties  and  embarrass, 
nients.     On  the  one  hand,  an  ambassador,  with  a  retinue  of  two 
hundred  Turks  as  passengers,  and  presents  to  the  amount  of  five 
or  six   hundred  thousand  dollars,   were  to  be  forced  on  board  the 
frigate,  and  carried  to  Constantinople,   at  the  entire  risk  of  the 
United  States.      If  in  the  new  and  dangerous  navigation  to  that] 
place  accidents  happened  to  the  dey's  property,  the  United  Stales 
would  be  held  responsible  to  indemnify  him  ;    if  any  cruizers  of  I 
the  Portuguese,  Neapolitans,  or  other  powers  at  war  with  Algiers 
should   meet  the  George  Washington   and  capture  her,  still  the 
United  States  would   be  bound  to  reimburse   the  loss  ;    and  the 
American  vessels  in  the  Mediterranean  would  be  instantly  seized 
by  the  Algerines   as  a  security  for  it.      Should  he  be  more  fortu- 
nate and  beat  off  these  enemies,  they  might  consider  this  cover  of  | 
Algerine  property  as  a  violation  of  neutrality,   and  think  them- 
selves justified  in  retaliating  on  the  defenceless  commerce  of  the  I 
United  States  in  the  Mediterranean.      Besides  which,   he  would 
deviate  from  his  orders  by  undertaking,  for  six  months,  a  voyage 
not  sanctioned  by  his  government.     On  the  other  hand,  a  refusal 
to  comply  would  occasion  the  detention  of  the  frigate,  which  was 
now  in  the  power  of  the  dey,  and  be  followed  by  an  immediate 
declaration   of  war  against  the  United  States,  for  this  alledged 
breach  of  the  treaty,  and  a  seizure  of  all  American  vessels  in  the 
Mediterranean.      In  this  situation  Capt.  Bainbridge  opposed  the 
dey  aa  long  and  as  vigorously  as  possible.     The  dey  promised  that 
if  a  Sweedish  frigate,   which    was  then  expected,   arrived,  he  [ 
would  take  her  in  place  of  the  George  Washington.     But  she  ( 
not  come.     A  British  twenty-four  gun  ship  arrived  jtnd  offered  to  I 
carry  the  presents.      This,  however,  the  dey  refused,  because  he 
would  not  be  under  obligations  to  England  ;  and  at  last,  exasper 
ated  by  opposition  he  sent  for  Capt.  Bainbridge  and  the  coiml,\ 
and  peremptorily    demanded  that  the  frigate  should  go  to  Cou- 
stantinople,  threatening,  in  case  of  refusal,  to  make  slaves  of  all  i 
the  Americans  in  Algiers,  to  detain  the  frigate,  and  send  out  hii 
cruizers  against  the  defenceless  trade  of  the  United  State?.    The  I 


1 


v-'n 


THE  WAR. 


120 


liberty  of  his  countrymen,  and  the  safety  of  the  American  com- 
merce, decided  Capt.  Bainbridge  at  last  to  smother  his  indigna* 
tion  at  this  unpleasant  and  humiliating  service,  and  he  consented 
to  receive  the  Algerine  ambassador. 

Another  difference  arose  about  the  flag  :  Capt.  Bainbridge  de- 
Glared  that  the  frigate  should  carry  her  own  colours  ;  but  the 
dev  insisted  that  the  flag  of  Algiers  should  be  worn  during  the 
voyage.     It  was  vain  to  resist,  however  mottifying  to  obey. 

They  sailed  from  Algiers  on  the  10th  of  October.  The  winds 
were  unfavourable,  the  weather  bad,  and  the  socifty  of  the  Turks 
not  calculated  to  console  the  officers  for  these  inconveniences  ;  but 
they  submitted  with  as  good  grace  att  possible  to  a  humiliation 
which  they  deemed  necessary  for  their  country's  service.  The 
frigate  anchored  at  the  lower  end  of  Constantinople  in  twenty- 
three  days  from  her  departure,  and  the  next  morning,  the  12th 
of  Nov  .mber,  the  American  flag  was  hoisted  at  the  mizen,  the 
Algerine  at  the  main.  Soon  afterwards  three  officers  in  succes- 
sion were  sent  on  board  by  the  grand  seignior,  to  inquire  what 
ship  that  was,  and  what  colours  she  had  hoisted.  They  were 
told  that  it  was  an  American  frigate  and  an  American  flag.  They 
said  they  did  not  know  any  such  country.  Capt.  Bainbridge  then 
explained  that  America  was  the  New  World....  by  which  name 
they  had  some  idea  of  the  country.  After  these  inquiries  the 
frigate  came  into  the  harbour,  saluted  the  grand  seignior's  palace 
with  twenty-one  guns,  and  proceeded  to  unload  the  Algerine  car- 
go. The  ambassador  was  not  permitted  to  have  his  audience  be- 
fore the  arrival  of  the  capudan  pacha,  or  high  admiral  from  Egypt, 
and  it  was  necessary  for  the  frigate  to  wait  the  result.  Capt. 
Bainbridge  endeavoured  to  employ  the  interval  in  giving  to  the 
Turkish  government  a  favourable  impression  of  a  country,  of  which 
his  ship  and  crew  were  the  only  specimens  they  had  ever  had  an 
opportunity  of  seeing.  At  this  time  an  embassy  to  Constantinople 
was  projected,  and  William  L.  Smith,  Esq  then  minister  of  the 
United  States  in  Portugal,  was  designated  as  our  ambassador. 
It  was  therefore  desirable  that  his  arrival  should  be  preceded  by 
as  advantageous  an  opinion  as  possible  of  his  country.  How  well 
Capt.  Bainbridge  succeeded  in  making  these  impressions  we  may 
learn  from  the  unsuspicious  testimony  of  a  distinguished  traveller, 
Mr.  Clarke,  who  was  then  at  Constantinople,  and  with  whom 
Capt.  Bainbridge  contracted  a  friendly  intimacy.*  , 


'The  aiTivalofan  Americaa  frigate."  says  Mr.  Clarke  "  for  the  fir«t  titnc  at  Cotutantinopte, 
fAUsed  coiMidtrable  sen^mtioii.  not  only  amoni;  the  Turks,  but  al>o  tliruii(;hout  the  whole  dit)|a^ 
inatic  corps  Jtatioiicd  in  Pen*.  This  ship.  ciiiiiiimnde<l  by  Capt.  Baiiibriilge.  caim:  from  Algiers, 
^"'•*  I'^tter  and  presents  from  the  dey  in  tht  sUllan  and  cai>u<lai'  pacha.  I'he  preients  consist- 
<a  ot  lygers  and  other  nninuils  stnt  \vith  a  view  to  conciliate,  the  I  urkish  government,  whom  the 
'ley  had  offeiideil.  When  she  came  to  an  anchor  and  a  message  went  t«  the  porte  that  an  'tmeti- 
<aii  tnijate  was  in  the  harbour,  thr  lurks  were  altogtthcr  unable  to  compteliend  where  the  eouni 
tjy  was  situated  whose  flag  they  had  to  salute.  A  great  deal  Oi  lime  x  as  there  ore  lost  in  seltlinf 
<iiii  impartant  point,  and  cuntideriiig  how  to  receive  the  Strang' r.  In  the  mca>ilime  wr  weni  oa 
knaid  to  visit  ihu  captain ;  and  were  sittintr  with  him  if  th<- eabiii,  wl^en  a  mcsse  iger  came  from 
^it  Inikiih  giiveriimvnt  to  ask  whetlier  America  was  not  otherwiw  rallMt  the  ^ew  Warii;  iM, 

R 


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130 


bKETCHJiS  OP 


On  the  arrival  of  the  capudan  pacha,  the  unfortunate  Algerm? 
ambassador  was  denied  an  audience,  and  both  his  letters  and  pres- 
ents  refused,  on  acccount  of  the  many  depredations  committed  by 
Algiers  on  the  commerce  of  Austria  and  other  nations  friendly  to 
the  porte,  and  also  for  having  made  peace  with  France  without 
consulting  the  grand  seignior.  The  ambassador  and  his  suite 
were  not  suffered  to  leave  their  houses,  the  dey  of  Algiers  was  or- 
dered to  declare  war  against  France,  and  sixty  days  allowed  to 
receive  in  Constantinople  the  account  of  his  compliance,  on  pain 
of  immediate  war. 

Capt.  Bainbridge  was,  however,  received  by  the  capudan  pacha 
with  distinguished  politeness.  He  took  the  frigate  under  his  im- 
mediate protection  ;  requested  Capt.  Bainbridge  to  haul  down  the 
Algerine  flag  and  carry  the  American  ;  and  being  fond  of  ship 
building  and  naval  affairs,  conceived,  from  the  seaman  like  con- 
duct of  the  officers  and  the  state  of  the  frigate,  a  high  idea  of  out 
marine  character,  These  attentions  were  peculiarly  grateful,  a? 
this  officer  was  related  by  marriage  to  the  grand  seignior,  and 
supposed  to  possess  great  influence  in  public  affairs.  He  after, 
wards  addressed  a  friendly  letter  to  Mr.  Smith,  the  expected  am- 
bassador, and  the  two  countries  might  have  formed  a  commercia! 
tieaty  under  very  favourable  auspices  :  but  the  mission  to  Con- 
stantinople was  afterwards  discountenanced  by  our  government. 
The  different    diplomatic    characters  at    Constantinople  paid  to 

Capt.    Bainbridge  very  marked  civilities more  particularly  lord 

Elgin,  the  British,  and  baron  de  Hubsch,  the  Danish  ambassador. 
Every  thing  being  at  length  arranged,  the  George  Washington 
sailed  from  Constantinople  in  the  month  of  December,  carrying 
the  Turkish  ambassador's  secretary  back  to  Algiers,  with  an  ac- 
count of  the  unfortunate  result  of  his  embassy. 

This  voyage  to  Constantinople,  though  irksome  to  the  officers, 
was  ultimately  the'  means  of  acquiring  much  honour  to  the  United 
States,  and  might  have  been  rendered  highly  serviceable.  For- 
tunately for  us,  the  George  Washington  arrived  suddenly  before 
Constantinople,  which  no  Christian  vessel  was  permitted  to  do 

being  antwcietl  in  the  affirmative,  assured  the  captain  that  he  was  welcome,  and  wouhl  be  trcateA 
with  lie  lit  >  o«t  cordiality  ai>d  re'pect.  t'he  messongers  from  the  dey  vert-  then  urilered  on  Iju.trd 
the  caimdaii  |iaclia°»  ship  ;  wlio.  rt-ceivnig:  tlie  Utter  tVoni  their  tover<.-iiie;  with  tcreat  rage,  first  i>|iBt. 
and  t)ieii  stamptd  upon  it ;  telliii>>:  tbiiin  tog;o  back  lo  their  master,  and  inform  dim  tliat  lie  wouU 
be  si.'rvtd  after  tlie  ante  inann.  r.  w.'u  never  the  I'ui'kisii  admiral  met  him.  Capt.  Bainbrid.'e  wai, 
however,  received  with  every  in.irk  of  attention,  and  rewarded  with  niap:nificeii<  presents  *  I'tit 
fin^-  ii'derof  the  slop  and  the  healthy  state  ol  her  crew  became  topics  oi  genei'ai  conversation  in 
i'era  and  the  diffi  i-cnt  miniiters  strove  who  should  receive  him  in  their  palaces.  We  accompani- 
ed h  ni  in  liis  loii^'  boat  to  the  Uluck  -tea  as  lie  was  de>ii'cius  o:  boislinic  there,  for  the  firs)  tiiiiL-  tin- 
American  Aug  ;  and,  upon  his  return  were  amused  with  a  very  singular  entertainment  at  his  lubk 
during  dinner.  Upon  the  fuui' contei's  were  as  many  decanters  containing  fresh  water  from  a« 
many  quarters  of  the  globe.  'I'lie  natives  of  Kuripe  Asia.  AlVica,  and  America  ^at  down  logttlur 
at  the  same  table  and  wei-e  regaled  with  flesh  fi  uit,  bread,  anil  other  viands  while,  of  every  uriiclo. 
a  sample  Irom  eaeh  q<iarter  of  the  globe  was  p  evented  at  the  same  time.      The  means  of  acioin 


plisiting  this  are  easily  explaineii,  by  bis  having  toucliiil  at  Algiers  in  his  passage  from 
aud  being  at  auclior  so  near  the  shores  both  ut  Europe  and  Asia. 


Amcric;! 


*  This  is  incon-i  cth  stated.    The  only  preseutt  iceeircd  Wcr6  t  «lAwl  and  a  TUt:  cl<»k,'.vl)ich  tr 
tether  wtrc  worth  about  400  dolhin.        ..      ^^        ..,,,:  ^ 


hi 


iiiW 


THE  WAR. 


IrS.l 


the  iaw8  of  ihc  porte  requiring  that  all  foreign  vessels  should  wait 
one  hundred  and  twenty  miles  belov  the  city,  in  order  to  obtain 
leave  to  conae  up  ;  and  as  the  American  flag  and  nation  were 
then  unknown,  and  the  ministers  of  foreign  powers  would  of 
course  have  been  unwilling  to  see  a  young  adventurous  people  ad- 
mitted to  share  the  advantages  of  a  trade,  which  they  were  enjoy- 
ing exclusively,  the  probability  is  that  the  frigate  never  would 
have  reached  Constantinople.  Arriving,  however,  as  she  did,  a 
fine  ship,  with  an  excellent  crew  in  the  best  discipline,  she  gave 
the  Turks  a  high  idea  of  the  naval  character  of  the  United  States 
.....a  character  which  they  have  since  seen  us  sustain  with  so  much 
glory  in  the  war  with  Tripoli.  After  landing  some  Turks  at  Mal- 
ta, as  a  favour  to  the  capudan  pacha,  Capt.  Bainbridge  arrived  off 
Algiers  on  the  twenty-first  of  January.  Warned  by  his  past  mis- 
fortune, he  did  not  venture  his  frigate  within  reach  of  the  fort,  but 
sent  the  ambassador's  secretary  on  shore  in  a  boat,  although  the 
dey  desired  that  he  would  come  into  port  to  discharge  some  guns 
belonging  to  Algiers,  which  he  had  taken  in  there  as  ballast  for 
the  voyage  to  Constantinople.  The  dey,  however,  insisted,  and 
Capt.  Bainbridge,  fearful  of  the  consequences  to  the  unprotected 
commerce  of  the  United  States,  again  ventured  within  the  dey*8 
power,  delivered  the  old  guns,  and  took  other  ballast.  The  ty- 
rant was  now  so  effectually  humbled  by  the  orders  of  the  grand 
seignior,  that  he  instantly  released  four  hundred  prisoners,  who 
had  been  taken  with  British  and  Austrian  passports,  and  declared 
war  against  France.  Finding  too,  that  Capt.  Bainbridge  was  on 
friendly  terms  with  the  capudan  pacha,  his  menaces  softened  into 
great  mildness.  After  having  been  thus  instrumental  in  the  re- 
lease of  so  many  prisoners,  Capt.  Bainbridge  was  now  enabled 
to  serve  the  interests  of  humanity  in  another  way.  On  the  de- 
claration of  wai"  with  France,  the  consul  and  all  the  French  sub- 
jects, then  in  Algiers,  were  ordered  to  leave  the  country  in  forty- 
eight  hours,  and  as  their  longer  stay  would  have  exposed  them 
to  captivity,  they  were  all  taken  on  board  the  George  Washing- 
ton. 

He  sailed  from  Algiers  about  the  last  of  January,  and  after  land- 
ing the  French  passengers  at  Alicant,  arrived  at  Philadelphia  in 
the  month  of  April,  180i,  and  received  the  marked  approbation 
of  the  government  for  his  conduct  during  this  long^,  unpleasant, 
Bnd  delicate  service.  Before  his  return,  the  cessation  of  hostilities 
with  France  had  caused  a  reduction  of  the  navy,  and  there  were 
retained  only  nine  captains,  of  whom  he  had  the  satisfation  of 
finding  himself  one.  In  the  following  June  he  received  the  com- 
mand of  the  frigate  Essex.  About  this  time  the  regency  of  Tri- 
poli, emboldened  by  the  success  of  the  Algerines,  commenced  hos- 
tilities against  the  United  States  :  to  oppose  which  a  squadron  of 
frigates,  among  which  was  the  Essex,  was  sent  to  tin*  Mediterra- 


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SKETCHES  OF 


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nean.  Here  he  continued  for  thirteen  or  fou.teon  months  engag- 
ed in  convoying  American  ships  and  other  neutrals  in  the  Mediter- 
ranean,  and  cruizing  against  the  Tripolitan  ships  of  war,  with 
none  of  which,  however  he  had  the  good  fortune  to  engage.  He 
returned  to  New-York  in  July,  1802,  and  remained  on  shore  for 
about  nine  months,  engaged  in  superintending  the  building  of  the 
U.  States'  briffs  Syren  and  Vixen. 

In  May,  1803,  he  was  appointed  to  command  the  Philadelphia, 
a  frigate  built  by  the  merchants  of  Philadelphia,  and  presented  to 
the  government  of  the  United  States.      He  sailed  in  her  from  the 
port  of  Philadelphia,  in  July,  1803,  for  the  Mediterranean,  to  join 
the  squadron  then  under    Com.   Preble.      On  reaching  Gibraltar, 
he  heard  of  two  Tripolitan  cruizers  off  Cape  de  Gatt,  and  immedi- 
diately  shaped  his  course  after  them.     On  the  26th  of  August  he 
discovered  a  ship  wTth  a  brig  in  company,  both  under  a   foresail 
only.   As  it  was  night,  the  wind  blowing  very  fresh,  and  the  ship's 
guns  housed,   it  was  not  till  the   Philadelphia  hailed  her  that  she 
proved  to  be  a  vessel  of  war  from  the  coast  of  Barbary.       On  or- 
dering her  boat  on  board  with  the  ship's  passports,  she  was  found 
to  be  the  Mirboha,  a  cruizer  of  22  guns  and  one  hundred  and  ten 
men,  from  Morocco,   and  by  concealing  from  the  Moorish  officer 
who  came  on  board,  the  nation  to  which  the  Essex  belonged,  he 
was  led  to  mention  that  the  brig  was  an  American  going  to  Spain, 
whom   they  had  boarded,   but  not  detained.     The  low  sail  under 
which  the   brig   wa?,   however,   exciting  some  suspicion,  Capt. 
Bainbridge  sent  his  first  lieutenant  to  examine  if  the  ship  had  any 
American  prisoners  ;    but  he  was  prevented  by  the  captain  of  the 
ship.     A  boat  well  manned  and  armed  was  sent  to  enforce  a  com- 
pliance, and  they  found  on  board  the  American  captain  of  the  brig, 
who,   with  his  crew,   were  all  confined  below,  the  brig  having 
been  captured  by  the  Moorish  cruizer  nine  days   before.       After 
this  act  of  hostility,  Capt.  Bainbridge  had  no  hesitation  in  making 
prize  of  the  ship,  which  was  immediately  manned  from  the  Phila- 
delphia, and  the  two  ships  proceeded  to  cruize  for  the  brig,  which 
had  made  off  during  this  examination.      It  was  not  till  after  a 
search  among  a  fleet  of  vessels,  all  the  next  day,  that  she  was 
discovered,  pursued,  and  taken,  and  bdth  vessels  carried  into  Gib- 
raltar. .      •-!, 

On  board  the  Mirboha  were  found  cruizing  orderg  from  the 
governor  ofTangiers,  which  proved  the  hostile  dispositions  of  the 
emperor  of  Morocco,  who  was  about  letting  loose  his  forces 
against  the  American  commerce.  The  capture  of  oneof  his  finest 
ships,  at  the  very  commencement  of  this  scheme,  convinced  him 
of  the  folly  of  it,  and  afforded  Com.  Preble,  on  his  arrival  at  Gib- 
raltar, the  means  or  bringing  the  emperor  to  a  speedy  and  perroa' 
neqt  peace  with  the  United  States. 


M: 


'l;i! 


''***.■£  ■I' 


THE  WAR. 


13^ 


Mediter- 
ar,  with 
ge.  He 
shore  for 
ig  of  the 

adelphia, 
?enttd  to 
from  the 
I,  to  join 
Gibraltar, 
immedi- 
LUgust  he 
t   foresail 
the  ship's 
that  she 
On  or- 
i;as  found 
1  and  ten 
sh  officer 
nged,  he 
I  to  Spain, 
ail  under 
m,  Capt. 
had  any 
lin  of  the 
;e  a  com- 
the  brig, 
g  having 
After 
making 
he  Phila- 
J,  which 
ll  after  a 
she  was 
nto  Gib- 

Trom  the 

18  of  the 

Is    forces 

liis  finest 
Iced  him 
at  Gib- 
perroa' 


\N'hile  he  was  detained  by  this  negocintion,  Capt.  Bainbridge, 
11  company  with  the  Vixen,  Capt.  Smith,  had  proceeded  to  block- 
ade the  harbour  of  Tripoli.  Here  he  soon  received  information 
(hat  a  Tripolitan  cruizer  had  escaped  from  the  port,  and  he  des- 
patched the  Vixen  to  cruize  off  Cape  Bon  in  quest  of  her.  After 
her  departure  the  Philadelphia  was  driven  from  her  cruizing  ground 
for  several  days,  by  the  prevalence  of  strong  svesterly  gales  ;  but 
the  wind  Having  changed  to  the  eastward,  she  was  returning  to 
her  station  when,  on  the  31st  of  October,  not  many  leagues  to 
the  east  of  the  town,  at  about  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning,  a 
strange  ship  was  seen  in  shore,  to  which  chase  was  immediately 
given.  The  chase  kept  as  close  in  shore  as  she  dared,  and  ran 
for  the  harbour  of  Tripoli.  The  Philadelphia  continued  to  chase 
along  the  land,  not  venturing  into  shoaler  water  than  seven  fath- 
oms, and  keeping  up  a  constant  fire  ;  but  finding  she  could  not 
cut  the  chase  off  from  the  harbour,  gave  up  the  pursuit,  and  lialed 
her  wind  to  the  northward,  which  waf  directly  from  off  the  land  ; 
when,  about  half  after  eleven  o'clock,  as  she  was  going  at  the 
rate  of  six  or  seven  knots,  she  ran  upon  rocks  about  four  mile§ 
and  a  half  from  the  town.  These  rocks  are  a  continuation  of 
a  reef  which  directly  opposite  the  town  are  above  water,  and 
extend  a  long  distance  to  the  eastward.  They  were  not  laid 
down  in  any  charts  on  board,  nor  had  they  been  discovered  by 
our  public  ships,  which  had  before  cruized  on  this  coast ;  nor,  al- 
though three  leads  were  l.ept  heaving,  were  they  perceived  till 
she  struck.       Great  exertions    were  instantly  made  to  float   the 

* 

siiip.  A  part  of  the  guns  were  thrown  overboard  ;  the  anchors 
cut  away  from  the  bows  ;  the  water  started  ;  the  foremast  cut 
away  ;  but  all  to  no  purpose.  As  soon  as  she  had  grounded  the 
gunboats  came  out  to  attack  her.  They  took  a  position  on  her 
quarters  :  but  her  stern  chasers  compelled  them  to  change  their 
station  ;  and  while  the  ship  continued  upright,  with  the  few  guns 
that  could  be  brought  to  bear,  she  could  keep  the  enemy  at  dis- 
tance ;  but  she  soon  lay  over  so  much  on  one  side,  that  she  could 
not  use  her  guns.  At  length,  after  sustaining  the  enemy's  fire 
for  between  five  and  six  hours,  and  seeing  no  chance  of  getting 
the  ship  off,  a  council  of  war  was  called  of  all  the  officers,  who 
gave  an  unanimous  opinion,  that,  as  it  was  impossible  to  defend 
themselves,  or  to  annoy  the  enemy,  any  further  show  of  resistance 
would  only  expoi^e  the  lives  of  the  crew,  and  that  the  painful  al- 
ternative of  surrendering  was  all  that  remained  for  them.  The 
magazine  was  therefore  drowned  ;  the  arms  and  every  article 
of  value  thrown  overboard  ;  the  ship  scuttled  ;  the  pumps  choak- 
«c),  and  the  colours  were  then  hauled  down  at  five  o'clock.  One 
of  the  boats  was  sent  to  acquaint  the  enemy  that  the  ship  would 
make  no  further  resistance.  **  On  approaching  the  enemy,"  says 
^Nie  of  the  officers  employed  on  this  occasion,  '*  we  were  hailed 


t'.'.f.. 


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sit  i 


134 


SKETCHES  OF 


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by  almost  every  one,  and  each  ordered  us  along  side  of  his  boas. 
One,  however,  fired  a  shot,  which  struck  near  us,  and  presuming 
him  to  be  the  commodore,   we  rowed  towards  him,  when  one  of 
the  near  gun-boats,  perceiving  we  were  not  coming  to  him,  man- 
ned his  boat  and  came  after  us.     There  were  about  fifteen  men  in 
this  boat,  ail  armed  with  pistols,  with  sabres,  and  a  long  musket 
suspended  over  their  backs.      They  were  a  ferocious  and  savage 
set.   They  sprung  intoour  boat,  and  immediately  two  seized  Litut. 
Porter,  and  two  others  seized  me.      My  coat  was  soon  off,  my 
vest  unbottoned,  and  my  cravat  torn  from  my  neck.     I  thought,  I 
for  my  own  part,  I  should  not  have  time  to  coun^i  my  beads ;  but 
we  soon  perceived  that  their  violence   was  only    with  a  view  of  I 
getting  from  us  whatever  money  or  valuables  we  might  have  con- 
cealed about  our  persons.     We  now  proceeded  towards  the  shore,  I 
the  gun-boat  men  continuing  in  our  boat.     It  was  just  dark  whenj 
we  approached  the  beach,    which  was  covered  with  people,  arm- 
ed and  shouting  most  hideously,  and  landed  amid  the  shouts  of  the  I 
populace,  by  whom  we  were  pushed  about  rudely.      We  were 
conducted   to  the  gate  of  the   pacha's    castle,  followed    by  the 
crowd.      Here  we  were  detained  some  minutes,  his  majest}  not  I 
being  ready  to  receive  us.     We  were,  however,  at  length  usher- 
ed into  his  presence.      We  now  felt  ourselves  safe.     The,  pacha  I 
was  seated  in  state,  with  his  ministers  and  principal  officers  about 
him,  and  surrounded  by  a  numerous  guard.     We  were  desired  to 
be  seated,   while  the   boat's  crew  stood  fit  some  distance  back. 
A  variety  of  questions  were  put  to  us  :    how  many  men  were  in 
the  Philadelphia?  how  many  guns  had  she  ?  were  any  of  the  gum 
of  brass  ?  how  much  powder  was  there  ?    was  there  any  money 
in  the  ship  ?  where  was  Com.  Morris  ?    where  was  the  schooner 
Enterprise  ?  &c.     Three  glasses  of  sherbert  were  brought,  one  for 
each  of  us,  of  which  we  drank." 

The  same  scene  of  plunder  was  renewed  when  the  Tripolitaoi 
came  on  board.  They  took  from  Capt.  Bainbridge  his  watch,  | 
and  epaulets,  and  the  cravat  from  his  neck :  but  with  much  strug- 
gling and  difficulty  he  saved  the  miniature  of  his  wife.  When 
he  vi'as  brought  into  the  castle  the  same  set  of  questions  were  re- 
peated by  the  pacha,  who  observed,  among  other  things,  that  the 
fortune  of  war  had  placed  Capt.  Bainbridge  in  his  present  situa- 
tion. They  were'then  sent  to  another  apartment,  where  a  sup*] 
per  was  provided  for  the  officers ;  after  which  they  were  brought 
in  a  body  before  the  pacha,  who  gratified  himself  by  taking  a  view  j 
of  them  collectively.  The  complacency  with  which  he  surveyed 
ihem,  his  cheerful  and  animated  countenance,  sufficiently  denoted 
his  satisfaction  at  seeing  them.  His  reception  of  them,  however, 
made  favourable  impressions  of  his  character.  He  presented  them 
to  his  minister  of  foreign  affairs,  Sidi  Muhamed  Dghies,  who  \va« 
to  have  charge  of  them,  and  who,  the  bashaw^  ohserved,  wouH 


THE  WAR, 


13» 


take  good  care  of  them.      This  indeed  they  found  to  be  strictly 
true  ;  for  they  were  now  conducted  to  the  house  of  the  late  Anner- 
ican  consul,  and  although  it  was  by  this  time  one  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  the  minister    sent  for  the  Danish  consul,  Mr.   Nissen, 
whom  he  introduced  to  Capt.    Bainbridgc  as  his  particular  friend, 
and  one  who  would  render  the  oiiicers  every  service  in  his  pow- 
er.   This  estimable  man  immediately  brou|?ht  refreshments,  and 
all  the  bedding  which  he  could   collect  at  that  hour  ;    and  about 
two  o'clock  the  officers  lay  down  to  sleep  as  well   as  their  new 
and  terrible  misfortune  would  permit  them.      The  next  day,  the 
minister  of  foreign  affairs  requested  Cypt.  Bainbridge  and  his  offi- 
cers to  give  their  parole,  in  order  that  he  might  in  turn,  pledge  his 
I  word  to  the  pacha    for  their  safety.      This  was    complied   with. 
JThe  officers  also  presented  an  unanimous  addrt^ss  to  the  captain, 
Jin  which  they  stated  their  belief  that  the  charts  and  soundings  jus- 
tified as  near  an  approach  to  the  shore  as  they  had  made  ;    and. 
declaring,  that  on  this   as  on  every  other  occasion,   his  conduct 
had  been  correct  and  honourable.     Soothed  by  this  proof  of  confi- 
dence and  attachment,  Capt.  Bainbridge  endeavoured  to  render 
ithe  situation  of  his  officers  and  crew  as    comfot  table  as  pos:sible. 
JThe  consular  house  was  commodious,   and   although    not  large 
lenough  for  the  accommodation  of  so  many  persons,  was  at   leasj 
jairy,  and  the  atmosphere  they  breathed  was  pur*.     About  a  fort- 
Iniglit  after  this,  however,   the  pacha's  minister  acquainted  Capt. 
Ifiainbridge  that  letters  had  been  received  from   the    Tripolitan» 
jwho  had  been  taken  by  Capt.  Rodgers,  in  the  John  Adams,  com- 
plaining of  being  ill-treated  by  him,  and  Capt.  Baiubridge  was  re- 
fquested  to  sign  an  order  upon  Com.  Preble  to  give  up  these  Tripo- 
llitan  prisoners,  with  a  declaration,  that  if  he  refused,  the  ill-treat- 
Iment  shown  to  the  Tripolitan  prisoners  should  be  retaliated  upon 
Itfie  officers  of  the  Philadelphia.       Capt.  Bainbridge  peremptorily 
liefused  to  sign  this  order,   and  accordingly,   by  way  of  punish- 
jment,   they  were  conducted  by  the  slave  driver  to  the    prison^ 
Iwliere  the  crew  were  confined  at  work.      Here  they  remained 
lone  day,    when  the  Tripolitan   government  finding  Capt.    Bain- 
Jbridge's  firmness  not  to  be  shaken,  they  were  re-couducted  in  the 
levening  to  the  consular  house,  and  an  apology  received  from  the 
Iminister  for  the  indignity  they  had  suffered.     Here  they  continu- 
led,  and  were  permitted  occasionally  to  walk  out  to  the  country 
|iu  small  parties,  accompanied  by  a  guard. 

On  the  Idth  of  February,  1804,  the  Philadelphia  was  burnt  by 
iDecatur.  This  mortified  the  pacha  exceedingly  ;  though  he  af- 
ffected  to  consider  it  as  a  fortune  of  war.  Some  of  the  bodies  of 
[persons  who  were  known  to  have  been  on  board  the  Philadelphia, 
Bloated  ashore,  from  which  the  pacha  pretended  to  believe,  that 
ID  ca'ur,  after  getting  clear  of  the  harbour,  had,  in  cold  blood, 
pilled  the  prisoners.      This  was  the  pretext  for  iocrcasiBg  the  sie- 


''■■A. 


S;  "^ 


w 

1 

•1.   ■ 

i' 

1' 

1 

1 

J. Ill 


^ij 


VkM 


::'V 


n 


m 


if  ill 


p. 


■■'  -I! 


[    I  If! 
'    .i:,l 

i    ■'    ' 


„[!. 


136 


JjK ETCHES  OF 


verity  of  fheir  confinement.      Accordingly  they  were  removed  (c| 
appartmcnts  in   the  paclia's  castle,  exceedingly  small,  and  but 
adapted  to  accommodate  so  many.    They  were  without  windovvJ 
and  all  the  light,   as  well  as  fresh  air,  was  admitted   through  a 
small   opening  at  the  top,  grated  over  with  iron  railing.    The  I 
atmosphere  they  breathed,    while  thus  closely  confined,  soon  be 
came  unhealthy,  and  Capt.  Bainbridgc  repeatedly  representtcl  tol 
the  minister,  that  they  could  not  exist  so  crowded  together,  oiid 
with  such  confined  air.     After  much  delay,  and  when  the  warml 
weHther  came  on,  and  they  were  all  getting  sick,  these  accommo 
dations  were  enlarged  by  the  addition  of  other  rooms.     Still  the)  I 
were  much  crowded,  and  they  could  not  have  sustained  such  cod 
finoment,   but  that  the  climate  of  Tripoli  is  the  mildest  and  moill 
delightful  in   the  world.      While  in  this  confinement  they  were 
fomelimes,  when  none   of  the  American  cruizers  were  ofl^",  per 
mitted  to  walk   into  the  country  ;    but  there  was  one  period  oi 
nearly  eight  months,  that  they  were  not  allowed  this  indulgence, 
and  these  eight  months  included  one  whole  8ummer,a  season  when 
the  weather  was  warm,  and  consequently  they  most  needed  ex 
ercise  and  fresh  air.     They  continued  in  this  confinement  until  the 
peace  of  June,  1805.  ',      '    v. 

The  conduct  of    the  pacha  and  his  officers  was,  however,  far  I 
more  mild  than  they  had  been  led  to  anticipate,  and  even  this  ri- 
gorous confinement  was  imposed,   not  so   much   with  a  view  to 
make  them  suffer,  as  because  the  pacha  thought  it  the  only  mode 
by  which  he  could  secure  them.      He  was  very  apprehensive  on  | 
this  point.     The  Danish  consul  endeavoured  to  explain  to  the  Tri- 
politan  government  the  nature  of  a  parole  among  £uropeans,and| 
assured  the  government  that  by  getting  them  to  pledge  their  hon- 
our, they  would  make  no  attempt  to  escape,  and  should  be  morel 
safe  than  by  all  his  guards,  his  bolts  and   his  bars;    but  this  the 
pacha  could  not  understand,  and  he  could  not  be  made  to  believe  | 
that  nny  prisoner  who  had  the  chance  to  escape,  would  be  deter 
red  from  doing  so  merely  because   he  had  passed  his    word,     it  I 
was  once  debated  in  the  divan,  whether  it  would  not  be  advisal 
to  put  the  officers  to  hard  labour,  under  the  idea  that  Com.  Preble,  | 
as  soon  as  he  heard  of  it,  would,  on  their  account,  be  more  soli 
citous  for  peace.     But  it  was  justly  concluded  that  it  would  havei 
a  contrary  tendency  ;  that  it  would  irritate  and  exasperate  their  | 
countrymen,  and  induce  a  more  vigorous  presecution  of  the  war 
The  project  was  theiefore  abandoned. 

When  the  news    was  received  that  Gen.   Eaton    had   taken  I 
Derne,  and    in  conjunction  with  the  dethroned   pacha,   was  ad 
vancing  towards  Tripoli,  Eaton's  force  was  greatly  exaggerated. 
and  the  pacha  became    alarmed.      He  sent  word  to  Capt.  Bain- 
bridge,  that  heretofore  he  considered  the  war  as  one  of  interes!] 
only  :    that  the  United  States  prosecuted  it  in  order  to  get  away 


THI  WAA. 


w 


diair  eoontrymen  ibr  is  tmall  a  turn  of  money  as  potaible^  and 
that  he  continued  it  to  get  as  much  as  possible  for  his  prisoners  ; 
but  that  now  the  Americans  had  made  common  cause  with  hit 
exiled  brother,  and  that  consequently,  he  must  succeed  against 
£aton  or  lose  his  kingdom  j  that  he  had  the  means  of  injuring 
the  feelings  of  the  American  people  in  a  most  delicate  point  (mean- 
teg>  by  putting  the  prisoners  to  death)  and  that  in  a  case  of  ex- 
tremity he  should  enforce  these  means.  Ttic  pacha  thought  to 
alarm  Capt.  Bainbridge,  and  induce  him  to  write  to  the  commo- 
dore,  or  to  Eaton.  Capt.  Bainbridge>  however,  replied,  that  he 
ADd  his  officers  were  in  the  power  of  the  pachaj  and  that  he 
might  do  with  them  as  he  pleased  ;  that  the  United  States  had 
many  officers  and  seamen,  and  that  consequently  they  should 
be  no  loss  to  their  country.  This  spirited  reply  saved  him  from 
any  more  such  messages.  It  is  impossible  to  say  whether  the  pa- 
sha would  or  would  not  have  gone  to  this  extremity.  He  is  a 
man  of  strong  passions,  and  ambitious  ;  and  had  he  been  driven 
from  bis  kingdom,  he  might  have  been  urged  to  this  violence  ;  at 
it  cannot  be  supposed  that  he  should  enteitain  the  same  sentiments 
of  abhorrence  at  the  atrocity  of  sacrificing  his  prisoners,  as  would 
be  felt  by  an  European.  A  place  in  the  interior  had  certainly 
been  fixed  on  an  as -a  place  of  security  for  them,  in  case  it  became 
necessary  to  remove-  them  from  the  capital. 

While  thus  confined,  without  exercise  or  change  of  scene,  their 
time,  it  may  be  easily  imagined,  passed  heavily.  But  their  youth 
and  the  hardy  frame  of  mind,  created  by  their  profession,  were 
qualified  to  resist  for  a  long  time  the  depressing  effects  of  misfor- 
tune. After  the  short  interval  of  unavailing  regret  had  passed, 
they  collected  their  spirits  and  resources,  and  endeavoured  to  de- 
rive amusement  and  occupation  from  every  quarter. 

When  they  were  taken  they  lost  all  their  clothes.  The  officero 
of  the  Vixen,  as  soon  as  they  heard  of  this  circumstance,  sent  a 
part  of  their  clothes,  which  came  very  seasonably.  Soon  after, 
some  of  their  own  was  brought  to  the  prison  for  sale,  and  each  of- 
ficer, having  thus  an  opportunity  of  purchasing  some  of  his  former 
wardrobe,  they  had  a  sufficient  supply.  Some  of  their  books 
were  also  taken  to  them  to  be  sold,  and  were  purchased  from 
the  Tripolitans,  to  whom  they  were  entirely  useless,  at  a  price 
generally  much  below  their  value. 

These  furnished  the  means  of  constant  employment,  as  their 
(^cers  were  enabled  to  pursue  the  studies  to  which  they  were  at- 
tached, and  the  prison  became  a  sort  of  academy,  in  which  na- 
vigation, the  French  language,  and  other  instructive  studies  were 
cultivated.  Occasionally  too  they  found  some  relief  against  ennui, 
I  •  in  theatrical  performances.  Among  the  books  purchased  was  ^n 
odd  volume  of  plays, '  containing  the  Castle  Spectre,  the  Heir  at 
iJiw,  the  Stranger,  and.  Scents  Wortb  Knowing.     These,  werr 


]«•. 


SKKTCHbS  09 


.•!■■    ( 


■l\  I  ■■.  U  .< 


In 


W  n.. 


F> 


)i 


i:^ 


lucccssiveiy  got  up  and  performed.  This  resourct-  was  hubband 
ed  very  carefully.  Thus  they  were  busily  occupied  for  some  time 
in  preparing  the  scejiery,  then  the  dresses,  then  in  rehearsing, 
and  finally,  after  great  exertions  for  three  or  four  weeks,  the  the- 
atre was  opened.  The  scenery  was  painted  in  such  colours  as 
could  be  piocured  ;  the  gayer  dresses  of  the  ladies  were  formed 
of  sheets,  while  black  silk  handkerchiefs  sewed  together  furnished 
suits  of  wo  ;  and  leaves  and  paper  completed  the  materials  of  the 
female  toilet.  After  this,  criticism  upon  the  performance  and  dres- 
ses of  the  several  actors  and  actresses  kept  them  alive,  and  some- 
times cheerful  for  a  fortnight  ;  and  now  again  they  began  to  pre 
pare  for  another  play. 

Another  great  resource  was,  that  sometimes  they  r  ■  t'ved  let- 
ters from  their  friends  in  America.  This  indeed  was  rai  ,  but  it 
always  had  a  most  lively  and  permanent  effect  upon  them.  Their 
greatest  comfort,  however,  certainly  was  that  they  were  all  kept 
together.  Had  they  been  separated,  and  deprived  of  the  support 
of  each  other's  company,  they  could  not  have  survived  so  long  a 
captivity. 

Among  their  comforts  too  we  should  not  omit  the  active  and 

friendly  humanity  of  Mr.  Nissen,  the  Danish  consul a  gentleman 

whose  generous,  manly,  and  honourable  conduct  should  be  con- 
nected with  every  mention  of  the  Tripolitan  war.  While  tht 
other  agents  of  foreign  countries,  the  French,  English,  and  Span- 
ish consuls  kept  aloof  from  some  paltry  consideration  of  timidity,  or 
commercial  jealousy,  or  wrote  to  the  captives  a  cold  and  forma! 
and  complimentary  and  unmeaning  offer  of  service,  Mr.  Nisseo 
came  forward  at  once,  and  from  the  first  to  the  last  hour  of  their 
captivity  was  a  constant,,  unremitting,  anxious,  and  affectionate 
firiend.  Money,  clothes,  books,  and  e»'ery  thing  which  could  con- 
tribute to  render  the  situation  of  the  captives  less  irksome,  was 
lavished 'bv  the  friendly  zeal  of  Mr.  Nissen.  When  the  period 
of  their  captivity  was  about  expiring,  they  addressed  to  that  esti- 
mable man  a  letter  of  thanks  for  hi?  disinterested  friendship  ;  and 
as  soon  as  they  were  released,  presented  to  him  an  urn,  as  a  last- 
ing monument  of  his  benevolence  and  their  gratitude. 

Besides  other  modes  of  occupying  their  time,  their  minds  were 
frequently  excited  by  hopes  and  efforts  to  escape.  An  attempt 
was  made  in  the  latter  end  of  April,  1804,  to  undermine  the  cas- 
tle ard  es.cape  under  the  wall.  They  commenced  digging  in  the 
room  of  the  warrant  oflicers  ;  .but  after  working  for  four  days 
they  reached,  at  the  depth  of  twenty-five  feet,  a  loose  sand  and 
water,  and  found,  that  the  foundation  of  the  castle  was  built  up- 
on made  ground,  of  so  loose  a  texture,  that  it  was  impracticable 
to  undermine  it  horizontally  the  requisite  distance,  which  was  one 
hundred  and  fifty  yards,  without  boards  td  prop  it  and  prevent 
itg. failing  in  I  as  tbe;r.had  mne  of  these  they  were  obliged  to  looV 


i'KK  WAR. 


l^g 


:o  some  other  menns  of  escape.  In  the  folloviing  May  they  adopt- 
ed another  scheme.  One  of  the  inner  walls  of  the  prison  com- 
municated with  a  subterraneous  passage,  which  they  hoped  would 
lead  to  the  outward  walls  of  the  castle,  and  by  perforating  thic 
they  expected  to  find  a  passage  into  the  town.  Accordingly  they 
began  to  take  out  one  by  one  the  stones  of  this  wall,  which  were 
carefully  replaced  to  avoid  8u.«picion.  For  this  labour  they  had 
nothing  but  their  oase  knives,  a  dull  axe,  and  an  iron  bolt  ;  but 
they  at  last  got  into  a  long,  dark,  subterraneous  passage,  which 
they  followed  for  some  time,  till  their  progress  was  stopped  by 
another  wall.  This  they  perforated.;  but  their  surprise  and  mor- 
tification, found  a  space  of  made  earth  or  terrace,  on  which  the 
top  of  the  castle  rested.  They  were  not,  however,  disheartened;, 
but  began  to  excavate  a  space  large  enough  for  a  man  to  crawl 
in  upon  his  hands  and  knees,  carefully  removing  the  earth  to  a 
distance,  and  scattering  it  through  the  subterranean  passage ;  but 
they  had  not  made  much  progress  before  the  movements  of  the 
soldiers  and  the  great  weight  on  the  top  of  the  terrace  made  it 
cave  in,  and  destroyed  the  whole  enterprise.  Fortunately  the 
suspicions  of  the  guard  were  not  excited,  and  the  plan  remained 
undiscovered. 

Another  and  more  bold  attempt  had  no  better  successt  It  was 
intended  to  reach,  by  a  ditficult  and  dangerous  way,  to  the  win- 
dow at  the  tcp  of  the  prison,  through  which  they  were  to  get  on 
the  terrace,  and  taking  advantage  of  some  moment  when  the 
guards  were  asleep  or  inattentive,  cross  the  terrace,  a  distance  of 
fifty  or  sixty  yards,  to  the  parapet  of  the  wall.  In  one  of  the 
embrasures  of  this  they  were  to  make  fast  a  rope  formed  of  all  the 
sheets  tied  together,  and  descend  a  height  of  ninety  feet  to  the 
beach.  The  first  who  got  down  were  to  swim  to  a  Spanish  ves- 
sel about  half  a  mile  o^,  cut  her  boat  adrift  and  bring  it  ashore, 
and  the  whole  party  were  then  to  embark  and  endeavour  to  gain 
the  American  squadron.  This  plan  was  confined  to  Capt.  Bain- 
bridge  and  a  few  of  the  original  projectors  of  it.  On  the  eve  of 
its  execution,  Capt.  Bainbridge  wrote  to  the  Tripolitan  minister  to 
inform  him,  that  as  no  regard  had  been  paid  to  their  parole,  he 
deemed  himself  justified  in  attempting  to  re^in  his  liberty,  and 
recommending  the  officers  who  should  be  left  behind  to  his  partic- 
ular care  and  attention.  To  those  officers  themselves  he  addres- 
sed a  note,  stating,  that  as  all  could  not  make  the  attempt,  it  was 
necessarily  confined  to  its  projectors  ;.  that  the  escape  of  himself 
and  so  many  officers  would  enable  them  to  render  the  greatest 
services  to  those  who  remained,  and  hasten  the  period  of  their  lib- 
eration,  by  lessening  the  sura  to  be  demanded  by  the  Tiipolitans. 

When  these  arrangements  were  concluded,  the  party  reach- 
ed the  window,  but  it  blew  so  violent  a  gale  of  wind,  that 
^hey^  were  obUged  to  postpone  the  project ;    and   Captain   Bain- 


r 


'[f'-n 


r ' 

V 

K ' 

|;! 

|H  , 

•t   ' 

1 

i^: 

:.!' 


HO 


8KErCHK9  OV 


bridge,  finding  that  hit  departure  excited  lome  uuearineti  in  th« 
mindi  of  nome  of  the  ofTiceri,  abandoned  the  expedition,  and  de- 
termined to  fhare  their  fate.  The  attempt  wat  then  made  by 
three  lieutenants  and  as  many  midshipmen.  At  midnight,  on  the 
aist  of  May,  they  reached  the  terrace^  and  remained  there  for 
nearly  two  hours,  endeavouring  to  seek  a  moment  to  crofs  to 
the  parapet  ;  but  the  terrace  was  covered  with  guards,  and  they 
found  no  opportunity  of  getting  off.  The  failure  of  this  scheme 
put  an  end  to  all  plans  of  escape,  and  they  patiently  waited  their 
liberation  from  the  hands  of  their  countrymen. 

During  the  bombardment  of  the  town,  they  were  the  -melan- 
choly and  inactive  witnesses  of  the  efforts  of  their  countrymen. 
The  burning  of  the  Philadelphia,  the  explosion  of  the  fire-ship  com* 
manded  by  Capt.  Somers,  and  the  various  attacks  made  on  the 
town,  all  passed  before  their  eyes.  Sometimes,  too,  they  were 
exposed  from  their  situation  to  great  danger.  On  one  occasion, 
a  twenty-four  pound  shot  came  into  Capt*  Bainbridge's  bedroom, 
and  passed  within  six  inches  of  his  head. 

While  the  officers  were  confined,  the  men  were  kept  at  work 
during  the  day  and  locked  up  at  night.  The  work,  however, 
which  was  required  of  them  was  always  light,  and  nothing  more 
than  wholesome  exercise.  It  was  scarcely  as  severe  as  the  ordi- 
nary duty  which  is  exacted  from  them  on  board  ship.  The  Tri* 
politans  are,  generally  speaking,  and  excepting  the  people  employ- 
ed in  the  gun-boats,  of  a  mild  and  humane  character.  The  prison- 
ert  were  often  obstinate,  uncomplying,  and  mischievous  ;  yet 
the  Tripolitans  who  had  cnarge  of  them  were  rarely  provoked  to 
punish  them.  They  used  often  to  say,  that  the  Americans  were 
the  most  difficult  to  manage  of  any  people  they  had  ever  seen. 
Several  of  the  crew  turned  Mahometans,  and  thus  gained  their 
freedom  ;  but  the  rest  remained  faithful  to  their  country  and  their 
religion.* 

At  last  Col.  Lear  appeared  off  the  harbour  to  negociate  peace 
with  Tripoli.  The  first  overtures  were  embarrassed  by  the  em> 
ployment  of  the  Spanish  Consul,  who  was  at  length  put  aside, 
and  Capt.  Bainbridge  proposed,  as  the  shortest  mode  of  pacifica- 
tion, that  he  should  be  permitted  to  visit  the  squadron.  This  re- 
quest was  so  new  in  Barbary,  that  the  officers  of  the  Philadelphia 
were  obliged  to  give  a  written  declaration,  that  in  case  be  did 
not  return  they  would  submit  to  any  punishment  the  pacha  might 
inflict.  Under  this  guaranty  he  had  an  interview  with  the  Amer* 
icap  officers,  and  a  treaty  was  at  last  concluded  between  the  two 

«  It  woidd  be  uniart  not  to  fcconl  an  inatance  of  the  generoiity  of  tkew  wwien  Among:  the 
diiTen  w)io  luperfuturiM  them  while  at  work  wai  a  Neapolitan,  himielt'a  captive,  who  had  otien 
lelciited  intoptty fbr  them  and  4odp  them  aeu  of  kindneu.  louched  by  thii. treatment,  tbe  cie« 
ai  they  wew  about  to  leave  Tripoli,  made  « inbteripiion  out  ol*  their  wages  ol  between  three  and 
four  toodicd  dollan,  with  which  dieypurehated  the  liberty  of  the  tfcspomot  wfeo  was  tbtti  festoRC 
»t«bei»HM  t4pe  fttkUcMlivei  tsffiBcdantad  aiicOUUVk 


THK  WAR. 


tu 


Icuuntrici ;  by  «vhicli  the  American  nnd  Tripolitan  prisoners  were 
Lxchangcd,  and  the  num  of  nixty  thousand  dollars  given  to  the 
pacha.  On  the  3d  of  June,  1805,  the  nfficeri  were  liticrated,  af- 
Iter  a  conAncmeot  of  nineteen  months  and  three  days,  and  on  th« 
Ifourtb  they,  as  well  as  the  erew,  embarked  on  board  the  squad* 
Iron)  and  soon  after  sailed  for  America. 

Captain  Bainbridge  reachi'd  the  United  States  in  the  autumn  of 
1805,  and  the  reception  which  he  met  from  his  country  was  such 
|hi  to  satisfy  completely  the  feelings  of  a  meritorious  but  unfortu- 
loate  officer.  He  was  received  rather  .  .<  a  returning  conqueror 
Itbitn  as  a  vanquished  prisoner— a  mostui*  quivocal  proof  of  publio 
I  confidence,  since  that  merit  muiit  indeed  v  sterling  which  could 
Jitaad  the  test  of  such  misfortunes.  Nor  were  the  opinions  of  l\\a 
■brother  officers  less  honourable  and  liberal.  At  his  request  a  court 
lof  inquiry  had  been  held  en  the  loss  of  the  frigate,  and  the  judg- 
Iment  of  the  court  was,  that  it  **  was  decidedly  of  opinion  thajt 
ICapt.  Bainbridge  acted  with  fortitude  and  good  conduct  in  the 
llosi  of  the  United  States'  frigate  Philadelphia  ;  and  that  no  de- 
Igree  of  censure  should  attach  itself  to  him  from  that  event." 

Early  in  1800  he  was  ordered  to  take  the  command  of  the  nv- 
Ival  station  at  New-York  :  but  soon  after  obtained  a  furlough  to 
■perform  a  voyage  in  the  merchant  service ;  which,  from  the  re- 
Iduced  state  of  hiti  funds,  had  become  necessary  to  make  some 
Iprovision  for  his  family.  He  relumed  in  1807,  and  was  employ- 
jed  in  various  naval  duties  until  March,  l€Od,  when  he  was  ap- 
Ipointed  to  the  Portland  station,  which  liad  become  vacant  by  the 
Ideath  of  Com.  Preble.  In  December  following,  he  was  called  to 
[Washington,  to  superintend  the  repairs  of  the  frigate  President, 
[whifih  he  was  appointed  to  command.      Having  completed  the 

ip,  he  sailed  in  July,  1800,  from  Washington,  and  cruized  on 
lour  coast  'till  the  next  spring,  when  he  again  obtained  permis- 
liion  from  the  navy  department  to  engage  in  the  merchant  sex- 
hice. 

Having  returned  from  bis  mercantile  pursuits  in  February, 
11812,  he  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  navy-yard  at 
ICharlestown,  Massachusetts,  and  the  public  vessels  on  the  eastern 
Ittation. 

On  the  declaration  of  war  against  Great  Britain,  it  was  submit' 
Ited  by  the  government  to  his  own  inclination,  either  to  retain  hit 
post  at  the  navy-yard,  or  to  cruize  against  the  enemy  on  the  ocean. 
lAccustomed  to  a  life*  of  actual  service,  and  preferring  the  hazzard 
jof  warfare  and  the  chance  of  victory,  to  the  security  of  inaction^ 
Ihe  did  not  hesitate  to  choose  the  former,  and  was  accordingly  ap- 
Ipointed  to  command  the  frigate  Constellation  ;  but  on  the  arrival 
ut  Boston  of  Capt.  Hull,  after  his  victory  over  the  British  frigate 
Guerriere,  he  applied  for  a  furlough  to  attend  to  his  private  con- 
jcerps,  and  Com*  BaiDl).ridge  was  permitted  to  take  command  ^ 


..  .  I 


■11 

m 


f 


r;  :• 


'f » 


■i^i 


SKETCIIKS  OF 


lilii-i 


'!   % 


•the  Constitution.     In  a  few  weeks  he  sailed  in  company  witluliel 
sloop  of  war  Hornet,  Capt.  Lawrence,  on  a  cruize  to  the  East  in. 
diet. 

After  parting  company  with  the  Hornet  while  running   down  I 
the  coast  of  Brazil,  on  the  2»th  of  December,  he  fell  iu  with,  and 
captured  the  Java,  after  an  engagement  of  fifty-five  minutes,  ai| 
l>efore  related. 

\   On  his  arrival  at  Boston,  he  was  received  with  an  enthusiastic! 
welcome  by  his  countrymen,  who  felt  peculiar  pleasure  in  steing 
that  fortune  had  at  last  relented,   and  given  him  an  opporfumtj 
©f  adding  success  to  merit.      Fifty  thousand  dollars  prize-monej, 
as  a  compensation  for    the   loss  of  the  Java,  were  given  by  con- 
gress tnthe  officers  and  crew,  and  a  gold  medal  presented  totbel 
commodore  himself.      These  were  followed  by  votes  of  thanktl 
and  testimonials  of  reepect  from  several  state-legislatures,  and  ab 
from  various  co^rporate  bodies  and  meetings  of  the  citizens  genet' 
ally. 

Since  bis  return  he  has  been  appointed  to  command  the  statioDl 
from  Portsmouth  to  Connecticut,   within  which  limits  he  has  had  I 
charge  of  the  Constitution  and  two  brigs ;  and  the  construction  oil 
two  sloops  of  war  .;    but  his'chief  employment  is  the  building  m 
Charlestown  of  a  seventy  four,  which  he  is  appointed  to  command, 

Of  the  private  character  of  an  individual  still  living,  and  knowD 
30  extensively,  it  is  neither  necessary  nor  proper  to  sreak.      Hit 
domestic  life  is  singularly  fortunate.     In  the  year  1798  he  marri-l 
ed,  at  St.  Bartholomews,  Miss  Heylegir,  an  amiable  and  respect- 
able lady  of  St.  Eustatia,  by  whom  he  has  three  children. 

What  new  adventures  await  him  when  afloat  in  the  first  Amerl 
4can  ship  of  the  line,  must  be  left  to  time  and  fortune.     His  coun 
try  may,   however,  confidently  indulge  in  all  the   anticipation!  I 
which  great  professional  skill,  determined  spirit,  and  a  high  senje 
^  national  and  personal  honour  are  "calculated  to  inspire. 

P.  Folio, 


i '  I' 


iVi 


CHAPTER  XL 

Private  armed  vesssels The  Atlas.,..the  Higk-Fly€r,..,the  Ros- 

sic....the  Young  Eagle.,..the  Montgomery. ...the  Dolphin. 

Immediately  after  the  declaration  of  war,  a  great  number  of 
privateers  were  fitted  out  in  the  ports  and  harbours  of  the  United 
States,  to  cruize  against  the  enemy's  vessels,  and  the  expectations 
of  the  most  sanguine  have  heen  answered  in  their  success. 


f^t  . 


THE  WAR; 


14^' 


The  enterprize  and  bravery  of  our  seamen  has  been  unexam 
Ipled  ;  and  to  these  qualities  they  have  added  these  admirable  one» 

..humanity  and  genero:>ity  to  the  enemy. 

We  lament  that  the  limits  of  this  publication  will  not  admit  of 
|of  our  doing  justice  to  the  merits  of  this  valuable  elates  of  citizens, 
Lrere  we  competent  to  the  tstsk.  Rut  they  will  not  be  forgotten 
|bv  thf  ir  countrymen.  Their  names... .theit  deeds  of  courage  and 
Ihumanity,  will  embellish  the  fairest  page  in  the  history  of  their 
[country. 

Our  object  will  be  to  select  the  most  prominent  instances  of 
lenterprize  and  courage  in  our  privateers-men. 

♦  - 

Thf  Atlas,..,The  privateer  schooner  Atlas,  Capt.  MofTat,  saile* 
Ifrom  Philadelphia  immediately  after  the  declaration  of  war.     On 

the  3d  August,  in   latitude  37    north,  longitude  46  west,  at  half: 
Lasts  A.  M.  she  discovered  two  sail  to  the  westward,  standing 

to  the  N.  E.     At  10,  A.  M»  she  beat  to  quarters,  and  cleared  for 
■action.     At  half  past  10  she  bore  away  for  both  ships,  and  hoist- 

ed  the  American  ensign  and  pendant.     At  three  quarters  past  IQr 
Itbe  smallest  ship  fired  a  shot  at  the  Atlas.     Both  ships  at  this  time 
[had  English  colours  flying. 

At  11,  A.  M,  the  action  was  commenced  by  the  Atlas  with  &■ 
[broadside  and  musketry.     She  continued  engaged  with  both  shipis 

until  noon,  when  the  fmall  one  struck  her  colours.  The  Atla&->^ 
[then  directed  the  whole  of  her  fire  against  the  large  ship.  But 
[the  small  ship,  though  her  colours  were  still  down,  immediately 
Irenewed  her  fire  on  the  Atlas,  which  had  to  re-commence  firing;. 
Irj  her.  But  in  a  few  minutes  shi  drove  every  man  off  her  decks. 
[At  twenty  minutes  past  meridian  the  large  ship  struck.  Posses- 
Isioc  was  immediately  taken  of  both.      One  of  them  proved  to  be 

the  ship  Pursuit,  Capt.  Ghivers,  of  450  tons,  16  guns,  and  35  men. 

The  other  was  the  ship  Planter,  Capt.  Frith,   of  280  tons,  12 
|gUDs,  and  15  men.     The  cargoes  of  both  were  very  valuable. 

The  Atlas  had  two  men    killed  and  five   wounded.     All  her- 
Idirouds  on  the  larboard   side  were  shot  away  ;    her  running  rig- 
ging and  sails  were  much  injured. 

The  Atlas  and  the  Pursuit  arrived  safe  in  port.  The  Planter 
I  was  re-captured  off  the  capes  of  Delaware. 

The  Highflyer The    privateer  Highflyer,   Capt.  Gavett,   of 

IsTNen  guns,  sailed  from  Baltimore  on  a  cruize.  She  discovered 
a  fleet  of  merchantmen  on  the  19th  of  Aug.  in  latitude  9  d.  20  m. 
oortii,  under  convoy  of  a  frigate,  which  gave  her  chase.  Stit 
steered  various  courses,  avoided  the  frigate,  and  pursued  the  fleet. 
On  the  21st  she  captured  the  British  ship  Diama,  one  of  the  fleet, 
of  333  tons,  laden  with  sugar,  rum,  coffee,  &c.  and  dispatched  her 
ho  tbe  first  port,  in  charge  of  a  prize-master,  and  ten  men.     On 


m 

'■'.7: 


m 


*  -v.p 


.h^ 


m 


■'    :   ,  1   ■   <■ 


iir- 


,'|i':- 


J" 

r!|( 

if: 

r 

f ., 

ii 


IM 


144 


8KETCHSS  Of 


the  22d  she  engaged  two  ether  vesselit  of  the  oonvoyj  M  the  sanul 
time,   who   returned  the  fire   with  great  spirit  and  resolution., 
The  engagement  had  lasted  about  twenty  minutes  when  she  car- 1 
ricd  the  largest  vessel  by  boarding  ;  the  other  striking  at  the  sanw 
time.     They  proved  to  be  the  Jamaica  of  7  guns,  21  men,  and 
365  tons,  and  the  Mary  and  Ann,  of  12  guns,  18  men,  and  320 1 
tonr,  having  valuable  cargoes  of  West-India  produce. 

The  Ho55t>.....The  privateer  Rossie,  of  13  guns,  Capt.  Barn«yJ 
•ailed  from  Baltimore  July  12tb,  on  a  cruize  off  the  banks  of  New- 
fbundland,  St.  John's  and  St.  George's  banks,  thence  through  tbt 
islands  of  the  West-Indies,  and  returned  into  port  the  latter  part  I 
of  October,  having  captured  on  the  cruize  3698  tons  of  shippii 
>'alued  at  a  million  and  a  half  of  dollars,  and  taken  217  prisoner  I 

Tke  Young  Eagle The  privateer  Young  Eagle,  of  one  gun^ 

on  a  cruize  fell  in  with  and  engaged  the  British  armed  ship  Gre- 
nada, of  11  guns,  and  another  armed  vessel  in  company  with  her. 
After  a  desperate  action  of  an  hour  and  a  half  the  Young  Eagle 
succeeded  in  capturing  both  vessels. 


•it 


The  Montgomery The  privateer  brig  Montgomery,  of  Bos- 
ton, Capt.  Upton,  mounting  12  guns,  on  the  6th  of  December,  off  | 
Surinam,  fell  in  with  a  British  vessel  of  war,  the  Surinam,  rating  in 
Steel's  List,  18  guns,but  carrying  20.  They  lay  board  and  board  for 
half  an  hour.  Some  of  the  privateer's  people  lashed  the  bobstay  of 
the  British  vessel  to  the  Montgomery's  main-mast.  So  spirited  and 
brave  was  the  resistance  on  both  sides,  that  neither  could  sue* 
•eed  in  boarding.  One  of  the  Montgomery's  18  pounders  wai 
repeatedly  discharged  into  the  bows  of  the  British  vessel,  between 
wind  and  water,  and  very  much  injured  her.  As  soon  as  the 
two  vessels  parted  the  Surinam  made  sail  from  the  Montgomery, 
The  foremast  of  the  Surinam  was  shot  away.  She  was  so  much 
disabled  as  to  be  obliged  to  put  into  an  out-port  to  refit,  instead  of 
proceeding  to  the  common  place  of  rendezvous  at  Barbadoes. 

The  Dolphin The  privateer  Dolphin,  of  10  guns  and  60  men, 

engaged  ofTSt.  Vincent  a  ship  of  16  guns  and  40  men,  and  a  brig 
of  10  guns  and  25  men,  at  the  same  time,  and  after  a  severe  strug- 
gle succeeded  in  capturing  them  both. 

The  most  correct  information' of  the  enterprize  of  our  priva 
teeri-nen  may  be  gathered  from  the  following  list  of  prizes. 


1   'ii    ' 


^l  : 


¥<|.||lQIWMaf^- 


•^ 


THE  WAR. 


140 


Litf'tf  BrUUAiffneU q^ured during  tDt  year  iil2—txtracled JYtm  HUea' }l^eekly  Rtguter.  t 

Sliip  Cooeenl.  300  torn  4  giini .  ladrn  with  Urn- 
ker  capiuKil  by  Um  Fume  ut  Salcni. 

ririir  Elbe.  <00  totu,  by  ditto 

Brii;  Ulv<*<-t  by  the  Paul  Joiies  of  N  York. 

^hjr,  — '-,  iaileii  with  (ice.  Ituur.  etc  by  the 
y  allium  ol  Salcitt  .    .     ■, 

Bri<  i-tfrmiiii  with  rice,  fluur  aiul  naval  storet 
bftlK  IVjJphin  oldiito 

\  brig  aiid  icliooitcr,  witli  uuiber,  i*r.  etc*  by 

ditto 

jliip  __!.,    4  (;i|ni  by  the  ^fadilon• 

Six  ihi|M  anil  briR),  ainonK  them  the  tbipi  Em- 
peror aiMl  BxiR-riineat,  by  the  gun-boat*  at  Hu 

Scliooner  Wade,  with  iO.OOO  dollars  in  ipecie, 
bra  revenue  cutter. 

Govcrnnif  nt  tran»port  No.  50,  with  miliury 
it«i«i.  2  fj;uni  and  U  iiien,  by  the  Madilun. 

urii;  Elixa.  of  n  gunt,  by  ihe  Madison  of  one 
euii.al'ier  a  imart  riiKagi-meut. 

Thix-e  Nova-Scotia  shallops,  with  Engliih  and 
West  Lulia  good*  aiid  specie  by  the  tion  of 
Warljkhwul. 

Orii;  — •  uf  0  guns  by  the  Lirai  and  Snow^ 
bini  ul  ilitto. 

Sloop  EndtmToor.  with  sugar,  by  the  Polly  of 
Sal''ni. 

Brig  — — ,  with  fluur,  umbtir  etc.  by  the  Ma- 
(Tismi. 

Ship  — -.  300  tons,  with  luval  stores,  by  do 

Brij;— — .^300  tons,  witlt  guuiiowder,  dry 
(^udsaiid  inililary  scutvs.  by  du. 

Xbree  schsoners,  with  iiaral  ttures  and  pro- 
'.himii,  by  tlie  Jeffenon  ul'  !>al|«ni    , 

Brig  tvabiseh,  with  timber,  liy  die  Dolphin. 

Svhr.  Anu.bv  rl>c  Nonpareil  u:  Charlestan. 

^Khooner  f  ida.  -^tii.  2.(H)0  dollars  iu  spe- 
Llf.bythegui  lnw"      •Si.  Mary's. 

»  ■rid   18  men,  by  the 

men,  oT  Uak-m. 
.  ,1'k,  winur  furi,  cord- 


biiin  Jarreit,  4iH  t 
Kuir  Tnulcr  of  i  k' 

Three  schooners 
age  etc.  by  diltu- 

bcboonvr  — ,  by  the  Dolp'iin— relfSK-d  aj'tcr 
'aking  from  on  bosnl  uf  her  iOOO  dollars  In  tiie- 
i'ie  iml  a  quantity  uf  bcavef  skips-   . 

Schooner  4uu,  with  an  a«iorted<Gargo.  by  do. 

Kuur  schooners  with  naval  storey  imm|  .ciiru,  by 
hr  Uolpbiii  and  JefiefHin. 

Brig  — .  b)  the_  t{u|phi'i. 

Sdioouer— — .  with  lumber  ami  naval  stores, 
hy  the  Lion. 

'Schooner——,  with  sugar  and  indigo,  by  the 
Vcfpu  of  Boston. 

^loop  — — .  with  fiigar,  hy  the  folly. 

iichuuner  FaiiHy.in  balla<t.  by  the  Dolphin. 

Two  tcbouners.  by  the  Uuclttkin  ut  baleiii. 

Bri^  Liiuprey,  with  rua,  by  the  V.  &.  frigate; 

Brig  — ,  a  transport  with  tv?  solditrt.  by  do. 
uiuoineU  lor  a  bill  uu  JLondoii  lur  uOUUdul- 
ttfi—tlie  vessel  iind  troops  were  disarmed,  the 
'iK'ii  and  officers  were  ideated  uu  an  '.  xcliaii;;u 
.'rct'ipt  and  swearing  nut  lo  sci-ve  until  iu  pru- 

iiioiu  nrrc  eomplitd  with 

iclMwiiir  Mary-Aiin.  with  mili'ary  stiiieg.  by 
*lio  Bu>:kikin.  On  board  uf  her  wai  Cut  Pear- 
.«!  a  Britiih  ofBvcr. 

Stii]>  Niaiy,  of  14  heavy  guns,  Iiaving  onboard 
i({uaiiiity  o:  arms  and  amiuuiiiUou,  captuivU by 
■.'.I'-  Utiiihiii. 

Scli'r— — ,  with provitiolls,  bj'}be  Fair  Trudtr. 

cliuouor  Diligent  with  n  piiies  ui  braiuly 
Will' Folly 

Two  ichouiieis  with  pruvis.oas,  by  the  Suow- 
iiitiloi  .')aiem 

iitkiti  — .  mounting  <*  heavy  gun*,  witli  a 
Hu^iiiity  of  inmll  arm>  amd  ammunttiun,  by  the 
liVbiiuecuttiT  Jai>i('»  Maili'.oii. 

Scliuouu  Jam. .  Ijy  Uu:  Dolphin 

Ship  .Vim  CSroeii.4'0  tnii,.  eight  12  pounders 

Slid  *  liihi;  ft  i— with  a  cargo  w'  rum,  etc.   by 

wfr  Uuuanier  uf  Uuttbu. 


Barque  St.  Andrews,  of  (  gun%  by  the  Bapii) 
of  Boston. 

Brig  Shamrock.  300  tons  A  guns  and  i6  mtm, 
by  the  revenue  cutter  Madison. 

dcliooner  Sally,  eapuued  by  the Teazcr  of 
New- York,  and  gi\-en  up  for  the  purpose  of  dis- 
posing of  prituners.     ^ 

achuoner  Nvlsou,  with  oil*  fun,  fish,  etc.  by 
the  Buekskiii. 

:ieliooner  -^—  >)y  the  Fame. 

hchooner  rhnte  llrathert,  by  the  Wily  Reyn- 
ard of  Boston. 

Barque  —^,  by  the  Catharine  of  Boston. 

Brig .  in  ballast,  by  tlie  Polly— ransomail 

after  lekiflguut  a  tew  bales  of  dry  goods 

'ihip  ili-iury.  400  tons,  10  guns. -with  sugatt 
oMwiiie  etc  by  tlie  Comet  ofBaltiiiMtre. 

SclHMner  Atttcil  with  an  aswrtetl  «argo.'  ^ 
the  Spencer  of  Philadelphia 

Schooner  Elixa.  by  the  Polly. 

Brig  Lady  Sherbrook.  i5«  tons,  4  sIk  pounders, 
with  lumber  and  fish,  by  the  Marengo  of  New- 

Yorit 

Brig  Eliaabeth  and  Ksther.with  fiish,  porkajJMl 
dry  gotids.  by  the  Ouv.^t'Keaii  ot  I'hsladelphia. 

■>hip  Boyd,  of  10  gdna,  with  cotton  logwofd 
and  coftin:.  capiuretl  by  the  Gtobr  of  Ilaltimoatk 
ai  ter  a  running  fight  of  an  hour  and  aihalf 

Brig  Uuiigi  r.  of  6  giins,  with  roifee  and  l«p 
wuotl— captured  by  the  Matilda  of  PhiUHelphk, 
alter  a  »liurt  engagement,  in  wlii«)|  the  .Qritiph 
captain  was  mortally  wounded. .  . 

Sdiooner  Polly,  by  the  >ViIy  Keyiiaid.    . 

A  ship  and  two  brills  tent  into  Wifeasset- 

SInop  Mary  Ann,  %|»itb  s<lt,  by  tha  Paul  Jonaa. 
.  .Ship  Hassan,  of.l4,  gtuis  ai>a  ao  inen,  with 
wines,  dry  goods  etcwoi'tbWW.iKMdolbU'*— eap> 
tURd  alter  an  huiur^  wm.bat,  yith  tiKiloM  other 
cuptaiii  killed  and  a  boy  wounded,  by  the  Paul 
JonesLthen  of  3  giias. .  The  gu^sof  the  Hassan 
were  transferred  to  the  privateer  and  t|M:  vessel 
mrieredfor  yavaiHiah- 

Brig  Harmony,  i50  tons.   *  gti  a.  with  dqr 
gou'hi.  eto.  by  the  Yankee  of  Bristol  H.  J. 
'  3rig  — — I  Capi!iiv4  Py  the  nankee.and  given 
Up  for  the  pu!riMMc,«kt  disposing  of  li^  prisua^rs. 

jhip  Bragai^,  ot  \*  gans,  400  tons,  ^tli 
oaiTee'anu  kigVoQ-,!  rMf  tured  by  th<i  I'om  ef 
Baltimore,  after  a  tunning  fight  of  sC  minutes. 

Brig  Peter  \VaM«  .w  Uh  British  maitulactttre*, 
by  thtt  Teazar,    .  ,        ,     , 

Schooner  Ann,  of  4  guna,  with  logwood  ami 
nahngjaiiy:,  by  the  Glo  e. 

Ship  Prince  Adolpbus,.  S  guns  and  S4  men. 
among  whqm  wei^i  the  governor,  ci^lfcwiri  ana 

Susi-niaster  of ..  liemanura,  by    tlw  U<tvaru«>r 
TKeaUr 

Ship .with  dry  goods,  glass  and  ironmon* 

gcry.  by  the 'I'eazer.  • 

Schooner  Harriet,  .with  8000  dollan  in  specie 
by  the  Hi);h  Vlyi-ref  Baltimore. 

Brig  Ccix's,  by  the  John  of  .salem 

Urig  — .  with  timber,  taken  by  a  ^alem  pri* 
rateer  recaptured  by  the  £uglish  aiu)  tahen^ 
a  i.yiin  privateer. 

Brig  William,  witli  coal,  butter  and  lundr^ 
by  the  Kosiie  of  Baltimore  , 

One  thip,  live  brigs  and  a  schooner,  all  M4** 
Willi  ^shand  timber,  burnt  by  tiie  Hossic. 

One  btig  and  a  scheoiier,  sent  into  NewIbuQ^' 
htiid  with  .Cjl  priioaers  on  parole  and  reesipit- 
for  exvhang.-. 

>cIiount:r  liidustry,by  the  Bei^iamia  Fnmklin 
of  Ne»-"ork.  , 

hjchuoiier  Perseverance,  by  tbii  Neusueli  o9 
Baltimore   u  ■,  ,  ., 

Shii^  Sir  simbn  Clark,  is  pufn,  $»  rneo,  wUb 
Migar.  ruro.«ojfr«M,  uU  by  theOWM>  -She  wfct 
guiianily  cariii;d,i>y  boarding  aitmabridt  .cisi|- 
rxinaile  uf  a'  lew  minutes  1  he  Bfit^h  ship  'lOd 
4.|i)iu  killed  and  the  captain  aud-i)  «tl)txs  s^ 
wn.Ijr  weuada^   lli*  seeandUM 


.<    .M'J 


i'\ 


11: 

I 

■I '.  • 
ff;.i. 

1.     , 

pi.' 

I- 

'1       - 
.1 

■■!    ;. 

W  ■■' 


,i    r 


m 


SKETCHS5  09 


Ii:t^! 


fbe  dnimmcr  were  ktllnl  aa-boavd  the  Globe, 
yhr  had  only  une  woiindtd. 

.  Uriit  'Oiiriunia  Pavket,  i  gum  nnti  It  mt'ii. 
«it!  rum  aiiil  dry  g<uodt  by  i\\v  Mar}'  Aim  of 
ClMrletloR. 

I  rig  \ineUa,  10  eiiiis  and  17  roen.  witli  «ino, 
ottiik;  MMjt  aiKi  oil.  by  die  Mary  Aiiu  oi  1  guu 
twl  80  mvn,- 

bchoonrr  .>tary  with  cotton,  by  the  AtaryAnn 

Schoouer  — —  C^'iiied)  after  a  siiurt  briiuli,  ta- 
ken by  the  iMHr]-  Mm  imil  burnt. 

itchoQiier  Union,  with  mm  b>  the  John. 

BriR  KKtabetb.  >00  tont.  4  gum  and  ti  men, 
hjr  the  John. 

riinw  brigf  with  lumber  lakin  by  tlic  Joliu 
•ad  i«lea!ic<l 

\  ichoMierand  a  aloop  with  lamtler,  by  the 
Orlando  of  Gtuutr iter 

11%  UcMftuI  Ulak<  (andrr  lipaniih  colnunV 
ignd  to  lutve  Brititti  i>ainirs,.  by  the  rvveniw 
rutter  Gallatin 

lliig by  the  Bunker  Hillol'  New- York. 

•   Brig  J«nici,  by  the  Bunker  Mill 

*■  Sbi|y  Apullu,  t'giinf  400  «(>n!u  by  tho    iilm>- 

Sliip  Koittt  Itoiiiay  o  guiw,  /On  tons— cap- 
kutci  l)y  the  tankee  aftt^ra  siunrt  action  oi  ^0 
jtiimitt's.  in  which  the  captain  the  two  .-nates 
nnti  twi)  Sfaiiii-n  oi  the  Rnyul  liounty  were 
.\irn*ii<dttl  ami  a  boy  killed— two  men  w«i« 
wouihU'iI  on  board  the  Vaiikee-  I'he  veuel  be- 
Shg^uld  wa»  «iettro>ed. 

Biig  Mary  by  the  ^nkee— released  to  dta^ 
pose  «M  her  arisbners 

>cli(ioiier  Venust  with  rtun,  sugar  and  fntits, 
5y  the  ''eaaer 

Ship  Osbwme.  le  eighteen  ponmlers,  and  aO 
Meh.  buvUen  mo  tooa- aaptwred  by  the  I'la- 
ier  al^er  a  wih;  fi);ht  in  which  no  ptinon  ou 
cMiefsidewaa  injimil. 

Brig  £iiza  witti  mm  and  sugar  by  the  Mar 
itngo 

Krig  Richard,  300  tons,  with  timber  by  the 
Itidmtry  of  Lynn. 

Brig  Nancy  mth  pnvisloM,  by  the  Fair 

Brig  —  with  iour  by  the  Bunker  •  lill. 

Schooner^—  by  the  Heandev  of  Pruviden^ 

Brif;  Leonidas  of  I4  gum  with  sugar,  r'dBt 
oolK-o  and  pimento,  by  the  luan  ol  .xoriblb. 

Schooner  Skylark  with  provisions^   by  the 
Ounka^r  Hill. 
<' J  Brig  Laily  Prenwt  by  tha  Marengo- 

BriK  Friends,  by  the  Benjamin  Fmiiklin. 
'  '  BrtgMar^-.bydiltOk 

Ship  J^nny  ot  t^  guns  and  tS  meu,  with  salV 
fty  the  la<nsie  of  BahimoM;. 

Ship  John  ot'  la  guns  and  30  men,  by  the  V. 
8.  sqiAUnia  under  Con .  Hodeers- 

Stliooiier •^—  iio  tons,  wiui  sugar  and  rtim, 
by  the  Teaaer. 

Ship  Grenada  of  11  guns  ami  .to  men,  TOO 
tons  burtlMVi,  with  sugar,  cotton  and  coffee,  by 
(he  Young  J^leof  Mew>York 

Scho.uner  Shwdock  (arnifil)  with  molasses  itt 
company  with  the  Gn^nada  The  ISagle  ear- 
tied  Mt  I  guu  ami  *t  men.  She  engaged  the 
Grenada  and  shaddock  at  the  same  Oine.  and 
iB  an  hour  ami  a  haU'  eapiured  them  botii 

Baiwic  Uiaoa  with  rum  and  augar.  by  the 
<Bigk  flyer. 

Brig  Hoebuck  with  rum.  by  the  Rosamond 
jjf  New-Yoifc. 

Ship  Gtierrierr  of  49  gims  and.303  inun,  by 
•be  uTs.  fiigi»teCoiistaiitiun    , 
•Bi*  taily^aiTKin.  bjrttitto.  ' 

111 <g  Abona, by  ditto  •*"■ 

■    naittne  HMffet, by  ditto.     "''-^    *  '      ' 

Brig  Dutchess  of  i'ori4au<|<  by  i|tc  siuatkou 
lOMlerCom  liodgen. 
-    Brig  Tiawnrr  with  siiaia,  by  ditto 
'  iirig  — ~<  with  10,000  dollars  in  specie,  by  do. 
'  "^ Brig  Henry  by  tlie  Yankee 

bhip  Hifnemm  ol  t^  guns  and  ii>'  mm  400 
Tttfu  ^wW'^ngalr,  ttohi»Ms,  cnmit,  ct<fl!(*  Md 
.'a««Tt— i:»r'^'Ji'Cd  I'y  tb  •  Co«i»t. 


Qrigl<azai4oragum,IS8  toovb^  the  £; 
^hiii— rcHiapturul  l)>   tlib  iBolui   I' ' 
taken  ag.>in  by  tlie  U  S  ship  Was; 


phin— rcHiapturul  l)>   tlib  iBolui   t>)gate   flF 

ken  ag.iin  by  tlie  U  S.  ship  Wasp. 

Sclioomr Fontbe anil  Ph4Uw»by tne •fuadis 
of  l*(irisinouih 

Brig  ilMtis.by  the  Nankce. 

Urii;  All'rul.  by  ditto 

Utig  A  metope,  by  liie  Dolpkin. 

Ship  Kilt) ,  by  the  Hottie. 

tH'liooner  apuiik  by  the  FairTmdrr. 

Schooner  Hrovidrtiee,  by  iIk;  Wily  Remri. 

Ship  Guayaiia  oi  A  gtms.  >00  tons,  with  iilt 
and  i-ratcs.  by  the     roraoof  Bottoii- 

Ji:ii  qHc  Duke  of  Savuy  of  t>  guns,  by  the  Dc 
catiir  u,  N  wliwryport 

Siiip  Pursuit  witi  sugar.  Iiy  the   Atlas 

hhip  F.\erKi«t-n,  by  tbi'  Dolphin. 

Brig  New  Liverpool  rt*  <  guns,  with  wiae  If 
th»-  Yuiikiv 

Ship.  Mary  Ann  of  U  guns  aiMl  i>  men  witk 
sugHr  by  tlu  High  Flyer  ' 

Ship  ElizaliLti.  ol  'O  gunt,  with  sugar.  cnlTw 
and  ginger— cai-tured  by  the  2sarah  .\tm  of  Bsl- 
timore  ttfter  a  iinart  action  in  which  4  mci 
Were  wounded  on  board  the  ship  and  vho  oi 
boani  the  privatter 

Scliouiiei  James,  by  the  Dolphin, 

Brig  t^rsuit,  liy  the  Rapid. 

Brig  I 'ay.  by  dhto 

Ship  Britannia  of  4  guns,  350  tons  by  tbc 
Thra!>litr. 

Brig  I  lowe  ofS  guns,  by  die  Dart  6f  I'ortlairf. 

Bi  g  Elizabeth,  its  tuns,  with  coal  and  stit. 
by  the  lleiatur 

Sliip  Jamaica  of  1  gtms  and  21  men,  30s  toc' 
with  sugar,  etc  liy  the  <  ligh  Flyer 

Brig  Alert  of  20  gMn.  by  the  Esmb  frigatt. 

Ship——  sent  intu  Cane  Ann 

Brig  King  George  with  salt,  by  the  Eius  ft» 
gatt- 

Ship-^— of  Ugons  and  5  men  450  torn 
with  sugar  and  rum,  by  the  Revenge. 

Brig '  'eean  of  7  guns  aati  30  men,  with  su{s- 
aiid  ram  bv  the  Saratoga  of  New>'York. 

Ship  Bstlier  of  i  i  gtms  and  35  men,  by  tlx 
Montgomery  of  Salem, 

SclKWUer  Venua  with  a  vahiable  cargo  fno 
the  West  Indies,  liy  the  'I'eaaer. 

Ship  Quebte  of  A  guns  and  n  men,  40o  toss 
whh  (ugHr.  etc  by  the  Saratoga 

Ship  UichmoMloC  ■4>guiis  and  35  men  beii^ 
nfllcer*.  100- tons,  with  West  India  produce,  b; 
the  'rfemmas  '^ 

SMp  Adonis' of  3  guns  and  85  meD.byik 
Houifeomery. 

SiiLii  nilinouth  oC  4  gun*  and  30  raen,  bf  j 
tile  'Vnomas  | 

Bi<e  I'wu  Friends,  by  the  Benj.  Fnuklin. 

Brif;  WiHiam,  by  the  Hossie, 

Snow  Z^Weuds  oi'A  guns,  290  toiu,  widiliB 
Ber,  etc.  by  Uic  Dart 

Schooner  1  rial,  by  the  Leander 

Schooner  Jiihn  ami  George,  by  the  Regultt*- 

Ship  —  with  rum,  by  the  Poor  aaikr  <>  | 
Charleston. 

Brig  —  witli-rara,  by  the  Dart. 

Schooner  Mary  Ann  with  rum  and  coffee,  t| 
the  Ulack-joke  of  Ae«'-York 

Prig  >aiinali  with  rare  and  flruit,  bj  tkt  | 
MuniKomery 

Sihouucr  Mary  with  specie  by  ditto. 

Brig i>y  Uii  Darv 

Brig  '  orooiia  of  t  giuit—«aptun:d  by  the  Dr- 
eatur  und  sent  4o  Halifax  as  a  cartel  widi  pi 
sniiers 

Brig  D*  vonshire    with  fish,  by  do, 

Urig  Coiicunl,  by  do.  l 

Riig  Hope  by  do.  and  sent  to  Halifax  viii  | 
ynionert 

behuouer  Minorca  by  the  Wa^p  of  Baltimoi^'  I 

Barque  >»  illiaiu  and  Charlotte  by  the  Bt 
catur 

S!itp  .Mariana  600  tons,  wiiii  kUgar  etc  rosw  I 
destrteil  itt  seu  and  towed  iuta  Norfolk  iiy  '^  \ 
OoTt^rO'jr  M'Kean. 


\^ 


•asu  wAft. 


I«7 


Dd  IS  men  witk 


ari»._«r(th  ialt,br  the  Trnzer. 

Brjv  —.  captnml  bv  a  wlialt  boat  privMefr. 
The  veiti  I  u*  ^"V  ^'**  oniught  into  port  on  the 
Jffk  of  the  prixe. 

Brig  lialiella.  *0f  tens  with  crockery  ware^ 
i4ni,t'ie  by  the  Teller 

Ship  .-~  with  timber,  tqr  the  Decatur. 

Bri»;  Diana  bythe  Dart. 

rhne  ^(^ilelt  D)  the  Oolpbin 

Ship  John  uF  1 4  gvna  and  a  men,  400  tont, 
with  cotton  lugar,  rani,  etc  by  the  Cunitt 

Mo  Cnmmeroa  oi  14  gunt,  tVera  *  lo  500 
tonv  with  Mgar  rum,  eta  by  tin-  Decatur  Thu 
(Mutai.i  ami  ttveral  ol*  the  ciew  were  Ulicd  by 
the  fine  bniudiide  fhun  the  privateer 

B>ic  lailustry  oi  lO  khbi,  with  iui>ar  cottaii 
and  euffce.  by  the  Coin<>t. 

Privaueer  ichooncr  France*  of  4  guni  and  30 
nen.  by  the  Ddphin 

PrivatMr  •—  by  the  Rapid 

Bri;  <  '<r  Abbry  with  flth.  by  the  Thraiher. 

BriK  Muy  with  timber  by  the  Benj  Franklin. 

Ahip  PriiKCM  Amelia  of  6  guu«and  JO  men—* 
with  <h« mail  and  patiengtn ;  captured  after  a 
rery  obttinate  and  nUant  defence  by  the  .tot- 
IK  the  captain  of  the  packet  and  one  man 
wen-  killed  and  7  woundea  On  buaid  tUe  Roi- 
lie  ilii:  fint  officer  and  7  mun  wi^re  wounded — 
The  paMcngura  in  the  packet  <peak  in  the  most 
hv4ioiiie  tetau  of  the  polite  t»atin«  nt  they  re- 
«eiial  from  Com.  Barney 

Sohooner  — ~  with  tttgar  snd  flour,  liy  the 
Teazer 

Brig  CoiKord  wjih  wine,  by  tlie  Maivngo. 

Brig  Orient  witn  tiiitber,  by  the  Teaser. 

Sciiuoner  Jenny  with  rum  aiul  sugar  by  the 
Teaser. 

buhooner  Adela  with  sugart,  by  the  Roifr 


Brig  PointpShatei  with  fish,  by  the  letter  of 
maraue  schooner  BaliiaMxeof  Baltimore 

Brig  San  AntuNiio  (under  Spanish  cokiuri)lqr 
tke  Marengo 

arig  Deuroit  (formerly  the  Adams  surrendered 
b;  (.ieneral  Hull)  of  18  gun*  by  two  boau  fmm 
fluffahte. 

ScJHiMiir  Caledonia  with  fur*,  by  do. 

Schoow:!  Single-Cap,  by  tlie  MatiMa  of  PhS- 
iulflphia. 

Scbooner  Fame  wHh  dry  gbods  and  oil,  by  the 
Nonsuch. 

bhip  fhcenir  of  12  gun*  and  17  men,  wtth 
Fayat  wine,  by  tlie  Mary  Ann- 
Brig  Favoiite  of  3  gum,  zli  tons,  by  the  la- 
(iuitry. 

Brig  Sir  John  Moore,  177  tons  by  do 

JBrii;  Lord  Sheffield,  by  the  Marengo. 

bchoouer  Betsey  Ann  with  sugar— ciyiMired 
iaiiglitor  tlalifaK  harbour  by  the  Fame- 
Brig  MTilliam  and  Charlotte,  by  the  Montge- 
nery 

Brig  Henry  with  crates,  salt  and  coal,  by  the 
.Tohn 

Schixmer  Four  Brotiierv  by  the  Fame. 

Scbooner  Four  Sons  with  fish  and  t^rs,  by  the 
Fame 

Two  scbooncrs-^Hte  in  ballast,  the  otlier  with 
lire  stock,  by  the  Dart. 

Schooner  Antelope.  I >y  the  Rosamond. 

beliooner  Uawson  witli  sugar,  ruiu  andcolTee, 
by  the  Wasp 

Brig  Diamond  ot  13  guns.  HO  ton*,  with  cot- 
tm  and  logwood,  and  S.aoo  dollars  in  gold,  1^ 
the  Alfred  «>       -» 

Brig  George,  370  tons,  with  sugar  and  cotton, 
by  ditto. 

Brig  Neptune,  by  the  John. 

Ship  Jane,  by  ditto. 

Schooner  ——  with  timber,  by  the  Saucy  Jack 
«f  Charlestonx'givcn  up  to  release  tlie  prisoners 
the  had  made 

Sloop  Louisa  Ann  with  molasses— captured  by 
iboatiVomthe  Benjamin  Franklin  with  7  :nen, 
in  I'rinitv  harbour.  Martini<iu«,  under  a  battery 
«<  U  eii^tecn  poundttn. 


bhiop  VcnU',  by  the  Two  Bnthen  of  New- 
Orleans 

lirig  Jane  aiMl  Cliarlotte  with  salt,  dry  good*) 
etc.  by  the  Amen.'a. 

Orig  t>anei«  with  biilkicks,  by  the  Nonsuch. 

Government  brig  and  |>aeket  Swaltow  ut°  14 
gun*  and  JO  men— i-Kptnred  after  a  chase  of  8 
liotin  b)  thr  sqiiailreii  uml<;r  Commodore  Hod- 
geri,  llie  swallow  had  un  board  the  mail  and 
200,  00  dollars  in  specie,  which  last  was  tnfns* 
lerred  to  tlie  lYesidcnt  irigate. 

Brig  Porgie  witli  blackstrap,  by  the  tli^ 
Flyn- 

iHu\>  V|.|1  of  10u;uim(9  pouriden)and  i->  men, 
vAih  timber— cap* UKd  by  the  John  aadCieurge 
of  Suleiii  alter  a  smart  action  Hie  John  aiw 
Grur*;,-  carried  Imt  3  guns  and  81  men  incluA* 
ingoflicirs. 

>cliuoiH.r  •>—  with  oil,  seal  skins,  etc.  by  tkt 
Fame 

hcbuoner  Robin,  by  the  Revenge 

Schooner  Fame  with  dry  goods,  by  the  Nos- 
such 

SclKxmer  Sally,  by  tlie  Black  Joke  o>  Neif- 
York  and  George 'Wathiagtan  of  Norfolk- 
Sloop  by  the  Saucy  Jack. 

firig  .lohn  ol  lO  Kuni,  with  coffee  and  eocofti 
Jiy  tlie  Briijaniin  Franklin. 

Schooner  ( hree  Sisters.  130  tons,  with  pbistec, 
•by  the  Fame. 

Schooner  Cosnet.  8  g^uns  and  jnaall  arms.  With 
sugar,  bees-wwt.  tobacco  and  diy  goods,  by  tt* 
HapM 

Schooner  Searcher  of  1  gun  and  30  oen.  bg^ 
the  Rapid 

Schouiiqr  Mary,  by  ditto— ransomed,  not  har'- 
ing  men  to  spare  to  semi  her  home 

Scliooner  Mary  Hall,  by  the  squadron  undec 
Captain  Chauncty  on  lake  Ontario. 

iiloop  Elizabeth,  by  ditto.  On  boasd  this  vei- 
st'l  was  Captain  Brock  (brother  of  the  bte  Gca> 
BtnclOof  the  tvth  British  regiment. 

Schooner  —  by  ditto 

Brig  Union  oi'  0  guns,  by  the  Geoend  Aob- 
■strong  of  New- York. 

ScJiooner  Ne^une  with  fish,  salt  and  oil,  by 
the  Revenge. 

Barque  Fisher  with  a  very  valuable  eafgo  and 
specie  by  the  Fox 

Brig  James  Biay  with  rum  and  pimento,  by 
the  Bunker  Hill 

Brig  Union,  by  the  General  Armstrong. 

Brig  Lady  Harriot  with  wine*  by  the  Oidtf* 
in  Council  of  New- York. 

Three  vessels,  bjr  ditto— ransomed. 

Brig  Freedom  with  salt,  by  tlie  Thorn. 

bchooner  \inetiea  with  salt,  by  the  Fame,  In- 
dustry and  Dromo. 

Brig  —  By  the  .Fael  Baclow. 

Schoom  r  .lohn  Bull,  a  lung's  packet,  chasci 
on  shore  by  the  Raver. 

Ship  Argo,  carrying  10  guns,  <  swivel*,  a  Urge 
number  ol  small  arms  and  30  men,  nitli  oil  anf 
whale-bone,  l|y  the  United  States'  frigates  Pre- 
sident and  Congress. 

Frigate  Macetionian,  40  guns  and  309  men,  19 
the  fngate  t  nited  States- 
Ship  .'ohn  I  iamilton,  550  tuns  1  i  gans  and  30 
men.  with  raahogauy— captnreii  by  the  Dolphin 
after  a  smart  action,  but  witliout  tbe  loss  of 
lives  on  either  side,  though  several  were  womf- 
dud 

Brig  —  with  cotton,  by  the  United  Sutes' 
•brig  Agus 

Schooner  Loreen  with  sugar  and  coffse.  by  the 
Reveille 

Brig  Bacchus  by  ditto 

Ilrig  Venus  of  10  guns,  with  cotton  and  fustic 
by  ilie  Polly. 

Nine  vessels,  rink,  burnt  and  destroyed  by  the 
I'atriiit  o;  New-Vork 

i'acket  ruwntend  heavily  araesl— captured 
hy  the  I'om  m'  Baltimore  alter  a  severe  engage- 
ment, in  which  the  cuptain  ol'  the  I'on'ntctti 
.itid  f'Hir  vV  his   men  nrx  |;3'i^  aiH   «"rfi« 


^1^ 


■:  ,f; 


i>!i'. 


'■^  .M 


'If 

\\\; 

.^i:  > 


149 


SKUTGHK8  Of 


J  •;')(' 


WAundid.  The  Tom  wm  Imt  lltU«  iiiiarcd  and 
had  only  two  mm  wnniiileil  The  mail  wai 
thrown  orerboard.  but  rrcovered  by  tiie  Bona 
and  brought  to  BahiniorL* 

Brig  Burvhall.  a  p.icket  with  an  Bn|>li«heon> 
rniunirjr  and  his  lady  on  board  -raptured  by  the 
High  Klyer.  The  Hig;h  Flyer  had  captured  a 
number  of  droggen  plying  brtween  tfi  •  iilandt 
-^he  releaied  one  of  them  with  the  cummiNary 
and  ts  prifonert  and  lent  her  a*  a  flac  o4'  truce 
into  l)rmar:ira  Governor  Carmicheefrt-tiiriiHl 
ft  complimentary  letter  to  hur  captain  tiir  hii 
kind  treatmi  nt  of  them 
Brig  Criterion  lent  into  New- York. 
Schooner  Neptune,  by  the  Revenge— given 
lip  to  release  her  prisoners,  after  the  proper  lbr> 
malities. 

bchdoner  Neptune,  with  salt,  oil  and  fi«h,  by 
the  Kt'veiige. 

Schooner  —driven  ashore  and  burnt  by  the 
Revenge- 
Brig  Faney,  by  the  Jo<'l  Darlow. 
Ship  Nt  lly  and  Pamela,  by  the  Revenue. 
Brig  Devonshire  with  oodnsh,  by  th«  Deca- 
tur. 
Schooner  —  bv  the  Retaliation- 
Schooner  or  »*  guns  and  full  or  men,  af- 
ter an  engagement  of  35  minutes,  driven  on 
shore  at  the  mouth  of  the  Demarara  river,  by 
the  Central  Armstrong- 
Brig  Two  Brothen,  by  the  Bei^amin  Frank- 
lin. 
Brig  Active.  10  guns,  by  the  High  FIjji" 
Brig '—  by  a  letter  of  marque  nvm  Portland 
for  Franci; 

Brig  fomona.  8  guni  by  the  letter  of  marque 
Leo 

Ship  Bettey.  with  a  (quantity  of  specie,  by  the 
Revenge 

Brig  Dart  8  gum.  with  rum,  cotton  and  ttf 
cpa,  by  the  America 

Ship  Queen  of  iQ  guns  and  40  men,  with  a 
cargo  iiivoiced  at  from  70  to  '00,0'iO  pounds 
atcAng— captured  by  the  General  Armitroiig, 
but  ttiuortunati'Iy  wrecked  off  Nantucket  She 
was  perluip*  the  most  valuable  prix<'  yet  made* 
This  ship  was  hravelv  dei'endi  d  th<;  caiitain,  his 
first  officer  and  -'  of  his  crew  being  killed  belbre 
she  was  surrendered,  llie  General  Armstrong 
was  not  much  injured  by  the  contest. 

Brig  James  ai|d  Charkitte,  with  cosl.  dry 
goo4s,  etc  by  the  America- 
Schooner —•—  10  guns  and  10  men,  with  dry 
goods,  etc-  by  tlir  Liberty  of  Baltimore 

Brig  Recovery  with  fish,  staves,  etc  by  the  U. 
S.  brig  Argus 

Brig  Lucy  and  Alida  with  dry  goods,  by  the 
Revenge. 

Three  vessels  captured  and  destroyed  by  the 
Jack's  Favorite  ot  New*York 
Schooner  Swift,  by  the  Roliaof  Baltimore. 
Shwp  Reasonable.  chaKd  on  shore  and  dik> 
nroy«d  by  the  Uberty. 


Schooner  Maria,  by   the  LiberJ)-»-miil  rjj, 
somrd 
ScliooncrCatharina.3  guns  and  it  men,  wit), 

Srovisioiis  and  ilry  i;oo<1s  by  the  Ea^le  and  1^- 
y  Madison  of  Charleston. 

Schocner  Mai'ia  with  dry  goods— capturttl  br 
ditto  and  releascil  to  discharge  their  ptiMtntii 
after  reinuving  Iter  cargo 

Ship  Rio  Nuuva.  l>  gun*  and  35  rorn.  with 
drv  Roods  by  the  Rolhi- 

Scliooncr  Itelwcca  with  sugar  and  molasK;, 
by  the  Jack's  Favoriltf. 

Ship  Hope  of  VI  guns.  400  tons,  with  rum, 
sugar  and  cotton,  by  the  Anieriea- 

sliip  Rni|ih  with  timber,  by  ditto. 

Brig  Euphemia  10  guns  with  eofTee  by  diibi, 

A  brig  and  a.srho<>iu-r,  by  the  Decatur 

Schooner  Meadow  raptured  by  the  bpnrrow 
of  Baltimore— releitsvd  altir  divesting  lii;r  uf  t 
quantity  of  dry  gooils. 

iihip  Mar>'  uf  14  guns,  with  hard  ware,  by  the 
Bolla- 

Schooncr  Erin  with  dry  goods,  by  the  Eagle 
of  CharleMon 

The  British  king's  packet  Townsend.  0  pmn 
and  28  men.  besidts  several  assisting  pa^wiiiri-n, 
taken  by  the  Toiii  after  a  hani  liglit  in  wliich 
7  or  8  were  kllhd  and  woiintled  on  board  the 
paaket— none  hurt  in  the  Tom  The  Town- 
send  being  torn  almost  to  pieces,  wa<  mnioinnl 
for  900  pounds  sterling.  The  captain  uiihe 
packet  made  very  honorable  mention  oi  the 
conduct  of  Captain  'tt'ilson  and  the  ct«  w  i>f  the 
Tom,  as  w»  II  diiriiiK  the  light  as  for  their  gru- 
tlemanfy  behaviour  after  it  was  endtd 

The  British  king's  packet  Norton,  with  7O,0QD 
dollars  in  s|iecie  oi<  huani,  captured  by  the  V.  S. 
iHgatc  \'tw:\  The  packet  has  been  letakin 
ami  sent  ta  Bermuda— out  the  cash  was  put  oo 
board  the  Esses. 

Brig  Barossa.  six  guns,  with  an  assorted  cargo 
by  the  Rolla. 

Brig  Recovery,  by  the  United  Sutes'  brig  Ai- 
gus. 

Schooner  Mary,  with  an  assortrtl  cargn,  by 
the  Eagle. 

Biig  r'eggr.  taken  from  under  the  convoy  o| 
two  British  sloops  ol  war,  by  the  Hunter  of  Boi 
ton- 
Ship  Arabella,  of  >00  tons.  8  guns,  with  coil, 
K'  tntation  utensils,  etc  by  the  Growler  of  New 
ndon. 

Brig  Andalusia,  of  StO  tons  10  guns,  captnr- 
cd  on  the  coast  ot  Africa  by  the  Yankee  'I'hr 
brig  luul  "-O  slaves  on  board,  who  were  relandrd 
on  that  coast. 

A  schooner  and  a  sloop,  taken  on  the  roast  cf 
Africa  by  the  Yiinkce  and  released  after  diipoi- 
sessiiig  tliem  pf  four  hundred  and  fifty-two  oim. 
ces  or  gold  dusu 

The  frigate  Java  of  4ii  jnuis  taken  by  tk»' 
United  States'  flrigate  CooMitutioa. 


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i,  by  the  Eagle 


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CIJAFTER  Xll. 


149 

-  i  1  .;> 


official  despatches Observations  on  Halt's  capturc....Organ' 

ization  of  the  new  army.. ..Relief  of  fort  lVayne.,..Gen.Payne*s 

expedition Col.  Wells''  Pxpedition....Col.  CamphelVs  expedi- 

iion,„.Defeat  of  Gen.  Winchester. 

Before  we  proceed  to  detail  the  events  of  the  campaign  of 
1813,  it  will  be  expected  that  we  notice  such  correspondence  be- 
tween the  Annerican  and  British  governments  as  may  have  varied 
the  original  ground  upon  which  the  war  had  been  declared  :  we 
therefore  subjoin  an  abstract^  containing  only  such  facts  es  ar1e> 
deemed  important,  ,s  ,   , 

Official  despatches,...Mr.  Monroe,  secretary  of  state,  iistructcd 
Mr.  Russell,  our  charge  des  affairs  at  the  court  of  St.  James,  by 
letter  of  the  26th  June,  1812,  that  the  war  had  been  resorted  to 
from  necessity,  and  of  course  with  reluctance  ;  that  the  Ameri- 
can government  looked  forward  to  the  restoration  of  peace  with 
much  interest,  and  a  sincere  desire  to  promote  it,  on  conditions 
just,  equal,  and  honourable  to  both  parties :  that  it  was  in  the  pow- 
er of  Great  Britain  to  terminate  the  war  on  such  conditions,  and 
that  it  would  be  very  satisfactory  to  the  President  of  the  United 
Statett,  to  meet  it  in  an  arrangement  to  that  effect. 

That  there  were  many  just  and  weighty  causes  of  complaint 
against  Great  Britain  :  that  the  orders  in  council,  and  other  block- 
ades, illegal  according  to  the  principle  of  the  law  of  nations,  were 
however  considered  of  the  highest  importance  ;  and  that  therefore 
Mr.  Russell  was  authorized,  if  the  orders  in  council  were  repeal- 
ed, and  no  illegal  blockades  substituted,  and  orders  given  to  dis- 
continue the  impressment  of  seamen  from  our  vessels,  and  to  re- 
store those  already  impressed,  to  stipulate  an  armistice,  to  com- , 
mence  from  the  signature  of  the  instrument  providing  for  it,  or 
at  the  end  of  fifty  or  sixty  days,  or  otherwise  the  shortest  term  that 
the  British  government  would  assent  to. 

As  an  inducement  to  the  British  government  to  discontinue  the 
practice  of  impressment,  he  was  further  instructed  togive  assurances  , 
that  a  law  would  be  passed,  (to  be  reciprocal)  to  prohibit  the  em- 
ployment of  British  seamen  in  the  public  or  commercial  service  of 
the  United  States. 

That  indemnity  for  injuries  received  under  the  orders  in  council 
and  other  edicts  violating  our  rights,  seemed  incident  to  their  re- 
peal ;  but  that  the  president  was  willing  that  the  consideration  of 
that  claim  should  not  be  pressed  at  that  time,  so  as  to  interfere  . 
'^vith  the  preliminary  arrangement  alluded  to. 


■  =^:H 


;■■■;■•  'i 


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11 

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i«uK 

ii 


I5i) 


SKETCHES  or 


! 


0;f 


'I.: 


On  the  27th  of  the  same  m'^*  '.\  Mr.  Monroe,  after  repeatin| 
the  substance  of  his'first  letter,  further  instructed  Mr.  Ilussell,  that 
by  authorising  him  to  secure  these  objects  as  the  ^lounds  of  an  ar- 
mistice, it  was  not  intended  to  restrict  him  to  any  precise  form  io 
which  it  should  be  done,  ft  was  not  particularly  necessary  that 
the  several  points  should  be  specially  provided  for  in  the  conven- 
tion  stipulating  the  armistice.  A  clear  and  distinct  understanding 
with  the  British  government  on  the  subject  of  impressment,  con)> 
prising  in  it  the  discharge  of  men  already  impressed,  and  on  future 
blockades, if  the  orders  in  council  were  revoked,  was  all  that  was  in> 
dispensable.  The  orders  in  council  being  revoked,  and  the  proposed 
understanding  on  the  other  points,  that  is,  on  blockades  and  im* 
pressment  being  first  obtained,  in  a  manner,  though  informal,  to 
admit  of  no  mistake  or  disagreement  thereafter,  the  instrunneirt 
providing  for  the  armistice  might  assume  a  general  form, especial- 
ly if  more  agreeable  to  the  British  government.  It  might  for  ex- 
ample be  said  in  general  terms,  "  that  both  powers  being  sincere, 
ly  desirous  to  terminate  the  difTf^rences  which  unhappily  subsist 
between  them,  and  equally  so,  that  full  time  should  be  given  for 
the  adjustment  thereof,  agree, 

**  1st.  That  an  armistice  shall  take  place  for  tint  purpose,  to 
commence  on  the  —  ■■■  day  of  — — . 

**  2d.  That  they  will  forthwith  appoint  oo  each  side  commit- 
sioners  with  full  power  to  form  a  treaty,  which  shall  provide,  Ly 
reciprocal  arrangements,  for  the  security  of  their  seamen  from  be. 
ing  taken  or  employed  in  the  service  of  the  other  power,  for  the 
regulation  of  their  commerce^  aad  all  other  interesting  questiont 
now  depending  between  them. 

*'  3d.  The  armistice  shall  not  cease  without  a  previous  notice 
by  one  to  the  other  party  of  ■  days,  and  shall  not  be  under* 
stood  as  having  other  effect  than  merely  to  suspend  military  oper- 
ations by  land  and  by  sea.'* 

By  this  he  would  perceive  that  the  president  was  desirous  of 
temoving  every  obstacle  to  an  accommodation  which  consisted 
nerely  of  form,  securing  in  a  safe  and  satisfactory  manner  the 
vights  and  interests  of  the  United  States  in  these  two  great  and 
essential  circumstances,  as  it  was  presumed  might  be  accomplished 
by  the  proposed  understanding  ;  he  was  willing  that  it  should  be 
done  in  a  manner  the  most  satisfactory  and  honourable  to  Great  Bri 
tain,  as  well  as  to  the  United  States. 

On  the  28th  of  the  same  June,  Lord  Castlereagh,.  the  British 
secretary  of  state,  transmitted  to  Mr.  Russell  in  London,  an  order 
in  council  issued  on  that  day,4br  the  repeal  of  the  orders  in  coun- 
cil so  far  as  they  related  to  American  vessels. 

On  the  24th  of  Aug.  1812,  Mr.  Russell  proposed  an  armistice 
between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain,  in  a  letter  to  Imi 


♦=4i';.«fc    •'iltH'V^J^  h 


.»  »-, 


%HL  WAIU 


'  w 


Caitlereagb,  upon  the  terms  authorized  by  his  foregoing  instruc-. 

tioiw.  • 

Lord  Cftstlereagh,  in  bis  answer  bearing  date  the  29th  August, 
^formed  Mr.  Russell  that  the  prince  regent  felt  himself  under 
the  necessity  of  declining  to  accede  to  the  propositions  contained 
in  his  letter  of  the  24th  as  being  on  various  grounds  absolute* 
]y  inadmissible.  There  seemed,  from  the  purport  of  the  letter,  to 
be  an  exception  to  the  powers  of  Mr.  Russell  to  negociate.  He 
therefore  declined  discussing  the  piopositions  brought  forward  by 
bim.  Upon  the  proposition,  however,  relating  to  impressment,  he 
remarked,  that  he  was  surprised  that  the  government  of  the  United 
States  should  have  thought  fit  to  demand  that  the  British  govern- 
meut  should  desist  from  its  ancient  and  accustomed  practice  ot 
impressing  British  seaman  from  the  merchant  ships  of  a  (breign 
state,  as  a  condition  preliminary  even  to  a  suspension  of  hostili- 
ties, simply  on  the  assurance  that  a  law  should  thereafter  be  passed 
to  prohibit  the  employment  of  British  seamen  in  the  public  or  com- 
mercial service  of  the  United  Sfates.  And  he  further  remarked, 
that  the  British  government  was  ready,  as  before,  to  receive 
from  the  United  States,  and  amicably  discuss  any  propositions 
which  professed  tO'  have  in  view,  either  to  cheek  abuse  in  the  exer- 
cise of  the  practice  of  impressment,  or  to  accomplish,  by  means 
lera  liable  to  revocation,  the  object  for  which  impressment  had 
heretofore  been  found  neceessary.  Z*^  ^^t  x 

Several  letters  afterwards  passed,  not  materially  varying  the 
propositions  heretofore  passed  between  the  governments,  whicd 
ire  here  omitted. 

The  following  letters  discuss  the  subject  more  fully,  and  are  in- 
serted at  length.  '»"?  ^:'*3^^"'f  ^r» 

CORRESPONDENCE  BETWEEN    SIR    J.  B.    WARREN    AND    THK 

SECRETARY  OF  STATE. 

HHilifaXf  Nova  Scotia,  Nov.  30.  ' 
SlR.....The  departure  of  Mr.  Foster  from  America  has  devolv' 
ed  upon  rae  the  charge  of  making  known  to  you,  for  the  infor- 
mation of  the  government  of  the  United  States,  the  sentiments 
entertained  by  his  royal  highness  the  prince  regent,  upon  the  eX" 
nting  relations  of  the  two  countries.  '■'- 

Tott  will  observe,  from  the  enclosed  copy  of  an  order  in  coun- 
cil, bearing  date  the  2dd  of  June,  1812,  that  the  orderain  coun- 
cil of  the  7th  of  January,  ld07,  and  the  25th  of  April,  1800,  ceas- 
ed to  exist  nearly  at  the  same  time  that  the  government  of  th^ 
United  States  declared  war  against  his  majesty. 

Immediately  ott  the  receipt  of  this  declaration  in  London,  the 
order  in  council,  of  which  a  copy  is  herewith  enclosed  to  you> 
was  issued  on  the  31st  day  of  Julyj  for  the  embargo  and  deten- 
tion of  all  American  ships. 


■V  >;' 


jl, 


i  ■  ■ 

h  -  ■ 


ri 


OL', 


15U 


SKETCUHS  OP 


Undtr  these  circunistancef,  I  am  commanded  to  propose  lo 
your  government  the  immediate  cessation  of  hoiiilitiei  between 
the  two  countries,  and  1  shall  be  most  happy  to  be  the  instrument 
of  bringing  about  a  reconcihation^  so  interesting  and  beneficial  to 
America  Hnd  Great  Britain. 

I  therefore  propose  to  you,  that  the  government  of  the  United 
States  of  America  shall  instantly  recall  their  letters  of  marque 
and  reprisal  against  British  ships,  together  with  all  orders  and  in- 
structiuna  for  any  acts  of  hostility  whatever  against  the  territory 
of  his  majei^ty,  or  the  persons  or  property  of  his  subjects  ;  with 
the  understanding,  that  immediately  on  my  receiving  from  you 
an  official  assurance  to  that  effect,  1  shall  instruct  all  the  officers 
under  my  command  to  desist  from  corresponding  measures  of  war, 
against  the  ships  and  property  of  the  United  States,  and  thatl 
shall  transmit,  without  delay,  corresponding  intelligence  to  the 
several  parts  of  the  world  where  hostilities  may  have  com- 
menced. The  British  commanders  in  which  will  be  required  to 
discontinue  hostilities  from  the  ifceipt  of  such  notice. 

Should  the  American  government  accede  to  the  above  proposal 
for  terminating  hostilities,  lam  authorized  to  arrange  with  youai 
to  the  revocation  of  the  laws  which  interdict  the  commerce  and 
ships  of  war  of  Great  Britain  from  the  h^irbours  and  waters  of  the 
United  States  ;  in  the  default  of  which  revocation,  within  such 
reasonable  period  as  may  be  agreed  upon,  you  wyirobserve  by  the 
order  of  the  23d  June,  the  orders  in  council  of  January,  1807, 
and  April,  1809,  are  to  be  revived.  ,■  .^^ 

The  officer  who  conveys  this  letter  to  the  American,  coast  hat 
received  my  orders  to  put  to  sea  immediately  upon  the  .delivering 
of  the  despatch  to  the  competent  authority;  and  I  earnestly  re- 
commend that  no  time  be  lost  in  communicating  to  me  the  deci- 
sion of  your  government,  persuaded  as  I  feel  that  it  cannot  but  be 
of  a  nature  to  lead  to  a  speedy  termination  of  the  present  differ- 
ences. 

tit  The  flag  of  truce  which  you  may  ^charge  with  your  reply  will 
find  one  of  my  cruizers  at  Sandy  Hook,  ten  days  after  the  land- 
ing of  this  despatch,  which  1  have  directed  to  call  there  with  a 
flag  of  truce  for  that  purpose.  ,,, 

1  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  the  highest  consideration,  tir* 
yK>ur  most  obedient  and  most  faithful  humble  servant^ 

JOHN  BORLASE  WARREN, 
Admiral  of  the  Blue,  and  commander  in  chief,  &c.  &c.  &0i 

MR.  MONROE  TO  SIR  J.  B.  WARREN.      .#,*P  ^   . >/; 

m  i\  Department  of  State,  Oct.  27,  1812. 

Sir I  have  had  the  honour  to  receive  your  letter  of  the  30th 

ult.  and  to  submit  it  to  the  consideration  of  the  president. 

It  appears  that  you  are  authorized  to  propose  a  cessation  of  hoir 
tilitrcs  between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain,  on  the  grouni 


TWF.  WAR. 


153 


of  the  repeal  of  the  orders  in  council,  and  in  case  the  proposition 
it  Mccedfd  to,  to  take  measures  in  concert  with  this  government^ 
to  carry  it  into  complete  effi  ct  on  both  sides. 

Vou  state,  also,  that  you  have  it  in  charge,  in  that  event,  to 
enter  into  an  arran/jrcment  with  the  government  of  the  United 
StHteJ>  for  the  repeal  of  the  laws  which  interdict  the  shipx  of  ^ar 
and  the  commerce  of  Great  Britain  from  the  harbours  and  waters 
of  the  United  States.  And  yon  intimate  that  if  the  proposition  it 
not  acceded  to,  the  orders  in  roi.ncil  (repealed  conditionally  by 
that  of  the  23d  of  Juuelast)  will  be  revived  against  the  commerce 
of  the  U.  States. 

I  am  instructed  to  inform  you  that  it  will  be  very  satisfactory 
to  the  president  to  meet  the  British  governmint  in  such  arrange- 
miDtii  as  may  terminate,  without  d'.'lay,  the  hostilities  which  now 
exK^t  between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain,  on  conditions 
honourable  to  both  nations. 

At  the  moment  of  the  declaration  of  war,  the  president  gave  a 
signal  proof  of  the  attachment  nf  the  United  States  to  peace.  In- 
strtictions  were  given  at  that  early  period  to  the  late  charge  des 
afTiirs  of  the  United  States  at  London,  to  propose  to  the  British 
government  an  armistice  on  conditions  which  it  was  presumed 
w'luld  have  been  satisfactory.  It  has  been  seen  with  regret  that 
the  propositions  made  by  Mr.  Monroe,  particularly  in  regard  to 
the  important  interest  of  impressment,  was  rejected,  and  that 
jtone  was  offered  through  that  channel,  as  a  basis  on  which  hcfS- 
tilities  mi^ht  cvase.  " 

As  your  government  has  authorised  you  to  propose  a  cessation 
of  hostilities,  and  is  doubtless  aware  of  the  important  and  salutary 
eflfect  which  a  statii^factory  adjustment  of  this  difference  cannot 
fail  to  have  on  the  future  relations  between  the  two  countries,  I 
ini'ulge  the  hope  that  it  has,  ere  this,  given  you  full  power  for  the 
purpose.  Experience  haf  sufficiently  evinced,  that  no  peace  can 
be  durable  unless  this  object  is  provided  for.  It  is  presumed, 
therefore,  that  it  is  equally  the  interest  of  both  countries,  to  adjust 
it  at  this  time. 

Without  further  discussing  questions  of  tight,  the  President  is 
desirous  to  provide  a  remedy  for  the  evils  complained  of  on  both 
sides.  The  claim  of  the  British  government  is  to  take  from  the 
merchant  vessels  of  other  countries,  British  subjects.  In  the  prac- 
tice, the  commanders  of  British  ships  of  war  often  take  from  the 
merchant  vessels  of  the  United  States,  American  citizens.  If  the 
United  States  prohibit  the  employment  of  British  subjects  in  their 
service,  and  enforce  the  prohibition  by  suitable  regulations  and 
penalties,  the  motive  for  the  practice  is  taken  away.  It  is  in  this 
mode  that  the  President  is  willing  to  accommodate  this  important 
controvesy  with  the  British  government,  and  it  cannot  be  cor.t 
?eived  on  what  ground  the  arrangement  can  be  refused. 


•H  il 


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104 


aKKTrHKSOF 


**  A  •usprnsion  of  the  practice  c)f  iniprcssmtnt,  pending  the  arm;v 
tlce,  setms  to  be  a  iifcessary  con.M-qm  iici-.  It  camioi  l»e  pii>um 
ed,  while  the  partit  s  are  engaged  in  a  negociatioit  to  adjust  nnii- 
cably  this  important  difference,  tiiat  the  Unit»  d  States  would  ad- 
mit the  right,  or  acquiesce  in  the  practice  of  the  Gppo^ite  partv; 
or  that  Great  Britain  would  be  unwilling  to  restrain  her  cruiziri 
from  a  practice  which  would  have  the  strcnpest  tendency  to  dc 
feat  the  negnciation.  It  is  presumable  that  both  parties  would  cu- 
ter into  the  negociation  with  a  sincere  desire  to  give  it  tiTtct. 
For  this  purpose  it  iit  necessary  that  u  clear  and  distinct  undertand- 
ing  be  firitt  obtained  between  them,  of  the  accommodation  which 
each  is  prepared  to  nnake.  If  the  liritixh  government  is  willinj; 
to  suspend  the  practice  of  impressment  from  American  vessel,*,  on 
consideration  that  the  United  States  will  exclude  British  seamen 
from  their  service,  the  regulations  by  which  this  compromise 
should  be  carried  into  effect  would  he  solely  the  object  of  negoci 
ation.  The  armistice  would  be  of  short  duration.  Ifthepartic 
agreed,  peace  would  be  the  result.  If  the  negociation  failed,  (-ach 
would  be  restored  to  its  former  state,  and  to  all  its  pretensions,  by 
recurring  to  war. 

Lord  Castlereagh,  in  his  note  to  Mr.  Russell,  seems  to  havr 
supposed,  that,  had  the  British  government  accepted  the  propoei 
tions  made  to  it.  Great  Britain  would  have  suspended  immediatt 
ly  the  exercise  of  a  right,  on  the  mere  assurance  of  this  govtru 
ment  that  a  law  would  be  afterwards  passed  to  prohibit  the  cm 
ployment  of  British  seamen  in  the  service  of  the  United  States,  ana 
that  Great  Britain  would  have  no  agency  in  the  regulatit.n  tc 
give  effect  to  that  proposition.  Such  an  idea  was  not  in  the  c«n 
temptation  of  this  government,  nor  is  to  be  reasonably  inferred 
from  Mr.  Russell's  note  ;  lest,  however,  by  possibility  such  an  in 
ference  might  be  drawn  from  the  instructions  to  Mr.  Russell,  and 
Anxious  th^t  there  should  be  no  misunderstanding  in  the  case,  sub 
sequent  intitiuctions  were  given  to  Mr.  Russell,  with  a  view  toob 
viate  every  objection  of  the  kind  alluded  to.  As  they  bear  date 
on  the  27th  July,  and  were  forwarded  by  the  British  packet  Al- 
thr-\,  it  is  more  than  probable  that  they  may  have  been  received 
and  acted  on. 

I  am  happy  to  explain  to  you  thus  fully  the  views  of  my  gov 
em  ment  on  this  important  subject.  The  president  desires  that 
the  war  which  exists  between  our  countries  should  be  terminated 
on  such  conditions  as  may  secure  a  solid  and  durable  peace.  To 
accomplish  this  great  object,  it  is  necessary  that  th'e  interest  of 
impressment  be  satisfactorily  arrranged.  He  is  willing  that  Great 
Britain  should  be  secured  against  the  evils  of  which  she  complains. 
He  seeks,  on  the  other  hand,  that  the  citizens  of  the  United  States 
should  be  protected  against  a  practice  which,  while  it  degrades  the 
natioDy  deprives  them  of  their  rights  as  freemen,  takes  them  by 


Sf! 


$1 


I  J 


THE  WAR. 


169 


force  from  their  families  nnd  tlu'ir  country,  into  a  foreign  iervice> 
to  flfifht  the  battles  of  a  foreign  power,  perhaps  against  their  own 
hindred  nnd  country. 

i  Hb^^tain  from  entering  in  thi«  communication,  into  other  gounda 
of  diflftTt  lice.  The  orders  in  council  having  been  repealed,  (with 
a  reservation  not  impairing  a  corresponding  right  on  the  part  of 
the  United  States)  and  ho  ilk'gal  block.ide8  revived  or  instituted  in 
their  stead,  and  an  understanding  being  obtained  on  the  subject  of 
impreiisment,  in  the  mode  herein  proposed,  tlie  president  is  willing 
to  agree  to  a  cessation  of  hostilities,  with  n  view  to  arrange  by 
treaty,  in  a  more  distinct  and  ample  manner,  and  to  the  satisfae^ 
tion  of  both  parties,  every  other  subject  of  controversy. 

I  will  only  add,  that  if  there  be  no  objection  to  an  accommoda 
tion  of  the  difference  relating  to  impressment,  in  the  mode  pro- 
posed, other  than  the  suspension  of  the  British  claim  to  impress- 
ment during  the  armistice,  there  can  be  none  to  p;  >ceeding,  with' 
cut  the  armistice,  to  an  immediate  discussion  and  rran;;ement  of 
an  article  on  that  subject.  This  great  question  bemg  ratisfactori* 
ly  adjusted,  the  way  will  be  open,  i  ither  for  an  armistic:^  or  iny 
other  course  leading  most  conveniently  and  expeditiously  tor:  gen- 
eral pacification.     I  have  the  honour,  ccc. 

JAMES  MO  NROE. 

Observations  on  HuWs  capture The    surrender  of  tb    no^'th- 

western  army,  by  Gen.  Hull  was  followed  by  consequen  s  more 
easily  imagined  than  described.  The  whole  N.  \V.  frontier  was 
in  an  unexpected  moment,  thrown  open  to  the  incursions  of  an 
enemy,  whose  rule  of  warfare  is  an  indiscriminate  massacre  of  all 
ages  and  sexes.  Imagine,  then,  a  thinly  settled  frontier  of  many 
hundred  miles  in  extent,  unexpectedly  deprived  of  all  protection^ 
but  the  mercy  of  infuriated  savages,  and  you  will  form  but  an  in> 
adequate  idea  of  a  scene  of  distress,  of  flight,  of  cruel  apprehen- 
jioD,  and  more  cruel  death,  the  necessary  result  of  the  surrender. 

Such  a  scene,  however,  could  not  fail  to  arouse  the  whole 
American  people.  Volunteers  in  the  states  of  Pennsylvania,  Vir- 
ginia, Kentucky,  and  Ohio  every  where  pr»  ;  -'jd  themselves, 
and  among  them  some  of  the  most  distinguished  citizens,  and  an 
army  was  shortly  on  the  march  to  retrieve  cur  misfortunes. 

At  the  very  moment  of  the  surrender,  -i  brigade  of  Kentucky 
volunteers, and  a  few  regulars  under  Ge.u  Pajne,  were  fortunate- 
ly on  the  march  to  reinforce  the  N.  W.  army  :  but  for  some  rea- 
son unknown  their  movements  were  extremely  tardy.  If  they 
could  not  have  prevented  the  fall  of  Detroit,  as  many  have  sup- 
posed, they  could  at  least  have  prev.ented  in  some  good  measure 
the  incursions  of  the  enemy  into  Ohio. 


m 


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SKETCHKS  OF 


On  the  4th  of  September  Gtii.  Harrison  having  been  brevetted 
a-Maj.  Geu.  by  the  governor  of  Kentucky,  arrived  at  Urbana  and 
assumed  the  command  of  the  north-western  army,  then  concen 
trating  at  the  rapids  of  the  Miami  of  the  lalifs.  The  several  corps 
were  to  take  the  following  routes  :.  2000  Pennsylvania  volun- 
teers, under  Brig.  Gen.  Crooks,  were  to  move  from  Pittsburgh, 
along  the  shores  of  lake  Erie.  Gen.  Tupper's  brigade  of  Ohio 
volunteers  were  to  take  Hull's  route  from  Urbana  to  the  rapids. 
1500  Virginians, under  Brig. Gen  Leftwieh,  were  to  take  the  same 
route.  Gen.  Payne's  brigade  of  Kentucky  volunteers,  with  the 
17th  United  States'  regiment,  under  Col.  Wells,  were  to  advance 
to  fort  Wayae  and  descend  the  Miami.  Such  was  the  disposi- 
tion of  the  forces  which  were  to  constitute  the  new  norlh-west- 
em  army.  ;  ,  • 

Relief  of  fort  Wayne Early  in    September  a  large  British  , 

and  Indian  force  ii^suf  d  fiom  fort  Maiden  to  lay  waste  the  fron- 
tiers of  Ohio.  The  capture  of  fort  Wayne  was  one  principal  object 
of  the  expedition.  On  the  5th  they  made  their  appearance  before 
the  fort,  and  immediately  invested  it.  They  burnt  the  United 
States  factory,  and  many  other  valuable  buildings,  and  killed  & 
brother  of  governor  Meigs,  and  two  soldiers  near  the  fort. 

Gen.  Harrison,  being  apprised  of  the  situation  of  fort  Wayne, 
inarched  with  the  brigade  of  Gen.  Payne  and  the  regulars  for  its 
relief,  and  the  enemy,  aware  of  his  approach  abandoned  the  ex- 
pedition and  fled. 


¥M 


;  i:i       ! 


Oen.  Payne^s  and  Col.  Wells*  expeditions There  was  now 

a  favourable  moment  for  making  the  Indians  feel  the  effecti 
of  the  war.  An  expedition  was  accordingly  projected  against  sev* 
eral  towns  within  two  days'  march  of  that  place.  The  whole  force 
was  divided  and  placed  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Payne  and 
'Col.  Wells.  The  former  was  directed  to  destroy  the  Miami 
towns  at  the  forks  of  the  Wabash ;  and  the  latter  to  go  against 
the  Potawatamie  villages  at  Elk  Hart. 

The  commander  in  chief  accompanied  Gen.  Payne  on  the  expt- 
dition;  four  of  the  Miamai  villages  were  burnt, three  of  which  Wf-re 
remarkably  flourishing.  All  the  corn  was  cut  up  and  piled,  in  or^ 
der  that  it  might  rot  before  the  enemy  could  return  to  prevent  it. 
Col.  Wells  was  equally  successful :  he  destroyed  several  villages, 
and  returned  to  camp  without  loss. 

At  tins  time  Gen.  Winchester  arrived  at  fort  Wayne,  and  Gen. 
Harrison  resigned  the  command  of  the  detachment  under  Gen. 
Payne  and  Col.  Wells,  to  him,  in  obedience  to  the  arrangments 
of  the  war  department.  Considerable  di>content  and  murmuring 
\vas  observable  among  the  troops  when  they  were  informed  of  the 


. ' 


TH£WAR. 


15;r 


Ljange  ;  but  on  being  addressed  by  Gen.  Harrison  they  appeared 
Ibetfer  satisfied.  He  assured  them  that  if  any  thing  cuuld  soften  the 
Iregret  which  he  felt  at  parting  with  men  who  had  so  entirely  won 
Ihis  confidence  and  affection,  it  was  the  circumstance  of  his  com- 
Imitting  them  to  the  charge  of  one  of  the  heroes  of  the  revolution, 
|a  man  distinguished  as  well  for  the  services  he  had  rendered  his 
icountiyy  as  for  the  possession  of  every  qualification  which  con>-ti- 
Itutes  the  gentleman. 

The  conduct  of  the  troops  was  highly  honourable  to  their  char- 
lacter  as  soldiers  ;  for  ten  days,  while  on  active  and  severe  duty, 
Ithev  had  scarcely  a  sufficiency  of  food  to  sustain  them,  and  on'ire< 
Ijy  without  some  articles  of  the  ration.  But  such  was  their  person ril 
Lttachment  to  Gen.  Harrison,  that  they  would  have  suffered  almost 
■any  fatigue  or  privation  without  a  murmur. 

An  order  of  the  secretary  of  war  invested  Gen.  Harrison  with 
Itbe  command  of  all  the  troops,  excepting  the  corps  of  Gen.  Win- 
Ichester.  This  equality  in  the  authority  of  the  two  generals  was 
[liable  to  much  colhssion,  and  mii^ht  have  produced,  between  tw9 
lotficers  of  co-equal  powers,  and  possessing  less  magnanimity,  se- 
[rious  consequences  to  the  nation.  The  rank  of  major  general 
Iwas  confirmed  to  Gen.  Harrison  by  the  president ;  still  that  of 
ISen.  Winchester  possessed  prirorily  of  date,  and  Gen.  Harrison 
mas  to  command  the  largest  force.  The  troops  considered  Gen. 
IHarrison  commi^nder  in  chief. 

The  war  department,  on  this  occasion  at  least,  performed  its 
jduty  to  the  full  extent  of  its  ability  :  every  thing  requisite  for  the 
iiupply  of  the  army  was  forwarded  with  all  practicable  expedition. 

One  circumstance,  above  all,  must  not  be  overlooked  The 
Igreater  part  of  the  volunteers  now  concentrating  under  Gen.  Har- 
liisoo,  consisted  of  men  whose  families  and  property  were  not 
jexposed  to  danger,  and  who  consequently  were  mfluenced  by  the 
Imost  disinterested  patriotism.  Col.  R.  IVI.  Johnson,  a  member  of 
Icoagress,  from  Kentucky,  who  has  since  so  nobly  distinguished 
Ihimself,  was  among  the  foremost.  Gen.  Harrison  fixed  his  head- 
[quarters  at  St.  Marys  ;  Gen.  Winchester  advanced  to  fort  Defi- 
lance.  He  found  the  enemy  in  possession  of  the  ground,  and  to» 
Istrong  for  his  force  ;  he  despatched  an  express  to  Gen.  Harrison, 
■who  immediately  marched  to  his  assistance  with  2000  mounted 
IriflemeQ  and  musketeers,  all  furnished  with  three  days  provisions. 
In  the  mean  time,  however,  the  enemy  had  suddenly  decamped 
and  descended  the  Miami.  Our  troops  went  in  pursuit,  but  could 
not  overtake  them.  This  was  the  expedition  from  Maiden  ;  they 
{had  several  field  pieces.     Tecumseh  commanded  the  Indians. 

The  attention  of  the  commanding  general  was  now  for  some- 
Itime  confined  to  arranging  depots  of  provisions,  ammunition,  and 
ciethiug,  in  opening  roads,  building  boats  and  erecting  block  hous- 


'..:\- 


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i 


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Kr«H:    } 


Ui  SKETCH  lis  OK 

es,  preparatory  to  tlie  march  of  the  army  to  tlie  object  clthe  cam 
paigii.     His  t'xerli'Mis  were  indefatigable. 

On  the  4th  of  October,  Brig.  Gen.  Tupper  received  orders  ic| 
proceed  to  the  rapids  with  the  whole    of  the  mounted   force,  jo 
condition  of  jervic**  ;  hut  in  consequence  of  the  counter  orderjof 
Gen.  Wirichtster,  tin.'  movement  was  not  executed.      Gen.  TuJ 
per  made  an  expo  ition  of  the  causes  which  produced  the  failure! 
of  the  expedition.     Th's  exposition  very  clearly  proved  that  boll' 
Winchester  and  Tupper  were  incapable  of  command. 

Colcnel  CampheWs  exp(>dition....On    the    8th    of  November 
ri  detachment  of  siK  hundred  men,  commanded  by  Colonel  CamJ 
he !!,    left    Kranklinton    on    an    expedition   against   the  Miami  In-I 
dian?,  living  on  the  head  waters  of  the  Wabash.     On  the  l/tfel 
of  December  tliey  arrived  at   one  of   the  Missassinway  village},! 
surprised,   killed   five    warriors,   and  lock   tiiiity-seven  prisonert, 
'J'liey  burnt  three  other  villages,  thief  iiiilf  >  tijrther  down  the  rive:, 
and  then  returned  to  the  firsi  town  destroy^'d,  nid  encamped.„„| 
About  an  hour  before  the  dawn  of  day,  they  were  attacked  in  tbel 
oarnp.      The  fire  commenced   on  the  right  line  commanded  b?l 
Maj.  Ball,  who  sustained  and  returned  it  till  day  light,  when  tb«| 
Indians  were  charged   and    di.<spersed    with  the  loss  of  30  killed. 
Our  loss   was  8  killed,  and  25  wounded. ...several  mortally.     A 
great  number  of  horses   were  killed,    and  several    officers  wen 
wounded  :  lieutenant  Waltz,  of  the  Pennsylvania  troops,  was  shol 
through  the  arm,  but   not  satisfied,  he  again  attempted  to  nioun!l 
his  horse,   and    in  making  the  eflbrt  was  shot  through  the  head! 
Tile    prisoners    were  treated  with  humanity,   even  the  vvarrioij 
who  ceased  to  resit,  were  spared,  which  is  not  the  usual  custonl 
in  expeditions  against  the   Indians.      The  sufTerings  of  the  rntal 
from  cold,  hunger  and  fatigue,on  their  retreat  from  Misi<as6inN^'a}'J 
were  beyond  measure.      They  were  in  the  centre  of  an    IiidiaD 
country.      The  terrible  Tecumseh  was  known  to  be  within  a  few 
hour.*  march.      The  sick  and  wounded  were  to  be  carried  on  lit  I 
ters  ;  their  march  was  slow,  tedious,  and  circumspect.     At  nig 
only  half  of  the  men  could  sleep,  while  the  other  were  on  guard. 
They  suffered  greatly  from  the  inclemency  of  the  weather  ;  imm' 
bers   were  frost  bitten.       Pleurisy  and    bad  colds  afflicted  alniol 
tiie  whole  corps.     Why  the  Indians  suffered  them  to  escape  tola!| 
dtstructicn,  is  i.uaccountablc.      Perhaps  the  death  of  their  cele- 
briitcd  Prophtf,  who  is  supposed  to  have  been  killed  in  this  aitair, 
vvati  the  cause  of  tlitir  not  harrassing  our  men  in  their  retreat. 

The  oftict-rs  of  Maj.    Ball's  squadion,    who  sustained  tlie  brua' 
tf  the  action,  and  who  wei».'  complimented  by  Gen.  Hanijioi),  in  I 
H  general  order,    for  tht.ii  valour  and  good  conduct,    were   Maji 
[{all,  C'iipts.  Hopkins  and  Ciirr.trd,   v(  Kentucky;     Opts.  Maikl«| 
^1)')  M't'!'  Ihiii'l,  '.rP*  nnsylvaiiia. 


( / 


THE   WAR. 


lo9 


oi'the  cam 

?d  orders  icl 
;d  force,  in 
ler  orders  oi 
Gen.  Tup. 
d  the  failure 
«d  that  bollJ 


November,  L 
Monel  CamM 
le  Miami  In- 
On  the  1/tli 
vay  village!, 
en  prisoner}, f 
vvn  the  rivei.l 
encamped.H., 
tacked  in  thtl 
mnianded  bjl 
It,  when  thn 
of  30  killed. 
ortally.     A I 
officers  wen  I 
)ps,  was  shol 
ted  to  (pount 
igh  the  heal 
Itbe  warriort 
lusual  custoa 
of  the  rneo 
[issasfiinwayJ 
)f  an    Indiao 
ithin  a  few] 
larried  on  lit 
It.    At  Digiiil 
|re  on  guard. 
ather  ;  rmm* 
licted  aInu'M 
I  escape  toul 
their  cele| 
li  this  aHair, 
Ir  retreat. 
?d  llie  bruB' 
klanijioii,  in 
|w(-rc'   Mail] 
lotr..  Maikk 


On  the  14th  of  Utcember  the  left  wing  of  the  army  moved 
irom  fort  Wincliesttr  to  the  rapid.s.  At  tiiis  time  thu  •-'oio 
troi'|)8  were  at  fort  M'Arthur the  Pennsylvani^n^  at  Man;  tkld, 

land  the  Virginians  at  Delaware.  General  Hariison  tixid  his 
hciid  qiia'^'^'''*  ^^  L'pper  Sandiu^ky.  The  provisions  and  military 
stores,  and  the  trains  of  artilKi y  having  reached  the  diftVrent  de- 
pots, thi;  hopes  of  th"  nation  t!iat  victory  would  soon  crown  the  ef- 
forts of  the  nortli  vvi;t«rn  ^t  ,:.  were  cherished  in  confidence. 
On  the  1-lth  of  Januarv,  <\>i.  Lew  i.s  advanced  tovvaids  the  river 

iRaifin.  Oji  the  18th  ht  found  the  enemy  in  force,  and  divSposed 
to  dispute  the  possession  of  the  place.  He  attacked  them  in  the 
town;  on  the  iirst  onstttlJf  savages  raised  their  accustonu;d  yell. 
But  the  noise  was  drowi^  d  in  the  returning  shouts  of  the  assail- 
ants. They  advanced  boldly  to  the  charge  and  drove  them  in 
all  directions.  On  tlie  first  fire  sixtirn  of  the  Indians  fell,  about 
40  were  killed.  Col.  Lewis'  patty  lost  12  killed  and  62  wound- 
led,  ,  • 

Defeat  of  General  jyinchestrr...,On  the  eighteenth    General 
[Winchester    followed    with  a    reinforcement    and    concentrated 
his  troops,   amounting    to  eight  hundred    men,    at  the  village  of 

Frenchtown six  hundred  of  vviiich  wtTe  posted  behind  a  picket 

hence,  liOO  which  composed  the  right  wing  were  encamped  in  aa 
open  field,  entirely  uncovered. 

On  the  22d  they  were  attacked  by  a  combined  British  force 
Kinder  Tecumseh  and  Proctor.  The  attack  commenced  on  the 
fight  wing,  at  beating  of  reveille.  Our  troops  were  immediately 
ready  for  the  reception  of  the  enemy.  The  right  wing  sustained 
the  shock  for  about  20  minutes,  when,  overpowered  by  numbers, 
they  retreated  over  the  river,  and  were  met  by  a  large  body  of 
ludianr,  who  had  been  stationed  in  their  rear.  This  party,  find- 
ing ttieir  retreat  cut  oif,  resolved  to  sell  their  lives  as  dear  as  pos- 
sible, and  fought   desperately few  of  these  escaped.      The  left 

wing,  with  Spartan  valour,  maintained  their  ground  within  their 
pickets.  The  enemy's  regulars  made  three  different  charges  up- 
on them  ;  they  advanced  in  platoons  to  charge  the  pickets,  keep- 
ing up  a  brisk  fire.  Our  men  within  the  pickets,  with  the  most 
determined  bravery  and  presence  of  mind,  reserved  their  fire  un- 
til the  enemy  advanced  within  point  blank  shot.  They  then  open 
\(i  a  cross  fire  upon  them  ;  their  pieces  were  leveled,  and  in  this 
manner  mowed  down  his  ranks  till  he  retreated  in  confu.Mon. 

Gen.  Winchester  and  Col.  Lewis  bad  been  taken  prisoners  iR 
Ian  early  part  of  the  battle,  in  attempting  to  rally  the  right  wing. 
jAt  11  o'clock  a  flag  arrived  from  Gen.  Winche.-ter  to  Maj.  Madi- 
Iton,  who  commanded  in  the  pickets,  informing  our  n)ep  he  had 
Uuriendered  them  prisoners  of  '.var,  and  requested  their  compli- 


,3 


■■i\ 


I        !■ 


U"  *   I 

1  i  *•' 

5  'i  "■■ 

\'-:r- 

»;      4 

ii  ■•' 

•Imv    , 


i! 


•  I '  ■■ ' 


1 

f 

^ 

|s : 

■1 

1 

ii 

1^0 


£^TCH£S  or 


tnce  ;    whereMpon  a  capitulation  took  place,  and  they  were  li;. 
m*  diately  marched  off  for  Maiden.     The  Americans  lost  ntarlvl 
400  men  in  killed,  wounded   and  roissiijg.      Among  the  ofiictri 
Col.  Allen,  and  Captains  Hickman,  Simpson,   (a  member  of  con. 
gr(  ss;  Mead,  Edward,  Price  and  M'Cracken. 

During  the  whole  of  the  action  a  heavy  cannonade  was  h^\ 
up  by  six  piect:s  of  artillery.  The  courage  of  men  was  mvji 
more  severely  tested.  The  party  that  retreated  at  the  commence, 
ment  of  the  battle,  were  pursued,  surrounded,  and  literally  cut  to 
pieces.  Some  succeeded  in  getting  three  miles  from  the  scene  o( 
action,  but  were  overtaken  and  massacred.  The  snow  wascrim.! 
soned  the  whole  distance  with  the  blood  of  the  fugitives. 

After  the  capitulation,  the  American  commanding  officer  re- 
monstrated with  Gen.  Proctor,  on  the  necessity  of  protecting  the| 
wounded  prisoners  from  the  fury  of  the  savages;  that  officer  pledg- 
ed himself  to  attend  to  it,  but  he  torgot  to  keep  his  word  ;  thejl 
WW*'  left  without  the  promised  protection,  and  on  the  morninjioij 
the  '23d,  horrible  to  relate,  the  allies  of  a  christian  king  stripped, f 
scalped,  tomahawked  and  burnt  all  of  them  who  were  unable  to| 
walk. 

The  dead  vvere  denied  the  rites  of  sepulture  ;    the  living  were! 
treated  with  the  greatest  indignity.     The  prisoners  were  general- 
ly (Stripped  of  their  clothing,  rifled  of  their  cash,  and  the  swordi 
of  the  officers  given  to  the  savages.      Men,  whose  education,  ta- 
lents and  character,  ought  to  have  entitled  them  to  respect,  had  | 
their  feeiings  grossly  outraged. 

The  advance  of  Gen.  Winchester  to  the  river  Raisin  was  not  I 
authorized  by  the  orders  of  Gen.  Harrison:  the  motives  of  the 
general  were  no  doubt  good,  but  to  his  imprudence  is  attribute! 
the  failure  of  the  campaign.  He  was  induced  to  make  the  roove< 
ment  in  consequence  of  the  earnest  solicitude  of  the  inhabitaDti 
of  that  place,  who  were  threatened  with  a  general  massacre  by| 
the  Indians. 

As  soon  as  Gen-  Harrison  learnt  the  exposed  situation  of  Gen.! 
Winchester's  corps,  he  ordered  a  detachment  from  Gen.  Perhioi' 
brigade,  under  Col.  Cofgreaves,  to  march  with  all  possible  exp^ 
dition   to  his  relief:  but   so  much  time  was  lost  in  preparationf\ 
that  it  only  arrived  within    hearing  distance,  at   the  commence- 
ment  of  the  battle,  and  then  suddenly  retraced  its  steps.  ' 

Why  a  commanding  officer,  situated  as  Gen.  Winchester  wau 
within  a  few  hours  march  of  Maiden,  and  liable  every  moneot 
to  be  surprised,  should  suffer  his  men  to  be  encamped  in  detached 
and  exposed  situations,  in  the  manner  they  were,  is  a  question  not 
yet  explained. 

The  night  before  the  battle,   a  Frenchman  arrived  from  Mai- 
de!i,  and  informed  that  the  enemy  had  commenced  their  marcb.| 
This  information,  which  was  made  known  to  Gen.  Wtnchestei; 


THE  WAR. 


161 


^a«  disregarded.  His  quarters  were  3  or  400  yards  from  camp. 
He  did  not  arrive  at  the  scene  of  action  till  the  right  wing  had  be- 
gun to  give  way.  -/ 

We  cannot  forbear  to  notice  in  this  place,  a  circumstance  that 
reflects  the  greatest  lustre  on  the  military  character  of  the  Ken- 
tuckians.     On  their  march  from  fort  Defiance  to  the  rapids,  the 

horses  were  worn  out  and  nearly  famished  for  want  of  forage 

Tbe  men  themselves  were  destitute  of  many  articles  of  the  first 
necessity.  Yet  these  circumstances  did  not  in  the  least  dampen 
their  ardour.  When  the  horses  were  no  longer  able  to  draw« 
these  gallant  sons  of  Mars  harnessed  themselves  to  the  sleighs^ 
and  in  this  manner^  with  cheerfulness  and  alacrity,  conveyed  their 
Viggage  «xty  miles  through  frost  and  snow ;  thus  manifesting 
an  intrepidity  of  character  which  rivals  that  of  Greece  or 
Rome. 

Yet  these  were  men,  whose  homes,  for  the  most  part,  were 
seats  of  elegance  and  wealth ;  but  their  spirits  were  not  to  be 
broken  by  adversity.  Notwithstanding  they  were  compelled  to 
travel  on  foot,  and  with  scarcely  a  covering  for  their  backs,  io 
the  dead  of  winter,  from  Maiden  to  Buffalo,  ana  from  thence  to 
Kentucky,  a  distance  of  800  miles,  still  not  a  murmur  escaped 
their  lips  f  Their  honest  hearts  sprung  forward  with  the  elastic 
hope,  that  their  wrongs  would  be  avenged  and  the  day  of  retri- 
liulion  arrive. 


■■•:t. 


,  f 


sss* 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


Hetreat  of  Cfen.  liarri5on,.»Fort  Meigs,».Expediti(m  to  Presque 
Isle....Attempt  upon  the  Queen  Charlotte.,..Preparations  for  a 
fleet  on  lake  Erie...,Defeat  of  the  enemy  at  fort  Meigs»*.f 
Gallant  defence  of  fort  Stephenson, 

Aftbr  t'  e  defeat  of  Gen  Winchester,  Qen.  Harrison  tetreated 
iVom  the  rapids,  eighteen  miles,  and  took  a  position  at  Portage 
river.  It  being  found  impracticable  to  remove  all  the  provisions^ 
I  considerable  quantity  was  destroyed. 

On  the  30th  of  January  General  Harrison  despatched  Captain 
Lsmon,  Doctor  M'Keehan  and  a  Frenchman  with  a  flag  of  truce 
to  Maiden.  They  encamped  the  first  night  near  the  rapids,  and 
hoisted  the  white  flag;  but  this  v^as  not  re8pected....the  Indians 
fired  upon  them  while  asleep,  killed  Lamon,  wounde4  Doctor 
VI'Keehan  and  took  him  and  the  Frenchman  prisonertt 


:»■» 


V  'J 


I^ 


^ETCHKS  d> 


lit!  • 


Fort  yfeigs..,. Governor  Meig8  having  promptly  ordered  ou| 
two  regiments  of  Ohio  militia,  to  reinforce  Gen.  Harrison,  tlit 
army  again  advanced  to  the  rapids  and  commenced  buildmg  fort 
Meigs.  Gen.  Crooks'  brifirade,  in  the  mean  time^  were  busily  em 
ployed  in  fortifying  at  Upper  Sandustky. 

Expedition  to  Presque  Isle Gf  neral  Harrison  having  le«rnt 

fhnt  a  body  of  Indians  were  collected  at  Pre?quf  Isle  near  the 
mouth  of  the  Miami,  marched  from  his  camp  at  the  rapids  on  the 
0th  of  February,  at  the  head  of  a  detachment  of  his  army,  to  at- 
tack them. 

The  enemy  fled,  and  our  troops  pursued  almost  to  the  river 
HniKin;  but  finding  it  impossible  to  ovfrtake  them,  the  troops  re 
turned  to  camp  much  exhaui<ted  with  fatigue.  Such  was  their 
detiire  to  come  up  with  the  foe  that  they  marched  sixty  miles  in 
21  hours. 


>*-.:'- 


Attempt  upon  the  Queen  Charlotte On  the  27tb  of  February 

ii  detachment  of  150  men  under  Capt.  Langham,  left  the  rapids 
for  the  purpose  of  destroying  the  duecn  Charlotte,  near  Maiden ; 
but  the  ice  was  found  to  be  too  far  decayed  to  accomplish  tbt 
object  of  the  expedition. 

The  army  were  now  engaged  incessantly  in  strengthening  the 
posts  of  fort  Meigs,  Upper  Sandusky  and  fort  Stephenson.  Gen 
Harrison  left  the  army  for  the  purpose  of  consulting  with  Gov 
Meigs,  and  for  expediting  the  march  of  the  reinforcements.  No 
event  of  moment  occurred  during  the  remainder  of  the  wia 
ter. 

Prepar  tions  for  ajteet  on  lake  Erie In  March,  workmen 

began  to  cut  timber  at  Erie,  for  the  purpose  of  building  two  20 
gun  brigs ;  the  requisite  number  of  ship  carpenters  having  arrived 
at  that  place. 

The  term  of  service  of  the  greater  part  of  the  militia  composing 
the  northwestern  army  having  expired,  new  levies  from  Ohio  and 
Kentucky  were  ordered  on  to  supply  their  places.  But  these  not 
arriving  in  ssason,  the  Pennsylvania  brigade  generously  volun- 
teered their  services  for  another  month  to  defend  fort  Mf^igs, 
which  was  menaced  with  an  attack.  This  conduct  was  the 
more  honourable,  as  this  corps  had  undergone  incredible  hard- 
ships during  the  winter,  in  dragging  the  artillery  and  stores  from 
Sandusky  to  the  rapids. 

Defeat  of  the  enemy  at  fort  Meigs On  the  20th  of  April, 

Gen.  Harrison  returned  to  fort  Meig8,  and   ht  .tui  tt    nrtpHrt   for 
f\\fi  approaching  storm.      Patruliug  parties  were  frtquently  sent 


THE  WAR. 


i^'i 


jut  to  observe  the  movements  of  the  cnemy«  who  had  been  d\p 
covt^red  on  the  margin  of  the  lake. 

Oi  the  26th  the  advance  of  the  enemy  made  its  appearance  on 
the  opposite  shore,  and  after  reconnoitering  a  few  minutes,  with- 
drew.  On  the  27th  they  returned,  but  were  soon  made  to  retire 
by  the  balls  from  the  fort.  From  the  time  of  the  general's  arriving 
in  camp*  the  greatest  diligence  was  displayed  by  the  otiicers  siud 
soldiers.  Fortifications  of  various  descriptions  were  carried  oo 
with  unparalleled  exertions,  ^very  moment  of  the  general  was 
occupied  in  directing  the  works.  He  addressed  the  men  in  a  most 
masterly  and  eloquent  manner,  on  the  situation  in  which  the  for^ 
tune  of  war  had  placed  them,  and  on  the  importance  of  every 
man's  being  vigilant  and  industrious  at  his  post.  This  addrest 
eonrerted  every  man  into  a  hero ;  it  inspired  them  with  a  zeal, 
courage  and  patriotism  never  surpassed. 

Oa  the  28th  the  enemy  commenced  a  very  brisk  fire  of  small 
arms;  in  the  evening  the  Indians  were  conveyed  over  the  river 
in  boats,  and  surrounded  the  garrison  in  every  direction.  Several 
of  Col.  Ball's  dragoons  volunteered  to  reconnoitre  the  enemy's 
camp,  but  before  they  had  got  far  from  the  fort  they  were  tired 
on  by  the  Indians  and  compelled  to  return. 

On  the  29th  the  siege  began  in  earnest,  all  communication 
with  tl)«  other  posts  was  cut  off.  The  firing  was  kept  up  tbe 
whole  day.  The  enemy  had  progressed  so  far  in  the  construction 
of  their  batteries  during  the  night,  that  they  afforded  them  sutfi* 
cient  protection  to  work  by  daylight.  A  man  was  this  day  mor- 
tally wounded  bs  he  was  standing  near  the  general. 

April  30....the  besieged  kept  up  a  well  directed  itre  against  the 
enemies'  batteries,  which  considerably  impeded  their  progress* 
Boats  filled  with  men  were  seen  to  pass  to  the  foit  Meigs  side  of 
the  river....this  induced  the  general  to  believe  that  their  motive 
was  to  draw  his  attention  to  their  batteries,  and  to  surprize  and 
storm  the  camp  in  the  rear.  Orders  were  therefore  given  for 
one-third  of  the  men  to  be  constantly  on  guard,  and  the  remaining 
two-thirds  to  sleep  with  their  muskets  in  their  arms,  and  to  be 
constantly  prepared  to  fly  to  their  post  at  a  moment's  warning* 
These  orders  were  strictly  obeyed,  and  every  d'iiy  performed  with 
cheerfulness.  Notwithstanding  the  incessant  fire  of  the  enemy, 
the  men  were  obliged  to  go  to  the  river  for  water  every  night, 
the  well  not  being  finished.  Several  of  the  men  were  this  day 
wounded,  and  the  general  being  continually  exposed,  had  several 
narrow  escapes.  During  the  night  the  enemy  towed  up  a  gun- 
boat  near  the  fort,  and  fired  at  point  blank  shot  for  some  time, 
but  without  effect.  They  retired  from  this  portion  as  soon  as  it 
was  light  enough  for  our  gunners  to  discover  them. 

The  grand    traverse  was  now  completed,  as    well  as  several 
email  ones  in  various  directions.     The  fire  from  the  garriscm  crtm- 


m 


-'  Iffi 


:l 


■..V. 


:i 


S<i:  '. 


H)' 


\4 


rl:  ^  1!^ 


104 


SKETCHKb  OlT 


inenced  with  effect.     On  the  first  of  May  the  enemy  tired  *i5| 
liinps  from  their  gun  batteries.     Their  24  pound  shot  passed  thro*  I 
t!ie  pickets  without  cutting  them  down.       Our  gunners  silenced! 
one  of  their  pieces  several  times.     They  did  not  fire  to  rapidly  at 
the  enemy,  but  with  a  better  aim.     Eight  of  the  Americans  were 
wounded  this  day ;  a  bullet  struck  the  seat  on  which  the«gcneril 
was  sitting,  and  a  volunteer  was  at  the  same  time  wounded  as  he  | 
•tood  directly  opposite  to  him. 

On  the  2d  of  May  both  parties  commenced  firing  very  early 
with  bombs  and  balls,  and  continued  it  very  briskly  all  day.    Ouri 
troops  had  1  killed  and  10  wounded,  besides  several  others  slightly 
touched  with  Indian  bullets.      The  enemy  this  day  fired  457  can 
iion  shot. 

The  next  day  commenced  with  a  very  brisk   and  fierce  firing  I 
of  bombs  and  cannon  balls,  which  continued  at  intervals  all  day. 
They  opened  two  batteries  upon  the  fort,  which  they  had  establish- 
ed on  this  side  of  the  river,  within   250  yards  of  the  lear  right  I 
angle  of  the  camp,  one  of  which  was  a  bomb  battery.       An  in 
dian  who  had  ascended  a  tree,  shot  one  of  our  men  through  the  I 
head,  and  six  were  killed   by  the  enemy's  bombs.      They  fired 
five  hundred  and  sixteen  times  during  the  day,  and  forty-sevec 
times  during  the  night.  I 

It  rained  very  hard  on  the  4th,  which  retarded  the  fire  of  the 
besiegers.  A  new  battery  was  discovered  erecting  on  this  sidr 
of  the  river,  in  the  same  direction  with  the  others,  and  traverse: 
were  commenced  to  guard  against  them.  Several  were  killed 
and  wounded*...Liput.  Gwynn  killed  a  Briitsh  officer  on  this  side 
the  river  with  a  rifle.  Two  hundred  and  twenty-three  shot  wm 
fired  this  day.    * 

Gen.  Clay  was  now  at  fort  Winchester  with  1200  men,  on  h,; 
way  to  relieve  the  garrison. 

On  the  5th  the  enemy  kept  up  but  a  feeble  fire,  but  they  killed 
three  men  with  bombs.  An  officer  arrived  with  a  detachment  o! 
Gen.  Clay's  men,  bringing  the  welcome  news  that  the  genera! 
was  but  a  few  miles  up  the  river,  descending  in  boats.  An  offi 
cer  was  sent  to  him  with  directions  for  him  to  land  one  half  o! 
his  force  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  for  the  purpose  of  fore 
ing  the  enemies'  batteries  and  spiking  their  cannon.  Col.  Dudley, 
who  was  charged  with  the  execution  of  this  movement,  perform- 
ed it  in  fine  style  ;  but  his  men,  elated  with  their  success,  conti 
nued  to  pursue  the  retreating  enemy  till  they  were  finally  drawn 
into  an  ambush  and  overwhelmed  by  superior  numbers;  the 
greater  part  of  this  detachment  were  killed  or  taken  prisoners.... 
Some  few  effected  their  escape  to  the  garrison.  About  forty  oi 
these  unfortunate  men  were  tomahawked  by  the  Indians,  several 
hours  after  their  surrender.  Thu  killed  on  the  field  of  battle  were 
horribly  mutilated.    Col.  Dudley  was  among  the  killed.     He  i\^ 


U    ''i 


i  U£  WAR. 


165 


played,  ill  his  last  moment*,  the   most  heroic  firmness,  and  actu- 
ally killed  one  Indian  after  he  was  mortally  wounded. 

The  other  moiety  of  Gen.  Clay's  force,  if  not  less  prudent,  were 
more  fortunate.  When  they  landed,  a  little  above  the  fort,  they 
could  easily  have  reached  it  without  loss  ;  but  instead  of 
doing  this,  or  securinv  their  sick  and  baggage,  they  marched  di- 
rectly into  the  woods  in  pursuit  of  a  few  Indians  that  were  pur- 
posely leading  them  to  their  de&truction.  Gen.  Harrison,  per- 
ceiving their  folly,  caused  Col.  Ball  to  sally  out  with  the  cavalry 
and  protect  their  retreat  to  the  fort.  He  sjcceeded  in  bringing 
them  in  ;  but,  in  the  mean  time,  a  pf  rty  of  Indians  had 
tomahawked  their  sick,  left  In  the  boats,  and  plundered  their  bag- 
gage. 

While  Col.  Dudley's  party  were  engaged  with  the  enemy  on 
the  left  bank  of  the  river,  several  brilliant  and  successful  charges 
were  made  on  the  right.       In  these  charges.  Col.  Miller,  Major 
Alexander,  and  Captains  Croghan,  Longham,  Bendford  and  Neve 
log,  were  conspicuous.      Our  troops  conducted  with  the  most  dc 
termined  bravery  ;  all  the  enemy's  batteries  on  this  side  were  car 
lied,  and  many  prisoners  taken. 

From  the  6th  to  the  0th,  there  was  no  firing.      Flags  of  truce 
passed  and  repassed  between  the  two  armies.       An  exchange  ol 
prisoners  took  piece.     The  Kentucky  militia,  taken  at  Dudley's  do 
feat,  were  to  be  sent  to  Harrison,  in  order  to  rcfturn  home  by  that 
route. 

On  the  moring  of  the  9th  the  enemy  commenced  their  retreat 
down  the  river,  after  having  been  before  the  place  13  days,  during 
whicli  time  he  had  fired  at  our  works  1800  shells  and  cannon 
balls,  besides  keeping  up  an  almost  continual  discharge  of  small 
arms.    The  American  loss  during  the  siege  in  the  fort  and  in  the 

iiiferent  sorties  on  this  side,  was  72  killed  and  196  wounded 

The  loss  of  Col.  Dudley's  detachment,  was  about  200  killed  and 
missing.    That  of  the  enemy  was  about  equal. 

One  reason  why  our  men  did  not  sustain  a  greater  loss  in  the 
lort,  was  because  they  had  contrived  a  kind  of  bomb-proof  retreat 
Al  along  the  ditch  immediately  behind  the  pickets.  By  this 
means  many  valuable  lives  were  saved. 

Vast  quantities  of  rain  fell  during  the  siege,  and  the  soil  within 
the  pickets  being  clayey,  the  constant  treading  of  the  men  and 
horses  caused  the  whole  area  of  the  fort  to  become  a  perfect  bed 
of  mortar,  half  leg  deep,  and  the  frequent  bursting  of  shells 
caused  it  to  ily  in  every  direction,  covering  officers  and  men  with 

OBUd. 

The  army  not  being  sufRciently  strong  for  cfTensive  operationf, 
it  became  necessary  to  wait  for  reinforcements,  and  for  the  com- 
pletion of  the  veiseU  of  war  buildiog  at  Erie. 


■  ^ 


-'•j''«'tl 


lUfi 


t>KKlCiiIt>  09 


ll'i: 


■',  '.' 


i^  \i 


h  i : 


The  head  quarters  of  Gen.  Harrison  were  traniferred  to  Scti^ 
ca  town  on  the  Sandusky.  Gen.  Clay  was  charged  with  th«  de- 
fence of  fort  Meigs.  Generals  M'Arthui  and  Cass  were  actively 
«;mpIoyed  in  recruiting  two  regiments  of  the  12  months  regu< 
)ars  in  the  state  of  Ohio. 

In  June  the  general  held  a  council  with  a  number  of  Indian 
chiefs,  who  had  hitherto  profeo^ed  neutral  sentiments,  to  whom 
he  made  three  propositions  :....To  take  up  arms  in  behalf  of  tht 
United  StRte8....To  remove  within  our  settlements  and  remain 
neutral....Or,  to  go  to  the  enemy  Hnd  seek  his  protection.  After 
a  short  consultation  among  themselves,  they  accepted  the 
first,  and  prepared  to  accompany  him  in  the  invasion  of  Ca- 
nada. 

The  hostile  Indians  continued  to  make  inroads  into  the  settle 
mentu  and  committed  frequent  murders.  A  party  from  Mnlden 
'.coasted  down  the  lake  a^  far  as  Cold  Creek,  where  they  killed, 
scalped  and  made  pi  isoners,  one  man,  three  women  and  jiint 
children. 

An  event  took  place,  however,  that  had  a  salutary  influence  in 
repressing  the  audacity  of  the  Indians.  As  Col.  Ball,  with  22  ot 
his  squadron,  were  descending  the  Sandusky,  the  foremost  of  hi; 
party  were  fired  upon  from  a  thicket  by  a  band  of  18  Indian;, 
who  had  placed  themselves  in  ambush  for  the  purpose  of  killing 
the  mail  carrier.  Col.  Ball  instantly  charged  upon  them  and 
drove  them  from  their  hiding  place.  The  ground  was  favourable 
for  cavalry,  and  the  Indians  finding  neither  mercy  nor  the  posgi 
bility  of  escape,  gave  a  whoop,  and  fought  desperately  till  the 
whole  party  was  cut  to  pieces.  Col.  Ball  was  at  one  time  dis- 
mounted, opposed  in  personal  contest  to  an  Indian  of  gigantic 
stature  ;  it  was  a  desperate  and  doubtful  struggle,  life  was  at 
stake,  both  exerted  to  the  utnio8t....an  officer  rode  up  and  rescu- 
ed the  colonel  by  shooting  the  Indian  through  the  head.  After 
this  terrible  example,  not  an  Indian  ventured  to  cross  the  San- 
dusky in  quest  of  plunder  and  blood  •       ,,v  ,      <t  ^ 


?^'i 


,  \ 


li'ii  ■ 


Gallant  defence  of  fort  Stephenson On  the  first  of  August 

Gen.  Proctor  made  his  appearance  before  fort  Stephenson,  20 
miles  above  the  mouth  of  the  river  Sandusky.  His  troops  con- 
sisted of  500  regulars  and  about  700  Indians  of  the  most  fero- 
cious kind.  There  were  but  133  effective  men  in  the  garrison, 
and  the  works  covered  one  acre  of  ground.  Maj.  George  Crc 
ghan  commanded  the  place.  The  pickets  were  about  ten  feet 
high,  surrounded  by  a  ditch  with  a  block  house  at  each  angle  of 
rhe  fort,  one  of  which  contained  a  six  pounder.  This  was  the  ex- 
act state  of  the  post  at  the  time  the  enemy  appeared.  The  first 
movement  made  by  the  enemy,  was  to  make  such  a  disposition 
3f  hi$  forces,  as  to  prevent  the  escape  of  the  garrison,  if  they 


THE  WAR. 


1«7 


I  to  bctl^ 
h  thi  de- 
e  actively 
thi  regu. 

of  Indiaa 
to  whom 
ftlf  of  the 
(id  remain 
1.  After 
epted  the 
m  of  Ca- 

the  settle 
m  Mnlden 
ley  killed, 
and  nint 

nfluence  iii 
with  22  ot 
no8t  of  hit 
8   Indians, 
i  of  killing 
them  and 
favourable 
the  possi 
ly  till  the 
time  di8- 
|f  gigantic 
fe  was  at 
nd  rescu- 
After 
the  SaD* 


jf  August 
i8on,  20 
loops  con* 
D08t  fere- 
I  garrison, 
prge  Cre- 
te n  feet 
I  angle  of 
|s  the  ex- 
iThe  first 
spositioD 
if  they 


siiould  be  disposed  to  attempt  it.  He  then  sent  Col.  Elliot  with  a 
flasi  to  demand  the  surrender  of  the  fort.  He  was  met  by  Kn- 
siffii  Shipp.  The  British  officer  observed  that  General  Proctor 
bad  a  number  of  cannon,  a  large  body  of  regular  troops,  and  so 
many  Indians,  whom  it  was  impoMsibte  to  controul,  and  if  the  fort 
wai  taken,  as  it  must  be,  the  whole  of  the  garrison  would  be 
massacred.  Shipp  answered,  that  it  was  the  determination  of 
Major  Croghan,  his  officers  and  men,  to  defend  the  garrison  or 
be  buried  in  it,  and  that  they  might  do  their  best.  Col.  Elliot  ad- 
dressed Mr.  Shipp  again...."  You  are  a  fine  young  man,  I  pity 
vour  situation,  for  God^s  sake  surrender,  and  prevent  the  dreadful 
slaughter  which  must  follow  resistance."  Shipp  turned  from  him 
with  indignation,  and  was  immediately  taken  hold  of  by  an  In- 
dian, who  attempted  to  wrest  his  sword  from  him.  Major  Cro- 
ghan observing  what  passed,  called  to  Shipp  to  come  into  the 
fort,  which  was  instantly  obeyed,  and  the  tragedy  commenced. 
The  firing  began  from  the  gun  bouts  in  the  rear,  and  was  kept  up 
during  the  night. 

At  an  early  hour  the  next  morning  three  6  pounders,  which 
had  been  planted  during  the  night,  within  250  yards  of  the  pick- 
ets, began  to  play  upon  the  fort,  but  with  little  effect.  About  4, 
P.  M.  all  the  enemy's  guns  were  concentrated  against  the  north- 
wi-stern  angle  of  the  fort,  for  the  purpose  of  making  a  breach. 
To  counteract  the  eflfect  of  their  fire.  Major  Croghan  caused  that 
|ioint  to  be  strengthened  by  means  ot  bags  of  flour,  sand  and 
other  materials,  in  such  a  manner  that  the  picketing  sustained  lit- 
I  tie  or  no  injury.  But  the  enemy,  supposing  that  their  fire  had 
I  sufficiently  shattered  the  pickets,  advanced,  to  the  number  of  500., 
I  to  stem  the  place,  at  the  same  time  making  two  feints  on  differ 
lot  points. 

The  column  which   advanced  against  the  northwestern  anglc^ 
I  was  80  completely  enveloped  in  smoke^  as  not   to  be  discovered 
ttotil  it  had  approached  within  eighteen  or  twenty  paces  of  the 
lines,  but  the  men  being  all  at  their  posts,  and  ready  to  receive  it, 
commenced  so  heavy  and  gallant  a  fire  as  to  throw  the  column 
into  confusion  ;  but  being  quickly  rallied,  Lieut.   Col.   Short,  the 
leader  of  the  column  exclaimed,  **  come  on  my  brave  felloes, 
we  will  give  the  dam'd  yankee  rascals  no  quarters,*'  and  imm€di-> 
ately  leapt  into  the  ditch,  followed  by  his  troops ;  as  soon  as  the 
diicb  was  entirely  filled  by  the  assailants.  Major  Croghan  ordered 
the  six  pounder,  which  had  been  masked  in  the  block   house,  to 
be  fired.    It  had   been  loaded  with  a  double  charge  of  musket 
IbalU  and  slugs.     This  piece  completely  raked  the  ditch  from  end 
ttoend.    The  first  fir«  levelled  the  one  half  in  death ;  the  second 
or  third  either  killed  or  woundid  every  one  except  eleven,  who 
Uere  coTered  by  the  dead  bodiei.     At  tb«  same  time,  the  fire  di 


1 1> 


I  -  •-. '. 


■  ■.<\t 


U1 


r.; 


r 


laa 


bKETCHIS,  &C. 


the  fmall  arms  whs  to  inceisant  and  deilructiv*,  that  it  u/ai  iu 
vain  the  '^ri'i^h  officer*  exerted  themivlves  to  Ie9<>  on  the  unlance 
of  the  culuinn  ;  it  retired  in  disorder  undi;  w:?Aver  of  ihfit. 
and  gouglit  safety  in  an  adjoining  wood.  The  :  .  ofrV'^  enem)  in 
killed  was  ahout  150,  beaidei  a  coosiderableiiui,.'.'rof  their  allies, 
The  Americans  had  but  one  killed  and  seven  slightly  ^  ounded. 
Barly  in  the  morning  of  the  3d,  the  enemy  retreated  down  th^ 
river,  after  having  abandoned  considerable  baggage. 

The  garrison  was  composed  of  regulars,  all  Kentuckiani;  : 
finer  company  of  men  was  not  to  be  found  in  the  United  State!, 
perhaps  not  in  the  world.  They  were  as  humane  as  courageous 
This  is  proved  by  their  unceasing  attention  to  the  wounded  eae 
my  after  their  discomfiture  ;  during  the  night  they  kindly  received 
into  the  fort,  through  the  fatal  port  hole  of  the  block  house,  ilt 
those  who  were  able  to  crawl  to  it ;  to  those  unable  to  move, 
they  threw  canteens  filled  with  water.  They  even  parted  with 
their  clothes  to  alleviate  the  sufferings  of  the  wounded. 

Gen.  Harrison  had  ordered  Maj.  Croghan  to  destroy  the  storet 

and  abandon  the  fort,  in  case  the  enemy  made  his  appearance 

He  found  it  expedient  to  disobey  this  order,  and  has  thereby  im 
nortalized  himself. 

While  Proctor  and  Dixon  were  investing  fort  Stephenson,  It 
cumseh  with  a  band  of  2000  warriors  and  some  British  troopi, 
approached  fort  Meigs.  They  hovered  round  the  place  for  seve- 
ral days  and  then  withdrew,  without  doing  any  material  injury  to 
the  garrison. 

When  the  news  of  the  attack  on  fort  Stephenson  reached  Gov. 
Meigs,  he  made  a  spirited  call  to  the  patriotism  of  Ohio.      Suck  I 
was  its  effect,  that  16>000  men  were  immediately  in  motion  to  | 
repel  the  invaders.      Fortunately  their  services  were  not  rf 
•yiired. 


U  ^ 


t» 


.■'»  ^ 


>  » 


I     ^  uv 


,,  jt 


r.*.5i 


;»:  tt      »., 


f-- 


.    .    :        el"'      '  • ") 


ijs 


SKETCUEis 


Of 


rilE  WAR 


Q 


qj«— —Pg*g""'y— 


imi-Jiiia.wftBg! 


Volume  I Nvmdku  4. 


UUMllU 


wv 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

preparations  for  the  invasion  of  Canada....Capture  of  Maiden.,, . 
Pursuit  and  capture  of  the  British  army..,. Return  of  the  ar 
my  to  Detroit,  and  embarkation  for  Buffalo. 

The  tide  of  victory,  at  this  period,  bej^an  to  set  with  a  strong 
current  in  favor  of  the  American  arms.  On  the  10th  of  Septem- 
ber, com.  Perry  captured  the  whole  British  force  on  lake  Erie. 
This  victory  removed  the  principal  barrier  to  the  conquest  of  Mai- 
den and  the  recovery  of  Detroit ;  of  which  we  shall  give  a  more 
detailed  account  hereafter. 

At  this  time  gen.  Harrison  began  to  concentrate  his  forces  at 
the  mouth  of  Portage  river.  The  greatest  activity  was  visible  io 
camp,  in  preparing  for  the  descent  on  Canada.  Boats  were  col- 
lected—>beef  jerked — the  superfluous  baggage  secured  in  block 
houses  and  a  substantial  log  fence  two  miles  long,  extending 
from  Portage  river  to  Sandusky  bay,  was  built  to  secure  the  hors- 
es during  the  operations  of  the  army. 

On  the  17th  gov.  Shelby  with  4000  volunteers,  arrived  at 
head  quarters.  This  formidable  corps  were  all  mounted ;  but  it 
was  deemed  best  for  them  to  act  as  infantry,  and  leave  their  hors- 
es on  the  peninsula.  On  the  20th  gen.  M' Arthur's  brigade,  from 
fort  Meigs,  joined  the  main  body,  after  a  very  fatiguing  march 
of  three  days  down  the  lake  coast. 

Col.  Johnson's  mounted  regiment  remained  at  fort  Meigs,  but 
had  orders  to  approach  Detroit  by  land  and  to  advance  pari  pas- 
su wuh  the  commander  in  chiet,  who  was  to  giove  in  boats  thro' 
the  islands  to  Maiden,  and  of  whose  progress,  the  colonel  was  to 
^  daily  informed  by  a  special  express. 

The  British  prisoners,  taken  in  the  naval  action  of  the  10th, 
Were  gt  nt  to  Chilicothe,  guarded  by  a  part  of  col.  Hill's  regiment 
"^  Pennsylvania  detached  militia.      The  different  posts  on  th« 


'           ■  * 

S  4| 

■f* 

.  "y 

.  •  i 

W:\ 

1* 

rv>t ' 

1 

•:■>'   ■ 


.  ^ 


<■■. 


V''l   % 


270 


SKETCHES  00 


1    V 


I*  :■ 


Aixtericnn  side  of  the  lake,  were  left  in  charge  of  the  Ohio  mii;- 
tia.  Fort  Meigs,  which  till  now  had  covered  eight  acres  of  laud, 
was  reduced  in  its  dimensions  to  one  acre.  About  500  Kentuck- 
ians  were  to  remain  at  Portage  to  guard  the  horses*  and  stores. 
livery  thing  being  now  ready,  the  embarkation  of  the  troops 
commenci'd  at  the  dawn  of  day,  on  the  2 let  For  the  want  ol  a 
sufficit  nt  number  of  boats,  not  more  than  one  third  of  the  army 
could  embiuk  at  once. 

There  is  a  range  of  islands  extending  from  the  head  of  the 
peninsula,  to  Maiden.  These  islands  render  the  navigation  safe, 
und  afford  ttie  army  convenient  depots  for  baggage  and  stotet, 
as  w'eil  as  halting  places. 

Put-in  bay  island,  sixteen  miles  from  Portage,  was  selected  by 
the  general  as  the  first  point  of  rend€zvou8...4he  first  stage  in  his 
pa.  sage  across  the  lake.  The  weather  was  favorable.  As  ?oo& 
as  the  first  division  of  boats  reached  the  island,  men  were  immedi- 
Htfly  detached  to  take  back  the  boats  for  a  fresh  load.  Such  was 
the  eagerness  of  the  men  to  accelerate  the  embarkation  of  the 
whole  army,  that  they,  in  most  cqjes,  anticipated  this  regulation 
by  volunteering  their  services  to  return  with  boats.  Every  one 
courted  fatigue. 

The  fleet  of  commodore  Perry,  was  busily  engaged  in  traus- 
porting  the  baggage  of  the  array.  In  the  course  of  the  22d  the 
whole  army  had  gained  the  island,  and  encamped  on  the  margin 
of  the  bay,  which  forms  nearly  a  semicircle. 

The  Lawrence,  and  the  six  prize  ships,  captured  from  the  ene- 
my, were  at  anchor  in  the  centre  of  the  bay,  and  in  full  view, 
With  what  ineffable  delight  did  the  troops  contemplate  this  inter 
esling  spectacle  !  Their  curiosity  was  amply  indulged  :  every  one 
was  permitted  to  go  on  board  the  prizes  to  view  the  effects  of  the 
battle.  The  men  vere  highly  pleased  with  this  indulgence  of 
the  general  and  the  commodore.  The  scene  was  calculated  tc 
inflame  their  military  ardor,  which  was  visible  in  every  counte 
nance. 

The  army  was  detained  at  Put-in-bay  during  the  23d  and  24tf 
by  unfavorable  winds. 

On  the  25th  the  army  again  embarked,  partly  in  boats  and 
partly  on  board  the  fleet,  to  takt  a  nearer  position  to  the  Canadian 
shore.  The  flotilla  arrived  a  little  before  sunset  at  a  small  island 
called  the  Eastern  Si^tlr,  eighteen  miles  from  Maiden,  and  seven 
from  the  coast.  This  island  does  not  contain  more  that  3  acres, 
and  the  men  had  scarcely  room  to  sit  down. 

On  the  'ifith,  the  wind  blowing  fresh,  it  became  necessary  tc 
haul  up  the  boats  to  prevent  their  staving.  The  general  and 
commodore,  in  the  Ariel,  made  a  reconnoisancc  of  the  tneAnV 


yi: 


•  rill-  iiUiii'ii.i  (ifiorst's  |i  li  on  lite  iVnitiitild.  iliirinf^^  the  nliicntc  olilic  army  i;i  ("anuH-i  " 
»ui-  !s «'( fiw  ti>iju>«i»il  i  thr  ilic  nioM  |iart,  of  -.lit  fini  »izi'  01.O  i  <,i  ;li'iri> 


'>M 


THS  WAR. 


Iv  1 


eoatti  and  approached  within  a  short  distance  of  Maiden.  Capt. 
Johnny  was  despatched  to  apprize  Col.  Johnson  of  the  progrc8^  of 
our  army.  Gen.  Cass,  Col.  Ball  and  Capt.  M'Clelland  were  busy 
in  arranging  and  numbering  the  boats.  At  sunset  the  lake  had 
risen  several  feet  ;  indeed,  such  was  the  violence  of  the  .surf, 
that  many  entertained  serious  fears  that  the  greater  part  of  tlii' 
island  would  be  innundated  before  innrniiigf.  However,  the  wind 
subsided  at  12  o'clock,  and  relieved  their  apprehensions. 

■      '       'i      ■  ■■  ;;'    :,.      .  •    ■.  !  ,,: 

Capture  of  Maiden On  the  27th,  at  9  in  the  morning,   the 

trmy  made  its  final  embarkation. 

They  landed,  in  perfect  order  of  battle,  at  4  P.  M.  three  miles 
below  Maiden.  The  Kentucky  voluntet-rs  formed  the  right  wiigr. 
Ball's  legion  and  the  friendly  Indians  the  centre,  and  the  regm-^rs 
on  the  left.  The  troop.4  were  almost  instantly  in  line,  and  eliortly 
eommenced  their  march,  en  echelons,  for  Maiden.  The  troops 
hii<i  been  drilled  to  marching  in  and  out  of  boats,  and  to  forming 
on  the  beach.  £very  man  knew  his  place,  and  so  well  were  they 
masters  of  this  very  necessary  piece  of  service,  that  a  company 
would  march  mto  a  boat,  debark  and  form  on  the  beach  in  less 
than  one  minute,  and  that  too  without  the  least  confusion. 

As  they  approached  Matdcii,  instead  of  the  led  coatj,  and  the 
war  whoop  of  the  Indians,  a  group  of  well-dressed  ladies  advanc- 
ed to  meet  them,  and  to  implore  mercy  and  protection.  They 
were  met  by  Gov.  Shelby,  who  soon  quieted  their  fears  by  assur- 
jig  them  that  the  army  came  not  to  make  war  on  women  and 
children,  but  to  protect  them. 

The  arniy  entered  Maiden  by  several  parallel  streets.  The  ru- 
ins of  the  fott  and  naval  buildings,  which  the  enemy  had  evacu 
ated  and  burnt,  were  still  smoking.  All  the  loyal  inhabitants  fol 
lowed  the  British  army  in  its  retreat.  The  fortifications  at  Mai- 
den must  have  cost  the  British  government  a  vast  (.um.  The  furt 
was  surrounded  by  a  deep  ditch  and  two  rows  of  heavy  pickets  ; 
the  walls  were  high  and  the  adjacent  country  very  level. 
What  cannon  and  small  arms  the  enemy  had  been  unable  to  car- 
ry away  were  sunk  in  the  river. 

Opposite  the  place  lies  the  island  of  Bois  Blanc,  on  the  lower 
end  of  which  was  a  heavy  battery,  which  defended  the  entrance 
to  the  harbour.  The  enemy  in  their  haste  had  left  an  18  pounder 
on  this  battery. 

Perhaps  there  is  not  a  place  in  America  that  possesses  so  great 
convenience  for  ship  building  as  Maiden.  The  descent  of  the 
shore  is  in  proper  angle  for  launching  ;  besides,  the  water  is  deep, 
and  the  timber  can  be  floated  to  the  spot  in  any  quantity,  and  at 
a  thort  distance,  except  pin?,  which  is  found  on  the  Thames, on 
'he  St,  Clair  river,  and  on  the  shores  of  the  lakes.       They  had 


■J? 

■  :t 


!it 


"i 


"yv; 


f.! 


1    <S 


•tiv 


n 


'■''i'. 


!'•'' 

"'  'i 

\ 


'mM4^ 


m 


i 


M   ■  if? 

f     ■  ■  Ih'; 

.;      •    ■    1 ; ;. 

;i  '"  V':. '  t 


i 

niiiftitj 

179 


&&ETCHBS  OV 


ox)lloeted  a  considerable  quanty  of  timber,  which  they  attempted 
to  burn,  but  without  succeis. 

The  country  is  settled  to  the  distance  of  20  noilet  below  Maiden, 
Three  miles  above  the  fort  is  an  Indian  village,  which  had  been 
abandoned  so  suddenly  that  many  essential  articles  of  Indian  fur- 
niture, such  as  brass  bettles,  were  left  in  the  houxes. 

In  the  evening  aft«r  the  arrival  of  the  army  at  Maiden,  CoL 
Ball  dispatched  an  officer  and  twenty  men  to  prevent  the  ene- 
my's destroying  the  bridge  across  the  Aux  Canards.  The  enemy 
tvere  found  on  the  bridge  having  just  set  fire  to  it :  Our  party 
fired  on  them-*-they  dispersed,  and  the  bridge  was  saved. 

On  the  28th  the  aimy  passed  the  Aux  Canards,  and  encamped 
two  miles  beyond  the  river,  in  a  neat  Fiench  settlement.  A  8mall 
party  of  British  horse  sho\ved  themselves  at  the  bridge  and  thci 
retired. 

The  next  day  the  army  reached  Sandwich  at  2  o'clock,  P.  M. 
At  the  same  time  the  fleet  came  up  the  river  to  Detroit.  The 
general  made  dispositionis  for  patsiDg  t^e  river.  Gov.  Shelby'i 
cotps  remained  at  Sandwich,  while  Col.  Ball's  legion  and  the  bri- 
gades of  Oenerals  M'Arthur  and  Cuss  passed  over  to  Detroit. 

The  Indians  appeared  in  groupt- s,  on  the  bank  of  the  river  be- 
low Detroit ;  a  few  shots  from  the  gun  bouts  caused  them  to  dit 
perse. 

The  Indians  did  not  leave  Detroit  till  the  boats  containing  the 
troops  were  half  way  across  the  river.  Just  before  the  army  landed 
on  the  Ame'ican  side,  the  inhabitants  hoisted  the  U.  S.  flag,  amids! 
the  acclamations  of  thousands.  They  were  received  by  the  in 
habitants  with  demonstrations  of  unfeigned  joy.  They  had  i^uf 
fered  all  that  civilized  and  savage  tyranny  could  inflict,  save 
death.  The  Indians  had  lived  at  free  quarters  for  several  montht. 
It  was  natural  for  them  to  hail  the  American  army  as  their  deli- 
verers. 

The  enemy  had  set  fire  to  the  fort,  but  the  walls  and  picketing 
remained  entire.  Thr  public  store,  a  long  brick  building  near  the 
wharf,  was  injured  only  in  the  roof,  which  our  men  soon  repaired 
In  the  course  of  the  night  there  was  an  alarm  in  camp.. .the  (ires 
were  extinguished,  and  the  men  ordered  to  lie  on  their  arms- 

On  the  30th  Col.  Johnson's  regiment  arrived  from  fort  Meigi, 

and  immediately  commenced  ihe  passage  of  the  river  in  boats 

Gen.  M'Arthur,  with  the  matis  of  the  regular  troops, .was  charged 
with  the  defence  of  Detroit.  It  was  the  general  opinion  of  tiie 
inhabitants,  that  there  wi^na  1000  Indian  warriors,  under  Marpo* 
and  Split-log,  lurking  in  the  woods  between  the  rivers  Rouge  and 
Huron  of  Lake  St.  Clair.  The  friendly  Indians  had  taken  scvc 
ral  prisoners  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  Detroit. 

Pursuit  and  capture  of  the  British  army On  the  2d  of  Oc 

tQber  every  arr4i:genaeot  was  completed  for  pursuing  the  retrcqir- 


?l;| 


THK   WAM. 


17'S 


ipg  Briti»h  army  up  the  Thames.     The  force  selected  for  this  set 
vice  vvere   the   mounted  regiment  of  Col.  Jolin^oi),  three  c^nipa- 
niei  of  Col.  Ball's  legion,  and  the  principal  part  of  Gov.  .Shtlby'K 
volunteers. 

From  Sandwich  to  the  Moravian  Towns  is  84  miles.  The 
roads,  for  the  most  part,  bfnii^  good,  and  the  country  perfectly 
level,  the  advance  of  the  troops  vy4%  yj  rapid  that  they  rtached 
the  river  Riscum,  which  is  atmut  25  miles  from  Sandwich,  in  tlie 
evening  of  the  same  day.  The  tmtmy  bad  uej^locted  to  de;itroy 
the  bridge. 

Early  oo  the  moriUng  of  (tie  Jd,  tlie  geamat  proceeded  ^vit1^ 
Johnson's  regiment,  to  prevent  the  destruction  of  the  bridges  dver 
the  ditferent  ittreains  th»t  fall  into  lake  St.  Ciair  and  the  Thames. 
Tliese  streams  are  deep  and  muddy,  and  ar^-  unfordable  for  a  con- 
siderable distance  into  the  country.  A  lieutenant  of  dragoons 
and  30  privates,  who  had  been  sent  back  by  Gen  Proctor,  to  de- 
stroy the  bridges,  were  made  prisoners  near  the  mouth  of  the 
Thames ;  from  them  the  general  learnt  that  the  enemy  had  uo 
certain  information  of  their  advance. 

The  baggage  of  the  army  was  brought  from  Detroit  in  boats, 
protected  by  a  part  of  Commodoie  Perry's  tqiiadron.  in  the  eve- 
ning the  army  arrived  at  Drake's  farm,  eight  uriles  from  the 
mouth  of  the  Thanes,  and  encamped.  This  river  is  a  fine,  deep 
stream,  navigable  for  vessels  of  considerable  burthen,  afttr  the 
passage  of  the  bar  at  its  mouth,  over  which  there  is  generally  7 
feet  water.  The  gun  boats  could  ascend  as  far  as  Dalsun'.s,  be- 
low which  the  country  is  one  continued  prarie,  and  at  once  favor- 
able for  cavalry  movements,  and  for  the  co  operation  of  the  gun- 
boats. Above  Dalson's  the  aspect  of  the  country  changes ;  the 
river,  though  still  deep,  .3  not  more  than  70  yards  wide,  and  its 
banks  high  and  wood}'. 

At  Chatham, 4  miles  from  Dalson's,and  16  from  lake  '-A.  Clair, is 
a  small  deep  creek,  where  the  army  found  the  bridge  tp.k»j:  up,  f>riQ 
the  enemy  disposed  to  dispute  their  passage,  and  upoi  iv^;  arrival 
of  the  advanced  guard,  commenced  a  heavy  fir^  froai  the  rppc 
iite  bank,  as  well  as  a  flank  tire  from  the  right  ■■^lui  ot  the  ri^er. 
File  army  halted  and  formed  in  order  of  battle.  \-\r  bridge  was 
repaired  under  the  cover  of  a  fire  from  two  C  pcui.d^;i  The  In- 
dians did  not  relish  the  fire  of  our  cannon,  and  rcf.  r^d.  Colonel 
Jnhnion,  being  on  the  right,  had  seized  the  remair>><  of  a  bridge 
at  McGregor's  mills,  under  a  heavy  fire  from  the  Indians,  tie 
lost  on  this  occasion  two  killed  and  four  wounded.  The  enemy 
Mt  fire  to  a  house  near  the  bridge,  containing  a  considerable  ona  k- 
tity  oi  muskets  ;  ihe  flames  were  extinguished  and  th?  arms  si  V4.d. 
At  the  first  farm  above  the  bridge  they  tbund  ooe  of  the  enemy'> 
vessels  on  Are,  loaded  with  arms  and  ordnance  stoKs.  Four  miU*- 
hj^her  up,  the  army  took  a  poiitioa  tor  the  nigbt.  Here  they  found 


'''I- 'I 


m 


174 


SKETCHES  OF 


I!  i-i ' 


ih  \  !• 


'.  ) 


SI:  ■ 


f 


two  nt!rcr  vessels,  and  a  large  distillery  filled  with  ordnance  and 
stores  t;)  an  iajmriii^f  afnount,  in  flame».  Two  24  pounders,  with 
tlieir  carria^esj  were  taken,  and  a  bige  quantity  of  balls  and 
shells  of  various  sizes. 

The  army  was  put  in  motion  early  on  the  morning  of  the  5lh, 
The  general  accompanied  Col.  Johnson,  and  Gov.  Shelby  followed 
with  tlie  infantry.  This  morning  the  army  captured  two  gun- 
boats and  several  batteuax  loaded  with  provisions  and  ammuni- 
tion. At  9  they  had  reached  Arnold's  mills,  where  there  was  a 
fording  place',  and  the  only  one  for  a  considerable  distance.  Here 
the  army  crossed  to  the  right  bank,the  mounted  regiment  fording, 
and  the  infantry  in  the  captured  boats.  The  passage,  though  re- 
tarded for  want  of  a  sufficient  number  of  boats,  was  completed 
by  Vi  o'clock. 

Eight  miles  above  the  ford,  they  passed  the  ground  where  the 
British  force  had  encamped  the  night  before.  The  general  di- 
rected the  advance  of  Col.  Johnson's  regiment  to  accelerate  their 
march,  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  the  distance  of  the  enemy. 
The  cllicer  commanding  it,  shortly  after  sent  word  back  that  his 
progress  was  stopped  by  the  enemy,  who  were  formed  across 
our  line  of  march. 

The  army  was  now  within  three  miles  of  the  Moravian  town, 
and  vi^ithin  one  mile  of  the  enemy.  The  road  passes  through  a 
beech  forest  without  any  clearing,  and  for  tlu-  first  two  miles,  near 
to  the  bank  of  the  river.  At  the  distance  of  50  rods  from  tiie 
viver,  is  a  swamp  running  parallel  to  it,  and  extending  all  the  way 
to  the  Indian  village.  The  intermediate  ground  is  dry,  the  sur- 
face level,  th€  trees  lofty  and  thick,  with  very  little  underwood 
fo  impede  the  progress  of  man  or  horse,  if  we  except  that  part 
which  borders  on  the  swamp.     ^        •  - 

Across  this  narrow  strip  of  land,  the  British  force  was  drawn 
tip  in  a  line  of  battle,  to  prevent  the  advance  of  our  army.  Their 
Ictt,  resting  on  the  river,  was  defended  by  four  piece?  of  cannon; 
near  the  centre  were  two  other  pieces.  Near  the  swamp,  the 
British  line  was  covered  by  a  large  Indi>in  force,  who  also  lined 
the  naaigin  of  the  swamp  to  a  considerable  distance.  The  Bri- 
tish troops  amounted  to  600;  the  Indians  probably  to  1200. 

As  it  was  not  practicable  to  turn  the  enemy  in  flank,  it  becarrc 
necessary  to  attack  them  in  front.  Gen.  Harrison  did  not  long 
hesitate  in  his  choice  of  the  mode  of  attack.  Jt  was  as  novel  as 
it  was  successful. 

The  troops  at  his  disposal  might  amount  to  3000  men;  yet, 
from  the  peculiar  nature  of  the  ground,  one  half  of  this  force 
could  not  advantageously  engage  the  enemy. 

About  J  50  regulars,  under  Col.  Ball,  occupied  the  narrow 
space  between  the  road  and  river;  they  were  ordered  to  advance 
and  amuse  the  enemy;  and  if  an  opportunity  offered,  to  seize  hif 


Ud 


ijt 


THE   WAR. 


175 


cannon.  A  small  party  of  friendly  Indians  were  directed  to  move 
under  the  bank.  Col.  Johnson's  regiment  was  drawn  up  in  close 
column,  with  its  right  a  few  yards  distant  from  the  road,  with  or- 
ders to  charge  at  full  speed  as  soon  as  the  enemy  delivered  his 
fire.  The  Kentucky  volunteers,  under  Major  Gen.  Henny,  were 
formed  in  the  rear  of  the  mounted  regiment,  in  three  lines  ex- 
tending from  the  road  to  the  swamp.  Gen.  Desha's  division  co- 
vered the  left  of  Johnson's  regiment.       Gov.  Shelby  was  at  the 

crotchet,  formed  by  the  front  line  and  Gen.  Desha's  division 

This  was  an  important  point.  Gen.  Cass  and  Commodore  Perry, 
volunteered  as  aids  to  Gen.  Harrison,  who  placed  himself  at  th( 
head  of  the  front  line  of  infantry,  to  direct  the  movements  of  th<- 
cavalry,  and  to  give  them  the  necessary  support.  Such  was  the 
ordtr  of  battle. 

The  army  mo\%d  in  this  order  till  the  mounted  men  received 
ihe  fire  of  the  enemy,  at  the  distance  of  200  >ards.  The  charge 
was  beat,  and  in  an  instant  tOOO  horse  were  in  motion  at  fiill 
speed;  the  right,  led  on  by  Col.  Johnson,  broke  through  the  Briiisli 
lines  and  formed  in  their  rear.  The  enemy's  pieces  wore  no^ 
loaded ;  their  bayonets  were  not  fixed,  and  they  surrendered  at 
discretion.  The  whole  was  the  work  of  a  minute.  In  breaking 
through  their  ranks,  our  men  killed  12  and  wounded  37  of  tire 
British  regulars.  The  shock  was  unexpected.  They  were  not 
prepared  to  resist  it ;  some  were  trampled  under  the  feet  of  oui 
horses;  others  were  cut  down  by  the  soldiers;  very  few  were 
shot,  for  the  fire  was  not  general.  Had  the  enemy  shown  tl>e 
least  symptoms  of  resistance,  after  their  lines  were  broken  tbrough, 
(he  greater  part  would  have  been  destroyed  ;  but  they  werr 
passive.  Never  was  terror  more  strongly  depicted  on  the  coun- 
tenances of  men.  Even  the  otficers  were  seen  with  uplifted 
hands,  exclaiming  "  quarter?!"  There  \»  no  doubt  that  they  ex- 
pected to  be  massacred,  believing  that  the  Kentuckians  would  re 
taliate  the  bloody  scenes  of  Raisin  and  Miami ;  but  nothing  wa5 
farther  from  thfir  intentions. 

On  the  Icf!  ihe  contest  was  more  serious;  Col.  Johnson,  who 
commanded  on  that  tlank  of  his  regiment,  received  a  terrible  fire 
from  the  Indians,  which  war  kept  up  for  some  time.       The  colo 
ncl  most  gallantly  led  the  head  of  his  column  into  the  hottest  cl" 
the  enemy's  fire,  and  was  personally  opposed  to  Tecumseli.       At 
this  point  a  condensed  mass  of  savages  had  collected.       Yet,  re 
gardlessof  danger,  he  rushed   into  the  midst   of  them;  so    thick 
were  the  Indians,  at  this  moment,  that  several  might  have  reach 
td  him  with  their  rifles^     He  rode  a  white  horse,  and  was  knn\v« 
to  be  an  otticer  of  rank  ;  a  shower  of  balls  was  discharged  at  him, 
;ome  of  which  took  effect.       His  horse  was  shot  under  him,  and 

bis  clothes,  his  saddh',  and  his  person  wa.«   pierced  with  buileiy 

^t  the  moment  hie  horse  fell,  Tecums»ii  rushed  towards  him  witl-. 


t-'l 


■V  V  ■  ;.> 


);  : 


i-^'ik 


':^  I 


It 


ri  « 


tf 

i      1 

mm 


11 


ira 


SKETCHES  OV 


«n  uplifted  tomahnwk,  to  give  the  fatal  stroke  ;  but  hit  pteaeiiO( 
of  mind  did  not  forsake  him  in  this  perilous  predicament ;  he  I 
drew  a  pistol  from  his  holster^  and  laid  his  daring  opponent  deadi 
at  his  feet.     He  was  unable  to  do  more,  the  loss  of  blood  deprivtd 
him  of  strength  to  stand.       Fortunately,  at  the  moment  of  Te 
cumseh's  fall,  the  enemy  gave  way,  which  secitred  him  from  the  I 
reach  of  their  tomahawks.     He  received  five  shots....three  in  the  I 
right  thigh,  and  two  \r\  the  left  arm.     Six  Americans  and  twfmty. 
two  Indians  fell  within  20  yards  of  the  spot  where  Teciim!)e!<| 
was  killed,  and  the  trains  of  blood  almost  covered  the  ground. 

The  Indians  continued  a   brisk  fire  from  the  margin  of  th^  | 
swamp,  whitfh  made  some  impression  on  a  line  of  L«?ntucky  \c 
luntec-r^;  but  Gov.  Shelby  brought  up  a  regiment  to  its  support,  I 
and  their  fire  soon  became  too  warm  for  the  enemy.     A  partoi 
Coi.  Johnson's  men  having  gained  the  rear  of  a  part  of  the  Indiarl 
line,  the  rout  became  general.     A  small  party  of  Indians  atteiUjit 
ed  to  gain  the  village  by  running  up  the  narrow  strip  of  dry  land 
but  they  were  soon  overtaken  and  cut  down.     The  Indians  fougji' 
brnvfly,  and    sustained    a   severe  loss  ir:  killed  and   wounded 
The  death  of  Tecumseh  was  to  them  2,<\  irreparable  loss.* 

The  American  army  had  16  killed  and  30  wounded.       Amonjrl 
the  slain   was  Col.  Whitley,  of  the  Kentucky  vol'^inteers,  a  niarj 
70  years  of  age,  and  a  soldier  of  the  revolution.       He  was  it 
easy  citcumstaoced  at  home,  and  possessed  an  excellent  character 

•  I hrct It hnttil  aboriginal  wirrior,  r«vumMh,  wai  ir  the  44th  year  ofhii  oec  when  hr  frll » 
thf  battle  (if'thc  lliainos.  Hcwai  o'lhe  Shawaiincvr  trihi'  five  fvt't  trn  inehn  biKn,  wtll  lotmfdfi; 
•cuvit)  am^  thci-ndiirancFofratiK'.A  which  ht-  ^a\  vapabtf  oi  lustainiiiy  in  a  tiry  txirauiduuii; 
«l«-(fixt  I  tin  carriage  ua«  ert-tt  hikI  'ol'ly— liii  niutiont  quick— hii « yf»  penrtnuiiig— hii  visa^i  ttnt. 
.'With  an  air  orbaiitiiir  in  hit  roiKift'iiancL-,  w  hicli  arouMnmi  an  i  k-vated  pride  ot  Mmi— it  did  not  kM 
hini  fviii  iiiiicatli.  Hit  <  lo<iucni'e  was  ik»rvaiii  coiicisi.-  iniprt-^tive  fi^raiive  ami  Mrcaitio  imit 
ol'it  lacituni  babit  ortitt-trh,  hit  wonU  wvrt-  Ti-w  but  alwayi  to  the  puipoir.  His  drvts  was  pitin- 
hi-  wai  tuvfr  known  tu  indulgv  iit  nudy  dtHioritioii  o'  hit  }itTioii  Hhich  it  the  ;;(<neral  practii-r ol Ui 
ItMliani.  H<^  wore  on  the  sjay  of  bit  death  a  dntinl  divrtkin  roat  and  pantaluon*'  Itiiiaidlir 
couiil  ri  ml  and  writ*  < 'oi"'.-vtly  -,  nl  thit  howrvpr  ii  it  doulili'ul,  at  ho  wa«  thi^  im>oiicilablc  rrx-myM 
civilizutinii,  orcuunt'  wuiiM  I'.ut  h*.-  aut  to  relitb  the  fine  arti.  He  wat  in  rveiy  rrtpect  a  <aMipr,  tbt 
gr(".iic«i  perhaps  linre  the  il-yt  I' rontaic  Mi«  rulii>K  niaitim  in  war.  wa>  to  laki:  nu  piitomn, 
nii^l  III  tirii-il)  adl'trrd  tu  thi-  tanipiinar)'  purpoie*  o>  hit  inul— -hu  neither  gave  iMir  acccptiH  q^ai 
tei'».  Yii.  paradukiral  tu  ii  niai  term,  to  the  pritonrn  madt  by  the  other  tribet,  he  »ui  mttniin 
ami  liuinani-.  N'av,in  nnu  inttance  he  itiaid  to  have  Juried  hit  tomahawk  in  ibe  head  or  a  lhi|l(l^ 
way  chill'  wliimi  he  found  ariivilr  enraged  in  matsacning tome  oi  Uiidley't  mm,  altirthe>  m 
been  inutit'  ;  , itoiu  is  by  the  Brilith  antTlndiani.  It  had  lung  beenarator!tepr<>|trt  orihiiti|iiii% 
Dhiet'loo"  «'  the  nortliem  w<.-tteniaii.;  lotithem  Indiana  fur  the  purpoteti.  renaming  tin  ircuiinii| 
uliirat  .11' t^iiio  Whether  ihi<  Ri-uni' Ui«  original  I'din  hit  own,  ur  his  liiuihi  r't  mind,  ci  »■/ 
iiiKRe>'e<l  by  thr  British,  it  not  knuwn—bo  .hie  r.iMcfa  it  certain,  he  cherithe«l  (he  plan  wiihtiiUiU' 
tiaii '  ui<d  iiritiully  visiiid  the  Cr>i  k  Indi,uis  to  prevail  on  ti.«m  tu  Join  m  the  nndurtakmfi^.  He 
w,<i'.  r)\vavt  o(<|io-itl  tu  the  tale  ol' the  India.'  laiuli.— Ina  otnncilat  Vincenih't,  In  18 10,  he  waitnuivt 
•  Vital  to  ill*'  iniididii^  urtt  oi  a  diplonmiiil  la  uai;  o(  hit  npt^echt  i  he  pronounced  general  ilarran 
>i<  na<'>  '  e  \\a\  hieii  in  alinoit  every  baitti  with  the  Aiticricant  frutn  ihc  time  ul'  ilanner'a  ih'tiM ii 
that  of  the  Tliami  s.  lie  lint  beei.  teviral  timet  wmiiuiid,  and  alw4)«  touKbt  the  boltrttotrtiifiK- 
A  i<\>  minuter  bifmi  h<  reeeiv:''  t'<e  tntal  ftiv  of  col  .lnhnson,  he  had  receivul  it  mutket  htilinki) 
left  arm.  ><'t  hi»  iHVrti  io  Jonqi  /  i.tii<ed  only  with  lite.  Wlien  «  youth,  aiul  bijbre  the  irttty  of 
Oi^enxille  he  h  il  hi  t/l'ti  tiKi>al>Xed  him«eU  tliHt  he  wat  ttpulnl  one  of  the  Itoklett  oftlie  liuluu 
warriors  In  the  Kvni  f  •  'i  nu-nt  fKentiiek:  he  vat  peciiliarl)  active  in  teiziiig  iMiutt  ijniiii;  Hott^ 
(lie  Ohfo,  i.illitiK  ihi-  jih-.m  ngrit  and  carrying  (<:•'  ih>  iv  L<ru|ieny  Hi  made  fre<|Ueni  inciiiHn  in  M" 
Kcfi""hy  wheie  h.  » .mh'  intariab!y  ninrdi  r  tone  lu  the  lettlen  and  e»eap«-  with  »tvt  ral  Uotwt  U 
den  w  th  pliK'di  r  Mr  iiUkxyi eluded  pnrtnit.  and  v  heti  too  rluiel)  printed,  v. iiuM  t  tire  in  the  IW 
ba«l\      III),  rnlii'i:  ra^vioti  ueijit  to  have  hcii  xlor)— •:•'  ivat  eared  it  of  wealth   Hiid  alihouf(h  ju^ 

Jiunili  riti'{'>  HI  >i  «ii!Miili<  t  mutt  have  amounted  toa  great  tuni,  be  pvtrti  rvni  htile  ttir  imnsi  li  AlU' 
it  fill  on  tl.i-  Mh  (.•'Oiuilnr  hU  pertmi  wa»  vkwed  with  great  inten  "^i  b>  the  oftleer*  iiiiU  ^Mvn 
<il'Hiirii«in'«  mti.y  ft  wat  nome time  lHti)ri-  the  idnitit)  oi  hit  SKrtiiii  «a>  iiiffliieiitlj  rieciptilM'' 
to  remote  all  ''  i.''<  it«  to  thi  ceit;tint\  ol  hit  de;>»h  I  liete  watitkilid  ol  ferfu'ioUl  plca.iin  ,  i  l6< 
expr- 1  ion  loiy  henll-'we  i.  in  cooieiuijlatioi,-  On- contour  ol  lii«  t.  atunt  whieh  wat  ini^jeiticivinii' 
dmili  ■■'o"  •■  'Il  Iv.  I  nieUi.iii  .i')<r»eiU  ihetnrflvm  hv  comMiitliiijj  Midigriljc*  oi«  hit  Jr«il  M' 
l?B  watto^lprtl  anil  otliirwin;  dijflgnn  d. 


Iiii  pteaeno( 
cament ;  he 
iponent  deti  I 
ood  deptivtil 
ment  of  Tt 
im  from  the  I 
.three  in  tht  I 
and  tw(:nty. 
re  Tecumff!;  | 
?  ground, 
argin  of  the  I 
ik«?ntuckv  \o 
its  Mipport, 
••  A  part  Oil 
of  the  Indiarl 
lians  attempi 
I  of  dry  land 
ndians  fough' 
id    wounded 

l088.* 

>d.       Amon;:  I 
iteers,  u  man  | 
He  wasiE 
nt  character 

S-,  when  he  Ml  ii 
,  will  torniftlii; 
'ivtry  «xtraoi(1umj 
Ik— nii  tit«Kt  <(m. 
)Ui— it  did  not  ktn 
inil  sarcaitic  h\-tv% 
I  druti  WHS  pltin- 
leral  practii-r  ot  tkt 
|ooi>*'     It  ittaidU 
loiicilablcriirinfN 
[ipei't  in«»ii)rf,lkt 
taku  iiu  piiwikn, 
ur  acccptid  q.iti 
\,  he  Mui  xittiiiiit 
■  head  ol  k  t  hii)|»- 

Icct  orthii*i|iii% 
|niiiK  tluir  coiinin 
it's  mind,  I'r  »ii 
plan  wi(l\iniiii> 
luiMlertalimi?.  Ht 
]8tO,hc  wtjlfluiv* 
Rem-nil  itarraoa 
i1arm««'>  A-Uai  w 
Ihottritut'ihiriK- 
Iniuiktt  bftlUnlii) 
bre  thir  ireitjof 
Lk-rtortlii;  litituii 
I  iKiutH  i;>iiiiK  ii"*'' 
liil  inciii''i  •"  ""'' 
M  vtral  Im'Wi  Ii 
jr  tiff  10  the  Hi 

Lr  iimiM  li     A'''' 

lifinlj  r.ti>Cii'MJ 
1»  pli-a.i.r.  ,  1  It* 
I  nMijr>'iC  tvi'tf 
In  m»  d'-»i>  ^' 


lyiR  WAR. 


177 


Among  the  trophies  of  the  day,  were  six  brass  field  pieces  that 
ttad  been  surrendered  by  Hull,  on  two  of  which  was  this  motto: 
<f  Surrmdffrfd  by  Burgoyne  at  Saratoga  I" 

Thf  day  afttr  the  battle,  a  part  of  the  arnfiy  took  possession  of 
the  Moravian  town,  where  they  found  most  kinds  of  vegetables 
in  abundance ;  i.,€tt  were  acceptable  to  men  who  had  for  seve- 
ral days  subsisted  on  fresii  berf,  without  bread  or  salt. 

The  town  was  found  deserted,  and  so  panic  struck  were  some 
of  the  women  in  their  flight,  that  they  are  jiaid  to  have  thrown 
their  children  into  the  Thames,  to  prevent  their  being  butchered 
by  the  Americans! 

This  village  is  situated  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Thames,  about 
40  miles  from  its  entrance  into  lake  St.  Clair.  The  town  wait 
built  by  emigrants  from  Muskingum,  and  contained  at  the  time  of 
the  battle  nearly  100  houses,  mostly  well  built.  Thi^  Rev.  John 
Scoll,  from  Bethlehem,  (Pa.)  was  established  here  as  a  missionary. 
Here  is  a  school  house  and  a  chapel,  and  many  of  the  inhabitants 
tpehk  English.  Their  gardens  were  luxurious  and  cultivated  with 
taste. 

The  Indians  who  inhabited  this  town  had  been  among  the  fore- 
most in  mHSRacreing  the  Americans  at  the  river  Raisin ;  and  the 
town,  if  spared,  would  afford  a  convenient  shelter  for  the  British 
allies  durmg  the  winter,  from  which  they  could  easily  pass  nito 
the  Michigan  territory  to  rob  and  murder  the  inhabitants.  For 
these  reasons  the  town  was  destroyed  by  the  troops  previous  to 
their  kn. .  ing  it. 

Gen.  Proctor  abandoned  his  army  at  the  very  moment  John- 
son's regiment  beat  the  charge.  About  40  dragoons  accompanied 
him  as  a  guard.  In  24  hours  he  was  65  miles  from  the  Moraviaa 
town.  A  few  of  the  mounted  men  pursued  him,  and  at  one  time 
were  within  100  yards  of  him  ;  but  they  were  too  weak  to  at- 
tack hi8  guard.     His  carriage  and  papers  were  taken. 

Three  waggons,  loaded  witjj  specie,  escaped,  but  might  have 
been  overtaken  if  proper  means  had  been  used  to  pursue  the  fu- 
gitives. A  depot  of  300  barrels  of  ttour  was  within  a  day's 
march  oi  the  Moravian  town. 

Return  of  the  army The  army  returned  to  Detroit.       C'apt. 

Elliot,  of  the  Niagara,  volunteered  his  services  to  command  a  na- 
val expedition  against  Michillimuckinac  and  fort  St  Joseph  ;  but 
the  weather  proving  unfavouri<ble  for  a  number  of  days,  the  sea- 
son became  loo  far  advanced  to  risk  the  squadron  on  lake  Huron, 
till  spring. 

While  Gen.  Harrison  was  pursuing  Proctor  up  the  Thames,  the 

Ottawas,  Chippewas,   Pottowattomies,   Miamies    and    Kikupoos, 

proposed  to  Gen.  M'Arthur,  a  suspeiitiion  of  hostilities,  and  agreed 

'^  "  take  hold  of  the  same  tomahawk  with  the  Ariierican.s,  and 


-r  i-i..i 


^  •■  m 


t  :^ 


.^■■^.^  ¥,V>  ':f>.^ 


^t,  ^'  ; 


1!..:'!      ' 


,,  •  < 


M 


11  ^'' 


1 


17B 


SKETCHES  •» 


(0  Mriko  all  who  were  or  might  be  enemies  of  the  United  btattf, 
whether  British  or  Indians."  They  brought  in  their  women  and 
children  and  offV red  them  as  hostages  for  their  good  bthavior. 

Lieut.  Le  Breton  arrived  at  Detroit  on  the  16th,  bearing  a  flag 
and  a  letter  from  Gen.  Proctor  to  Gen.  Harrison.  This  letter  re- 
qiientrd  humane  treatment  to  the  prisoners,  and  a  restoration  of 
certain  property  and  papers  taken  on  the  6th.  As  the  letter  was 
addressed  to  **  the  general  at  Moravian  towns,"  he  saw  no  rea 
son  for  Le  Breton's  journey  to  Detroit,  and  ordered  him  to  join 
O.en.  Proctor  by  the  way  of  Buffalo  and  fort  George. 

After  t!ie  return  of  the  commander  in  chief  to  Detroit,  Walk- 
iin•th^ -Water,  who  had  been  in  the  battle  of  the  Thames,  came 
in  to  implore  peace.  When  he  crossed  from  Sandwich,  the  white 
flag  which  he  bore  in  his  hand  had  attracted  a  great  crowd  to 
the  wharf,  who  were  all  anxious  to  get  a  near  view  of  the 
distinguished  chief,  and  were  struck  with  admiration  at  the  firm- 
ness and  apparent  nonchalance  with  which  he  ascended  the  bank 
and  passed  through  the  ranks  of  the  Kentucky  volunteers,  whom 
he  had  so  gallantly  opposed  in  battle  but  a  few  days  before.  More 
real  dignity  of  carriage,  or  a  more  striking  Nfirmness  of  countc- 
nanee  has'  seldom  been  seen.  Yet  his  situation  was  calculated  tc 
depress  his  spirits  and  produce  humility.  His  town  was  in  the 
power  of  the  Americans;  the  British  had  all  been  taken,  and  the 
Indians  had  just  suffered  a  signal  defeat.  Almost  all  the  other 
chiefs  had  submitted,  and  he  was  without  the  means  of  living  oi 
resisting ;  still  his  manner  was  that  of  a  conqueror. 

Gov.  Shelby's  corps  and  the  12  months  volunteers  were  all  ho- 
nourably discharged.  Travelling  became  safe,  and  business  at 
Detroit  began  to  assume  its  wonted  course  ;  but  the  price  current 
of  the  territory  was  exorbitant  for  every  thing  to  eat,  drink  or 
wear.  Whiskey  sold  at  4  dollars  a  gallon  ;  beef  at  24  cents  a 
pound;  cheese  60  do. ;  butter  75  do.;  potatoes  2  dollars  a  bushel. 
The  army  was  well  supplied  with  rations,  as  were  also  about 
three  hundred  of  the  inhabitants  of  Michigan,  and  about  two 
ttiousand  Indians,  men,  women  and  children,  who  had  no  other 
means  of  subsistence.  Adventurers  soon  came  on  with  a  sufHcieur 
supply  of  dry  goods. 

Embarkation  for   Buffalo On  the  23d  of  October,  General 

Harrison,  with  all  his  disposable  regular  troops,  embarked  on 
board  the  fleet  and  sailed  for  Buffalo,  in  obedience  to  orders  from 
the  secretary  of  war.  Previous  to  his  departure,  he  appointed 
Gen.  Cass  provisional  governor  of  Michigan  territory,  and  the  ci- 
vil ordinances,  as  they  stood  at  Hull's  surrender,  were  proclaimed 
in  force.  Gen.  Cass  was  left  with  about  1000  men,  not  more 
than  700  of  whom  were  effective.     The  men  were  Jndustriousiv 


TUB  WAR. 


179 


^ployed  in  preparing  winter  quarters  at  the  fort.  The  schooners 
Scorpion  and  Ohio  were  engaged  in  transporting  tupphos  from 
£rie  and  Cleveland  for  the  troops  during  the  winter.  Troops 
were  stationed  at  Maiden  and  Sandwich ;  and  the  campaign 
cloaed.* 


j(» 


iU  i' 


.1, 


*  CriAPTKfi  \V. 

4myof  the  centrc..,.Capture  of  York.,..Biography  of  General 

Pike. 

The  army  of  the  centre  for  the  campaign  '-^f  1813,  consisted 
of  about  7000  men  ;  4U00  at  Saoket's  Harbour,  and  3000  at 
Buffalo.  The  original  objects  of  the  campaign  were...  Ist,  the  cap- 
ture of  Kingston  and  destruction  of  the  British  ileet  in  that  har- 
bour; 2d  J  the  capture  of  York  and  destruction  of  the  vessels  there 
building;  and  3d,  the  capture  of  forts  George  and  Erie.  The 
lirst  object  was,  however,  ofterwards  waved,  in  consequence  of 
the  large  reinforcements  that  were  sent  into  Kingston,  till  the 
other  two  should  be  etfected. 

Capture  ef  York....On  the  22d  of  April,  IGOO  of  the  best 
troops  were  embarked  on  board  the  fleet  at  Sackct's  Harbour,  de- 
stined for  York,  The  following  is  Gen.  Dearborn's  otficial  let- 
ter to  the  secretary  of  war,  detailing  the  events  of  the  expedi* 
tion: 

H.  Q.  York,  Upper  Canada,  April  28,  1813. 

SlR....After  a  detention  of  some  days,  by  adverse    winds,  we 
arrived  here   yesterday    morning,  and  at  8   o'clock   commenced 
landing  our  troops  about  three    miles  westward  of  the  town,  and 
one  and  a  half  from  the  enemy's  works.       The    wind   was  higb 
and  in  an  unfavourable   direction  for  our  boats,  which  prevented 
the  troops  landing  at  a  clear  field,  (the  ancient  scite  of  the  French 
fort  Tarento.)     The  unfavourable  wind  prevented  a&  many  of  the 
armed  vessels  from  taking  such  positions  as  would  a?  effectually 
cover  our  landing  as  they  otherwise  would  have  done ;  but  every 
thing  that  could  be  done  was  eff«fCted.     Our  riflemen,  under  Ma- 
jor  Forsyth,   first   landed,  under   a   heavy  fire  from  Indians  and 
other  troops.     Gen.  Sheafte  commanded  in  person.     He  had  col- 
lected his  whole  forCe  in  the  woods,  near  where  the  wind  obliged 
our  troops  to  land,  consisting  of  about  700  regulars  and  militia^ 
and  100  Indian!*.       Major  Forsyth  was  supported,  as  pr  ^mptly  ar> 
Bossible^  with  other  troops;  but  the  contest  was  sharp  and  severe 


:9m 


I  : 


I  *>^. 


f>r>^'lt  •:''  '>ir    y.    /K       fr.,17. 


'  Ij 


^.ItfO 


FETCHES   OF 


n 


1 


^ 


m 


■i  . ; 


Iffr. 


!i. 


.; 

i 

"< 

s 

1 
1 

i 

||j 

illlija 

"'  1 

for  near  hulf  an  hour.  The  enemy  was  repulsed  by  a  fur  icti 
nuirbi  i  tlinn  his  own,  riiJ  ns  soon  as  Gvu  lc^\'^o  landed  with  7  o. 
800  UK  n,  and  tho  remainder  of  tli<;  troops  wtic  puohing  for  tlw 
shore,  ih<'  cMitmy  rctriatcd  to  their  works;  and  as  soon  as  the 
whole  of  our  troops  had  landed  and  formed  on  the  clear  ground 
intended  for  the  first  landing,  they  advanced  through  a  thick 
wood  to  the  open  ground  near  the  enem^.'s  works,  and  after  car 
rying  one  battery  by  assault,  were  moving  on  in  columns  towardi 
the  main  works ;  when  the  h«  ad  of  the  columns  was  withio 
about  tiO  rods  of  the  enemy,  u  trcmend  a,^  explosion  occurred 
from  a  large  magazine  prepared  for  the  purpo.-e,  which  discharg- 
ed such  immense  quantities  of  stone  as  to  produce  a  most  uiitor 
tunate  effect  on  our  troops. 

I  have  not  yet  been  able  to  collect  the  returns  of  our  kilJed  end 
wounded,  but  our  loss  by  the  explosion  must,  I  fear,  exceed  100; 
and  among  them  I  have  to  lament  th*?  loss  of  the  brave  and  ex- 
cellent otVicer  Urigadier  General  Pike,  who  received  such  a  con- 
tusion from  n  large  stone  as  terminated  his  vahrable  life  within  a 
few  hours.  His  loss  will  be  severely  felt.  Previous  to  the  ex 
plosion  the  enemy  had  retired  into  the  town,  excepting  n  party  ot 
regular  troops,  which  did  not  retire  early  enough  to  avoid  the 
shock  :  it  is  said  that  upwards  of  forty  of  them  were  destroyed. 
Gen.  Sheafff  moved  oflT  with  the  regular  troops,  and  left  direc 
tions  with  the  commanding  oHIicer  of  the  militia  to  make  the  best 
terms  he  could.  In  the  mean  time,  all  further  resistance  on  the 
part  of  the  enemy  ceased,  and  the  outlines  of  a  capitulation  were 
agreed  on.  As  soon  as  I  was  informed  of  Gen.  Pike's  being 
wounded,  I  went  on  shore.  i  had  beeu  induced  to  confide  the 
immediaie  command  of  the  troops  in  action  to  Gen.  Pike,  from  a 
conviction  that  he  fully  expected  it,  and  would  be  much  morti 
fied  at  bein/;  deprived  of  the  honour,  which  he  highly  appreciated. 
£vf?ry  movement  Was  under  my  view.  Our  troops  behaved  with 
great  Hrmi'ess,  and  deserve  much  applause,  especially  those  who 
were  first  engaged,  under  circumstances  that  would  have  tried 
the  firmness  of  veterans.  Our  loss  in  the  action  in  the  moriimg 
and  in  carrying  the  first  battery,  was  not  great,  probably  about 
50  killed  and  wounded;  among  them  were  a  full  proportion  of 
otlicers  ;  and  although  the  enemy  had  a  decided  advantage  ia 
point  of  numbers  ai^d  position  at  the  commencement^  their  lou 
waj«  greater  than  ours,  particularly  in  officers. 

It  was  with  the  greatest  exertion  that  the  small  vessels  of  the 
fleet  could  work  into  the  harbour  against  a  gale  of  wind  directly 
ahead  ;  but,  as  80on  as  they  got  in  contact  with  the  batteries,  a 
trtmendciis  cannonade  commenced  from  24  and  32  pounders,  and 
was  kept  up  without  intermission,  under  a  heavy  fire  from  two 
liattericii,  until  the  eiscmy's  batteries  were  carried  ur  blown  up  by 


;  I, 


Itcd  by  a  fur  itti 
landed  with  7  o. 
>  puvhing  tor  tlw 
i  as  8uun  at  the 
the  cltar  groiin4 

through  u  thick 
kSf  and  after  car- 
columns  toward! 
nn«  was  within 
iplosion  occurred 

which  'Itschart- 
cc  a  most   uiitor 

of  our  kilied  piid 
•ar,  exceed  100; 
he  hrave  and  ex- 
'jved  such  a  coo- 
able  life  within  a 
evious  to  the  ex 
epting  n  party  ot 
rh   to   avoid   the 
were  destroyed, 
and  left   direc 
to  make  the  br»t 
esistance  on  the 
apitulation  were 
n.   Pike's  being 
to  confide  the 
n.  Pike,  from  a 
|be  much  morti 
hly  appreciated. 
s  behaved  with 
ally  those  vi'ho 
uld  have   tried 
ill  the  moriiing 
robably   about 
I  proportion  of 
advantage  in 
enX,  their  lost 

vessels  of  the 
wind  directly 
lie  batteries,  g 
jpounderi!,  and 
Ire   from   two 
blown  up  by 


THK  WAH. 


Hfil 


the  explosioD,  which  undoubtedly  had  a  powerful  effect  upon  the 

fpemy. 

I  nm  under  the  grentost  obligations  to  Commodore  Chauncey, 
for  his  able  and  iiidefaligable  exertions  in  every  possible  manner 
that  could  give  facility  and  efTt  it  to  the  expedition.  He  is  tqual- 
Iv  estimable  for  delibei ate,  sound  judgment,  bravery  and  industry. 
the  (government  could  not  have  made  a  more  fortunate  selection 
for  the  impoitant  tiuvt  he  holds.  Unfortunately,  the  enemy's 
armed  ship,  the  Prince  Regent,  left  this  place  for  Kingston,  four 
davi*  l>efore  we  arrived.  A  large  ship  on  the  stocks,  and  nearly 
planked  up,  with  a  large  quantity  of  naval  stores,  were  set  on 
fire  by  the  enemy  soon  after  the  explosion  of  the  magazine.  There 
are  no  vessels  fit  for  use  in  the  harbour.  A  considerable  quantity 
of  military  stores  and  provisions  remain.  We  shall  not  possesR 
the  means  of  transporting  the  prisoners  from  this  place,  and  must 
of  course  leave  them  on  parole.  I  hope  we  shall  so  far  complete 
the  necessary  measures  at  this  place  in  the  ci  urse  of  this  day  as 
to  be  able  to  sail  to-morrow  for  Niagara,  l>v  'lich  route  I  send 
this  by  a  small  vesrel,  with  notice  to  Gii  Lewis  of  our  ap- 

proach. '       '  '  ■  '       • 

1  am,  sir,  your  obedient  servant,  '**• 

H.  DEARBORN.      - 
Hon.  John  Armstrong,  Secretary  of  War. 

lu  a  letter  dated  May  3,  1813,  the  general  further  remarks:..,. 

I  "1  enclose  a  return  of  the  killed  and  wounded.  You  will  observe 
the  loss  was  very  small,  excepting  that  produced  by  the  explosion. 
.4s  nearly  as  1  have  been  able  tn  ascertain,  the  loss  of  the  enemy 
imounted  to  from  00  to  100  killed,  200  wounded,  and  upwards 
of  300  prisoners.  1  have  not  been  able  to  ascertain  precisely  the 
number  of  the  militia  put  on  their  parole  ;  I  presume  it  could  not 
be  less  than  500.  There  was  an  immense  depot  of  naval  and  mi- 
litary stores.  York  was  the  principal  depot  for  Niagara  and  De- 
troit; and  notwithstanding  the  immense  amount  which  was  de- 
itroyed  by  them,  we  found  more  than  we  could  bring  ofT.  Gen. 
Sheatfe's  baggage  and  papers  fell  into  my  hands.  These  papers 
are  a  valuable  acquisition;  I  have  not  had  time  for  a  full  exami- 
nation of  them.  A  scalp  was  found  in  the  executive  and  legisla- 
tive chamber,  suspended  near  the  speaker's  chair,  in  company 
with  the  mace  and  other  emblems  of  royalty." 

The  following  is  an  extract  of  a  letter  from  an  officer  present 
at  the  capture,  and  is  considered  interesting. 
"We embarked  the  22d  and  23d  of  April,  but  the  weather  being 

j  stormy  we  returned  into  port,  and  sailed  again  on  the  25th,  and 
arrived  at  York,  in  Upper  Canada,  the  27th,  about  7  o'clock  A. 
M.  and  immediately  prepared  to  land  opposite  the  old  scite  of  fort 
Torento.    A  body  of  British  grenadiers  were  paraded  ou  the  shore. 


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WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

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and  the  Glemgary  lencibles,  a  corps  which  has   beta  disciplinen 
with  great  painn   for  six  months  past,  appeared  at  another  poiot, 
Bodies  of  Indians  were  perceived  in  large  groups  iu  different  di- 
rections; and   a  considerable  number  in  ^qme  wppds  and  und<;r 
woods  on  our  leeward  flank,    t  siiH  .  Iti^  -  '«^"  ">*  <*»; 

About  the  scite  of  the  old  French  fort  of  Torento,  of  whickl 
scarcely    any  vestiges     at    present  remain,   we    could    discers 
a  few  horsemen,  who  we  perceived  afterwards  moving  into  the 
town,  where  strong  field  works  had  been  thrown  up  to  oppose  our  | 
l)anding.    .  .  v«,3,>  ^ru  !>; -.3? .,  v>^.- ,  ;f  «•/**•»-) r;,'^- 

As  soon  as  the  horsemen  fiad  entered  the  town,  we  saw  the  I 
Indians  moving  in  gangs  along  the  skirts  of  the  woods,  under  the 
dhectiou  of  British  officers,  taking  post  at  stations  pointed  out  to  I 
them ;  apparently  calculated  with  some  skill  as  to  the  point  whicii| 
the  water  and  the  weather  imust  compel  us  to  land,      acii-^i' 

After  these  Indians,  acting  as  tirrailleurs,  were  thus  disposed, 
we  perceived  very  >  distinctly  the  regulars  moving  out  of  their  I 
works  in  open  columns  of  platoons,  and  marching  along  the  banii 
za  that  order;  when  they  reached  the  plain  o^  the  old  fortToreB- 
to,  they  were  wheeled  off  by  heads  of  platoons  into  the  woods, 
and  soon  appeared  in  the  same  order  below  the  plaio,  just  at  the| 
position  at  which  our  troops  were  under  the  necessity  of  land- 
ing. 

Major  Forsyth,  and  his  excellent  and  gallant  rifle   corps,  who  I 
had  been  placed  in  two  large  batteaux,  pulled  undauntedly  to 
wards  the  cjear  ground,  where  he  h^d  been  ordered  to  land:  but| 
he  was  forced,  by  the   strength  of  the  wijgydj  a  coi)8ide.rak>le  d 
tance  below  his  destined  point.  4i.'v,<^ -;:.-; ^.-"^  f  ^.^wrii:.* 

The  fire  of  musketry  and  rifles  here  commenced  from  the  shore,! 
the  enemy  being  within  a  few  feet  of  the  water,  and  in  a  coDsi-[ 
derable  degree  masked  by  the  wood  and  copse. 

Here  Major  Forsyth  ordered  his  men  to  rest  for  a  few  moments  | 
upon  their  oars,  and  soon  opened  a  galling  fire  upon  the  enemy. 
In  the  moment  when  Forsyth's  corps  were  lying  on  their  oars  I 
and  primiRg,  Gen.  Pike  was  standing  on  the  deck,  and  impatient  | 
at  the  apparent  pause  of  an  instant,  and  seeing  that  the  rifle  corp^ 
had  been  driven   by  the  wind  beyond  the  point  at  which  they  I 
were   to  have   disembarked,  exclaimed,  "By —— I  can't  stay 
here  any  longer!"  and  addressing  himself  to  his  staff,  **  come, 
jump  into  the  boat,"  which  we  immediately  did  ;  the  commodore 
having  reserved  a  boat  specially  for  him  and  his  suite ;  the  little 
coxswain  was  ordered  immediately  to  steer  for  the  middle  of  the 
fray,  and  the  balls  whistled   gloriously    around ;  probably  their 
number  was  owing  to  seeing  so  many  officers  in  the  same  boat; 
but  we  laughed  at  their  clumsy  efforts,  as  we  pressed  forward | 
xvith  well  pulled  oars. 


l^WiH    i  •<{ 


-'  . »  'flwi.:  h 


'rU£  WAS. 


IB& 


te:  the  little 


the  tnlauU-y  had^  according  to  orders,  embarked  at  the  same 
lume,  and  formed  platoons  as  soon  as  they  reached  the  shore.  The 
Leneral  took  command  of  the  first  platoon  he  reached,  and  form- 
led  it  below,  and  ordered  the  whole  to  prepare  for  a  charge  ac 
Isoon  as  sve  reached  the  top  of  the  bank.  We  proceeded  in  high 
Ispirits,  and  mounted  the  bank  under  a  volley  of  their  musketry 
land  rifle  shot;  but  we  had  not  time  to  form  our  platoon  com- 
Ipletely,  when  the  British  grenadiers  shewed  us  their  backs.  At 
Ithe  very  moment  of  their  turning  tail  upon  us,  the  sound  of  For- 
jtyth's  bugles  was  heard,  with  peculiar  delight,  as  it  was  the  in- 
Idication  of  his  success.  The  effect  of  the  bugle  upon  the  nerves 
|of  the  British  ladian  allies  was  electric  ;  for  they  no  sooner  heard 
jitthan  they  gave  a  diabolical  yell,  and  fled  in  all  directions.  :.  ,.' 
The  Glengary  corps  skirmished  with  Forsyth's  while  the  in- 
Ifantry  were  landing;  and  Brigade  Major  Hunter  formed  the 
[troops  for  action  as  they  landed  and  reached  the  plain. 

The  volunteer  corps  commanded  by   Col.  Maclure  flanked  the  ' 
Ireserve,  and  the  light  artillery  commanded  by  Major  £u8tis,  act* 
iitg  as  infantry,  covered  the  left. 

It  is  proper  to  state,  in  this  place,  the  gallant  and  masterly  co- 
loperation  of  Commodore  Chauncey,  and  the  naval  squadron  un* 
Ider  bis  command.  He  sent  his  schooners,  moimting  heavy  metal, 
to  cover  the  landing,  and  kept  up  so  well  directed  and  incessant 
afire  of  grape  on  the  woods,  as  to  effectually  cover  our  right 
flank,  and  afforded  us  great  facility  in  forming  our  platoons;  be- 
sides  producing  the  utmost  consternation  among  the  Indians.  A 
shot  from  one  of  the  schooners  killed  a  horse  under  the  aid  of  the 
British  general;  but  owing  to  the  shallowness  of  the  water,  nei- 
tber  the  ship  nor  brig  could  be  brought  in  to  participate  in  the  ac- 
tion; but  the  commodore  himself  was  through  the  whole  of  the 
action,  in  his  boat,  encouraging  and  giving  orders  to  the  different 
schooners.  The  navy  lost  two  gallant  midshipmen,  and  about 
20  seamen  were  killed  and  wounded  in  the  service  of  landing 
lus. 
The  tro(^s  ordered  to  land  by  Gen.  Pike  when  he  went  on 
lore,  were  the  three  companies  of  Capt.  Hupsock,  (who  was 
liBortally  wounded  in  the  boat)  Capt.  Scott  and  Capt.  Young,  of 
the  15th  regiment  U.  S.  infantry,  all  under  the  command  of  MaJ. 
King  of  the  same  regiment,  (the  same  who  gallantly  distinguished 
Ininself  at  Queenstown);  theur  orders  were^to  reinforce  Maj.  For- 
syth, and  effect  a  landing...;aud  they  were  forbidden  to  load  or 
me  powder.  The  riflemen  of  Forsyth,  as  the  mfantry  came  up, 
opened  a  heavy  and  effective  fire  upon  the  enemy,  and  the  three 
companies  landed  in  the  most  complete  style  ;  the  enemy  ga>ve 
way  before  our  troops  could  come  to  the  bayonet's  point,  and 
were  pursued  up  the  bank.      At  the  top  of  the  bank,  a  ffcdi 


'■  '     'MM* 


181 


5KBTCHES  OF 


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i'^ 


body  of  British  grenadiers  (said  to  be  the  8th,  or  king's  greua 
diers)  made  a  formidable  charge  upon  this  column  of  ours 
and  compelled  us  for  an  instant  to  retire ;  but  our  troops  instantly 
rallied  and  returned  to  the  charge,  and  with  the  most  complete 
success  ;  not  a  man  of  the  grenadiers  escaped  our  fire  or  charge 
and  our  troops,  just  reinforced  by  the  remainder  of  the  15th,  re- 
mained undisputed  masters  of  the  bank.  This  reinforcement 
brought  the  colours  of  the  15th,  which  accompanied  the  piatooD 
of  Capt.  Steel.  The  enemy  presenting  a  fresh  front,  the  troopi 
were  instantly  formed  for  the  charge  by  Maj.  King,  who  gave 
them  Yankee  Doodle  ;  but  the  enemy  did  not  like  our  music,  nor 
our  pikes,  any  better  than  our  rifles;  they  gave  way  and  fled  in 
the  utmost  disorder. 

As  soon  as  our  force  was  all  landed  and  colliected,  we  were 
formed  into  platoons,  and  marched  in  that  order  towards  the  ene- 
my's works,  flanked  by  the  rifle  corps. 

Our  march  was  by  the  lake  road,  in  sections ;  but  the  route  was 
so  much  intersected  by  streams  and  rivulets,  the  bridges  over 
which  had  been  destroyed  by  the  enemy  as  they  retreated,  that 
we  were  considerably  retarded  in  our  progress;  we  collected  logs, 
and  by  severe  efforts,  at  length  contrived  to  pass  over  one  field 
piece  and  a  howitzer,  which  were  placed  at  the  head  of  our  co 
lumn,  in  charge  of  Capt.  Fanning,  of  the  3d  artillery;  and  thus 
we  proceeded  through  a  spacious  wood,  as  we  merged  from  which 
-we  were  saluted  by  a  battery  of  24  pounders,  but  excepting  some 
pikes  broken  and  some  bayonets  bent,  these  guns  gave  us  no  an- 
noyance. 

The  general  then  ordered  one  of  his  aids  (Eraser)  and  a  ser- 
geant to  proceed  to  the  right  of  the  battery,  in  order  to  discover 
how  many  men  were  in  the  works  ;  they  did  se,  and  reported  to 
him  the  number,  and  that  they  .were  spiking  their  own  guns  to- 
wards the  shipping. 

The  general  immediately  ordered  Capt.  Walworth,  of  the  16th, 
with  his  company  of  grenadiers,  to  make  the  assault.  Walworth 
gallantly  ordered  his  men  to  trail  arms  and  advance  at  the  acce- 
lerated pace,  but  at  the  moment  when  they  were  ordered  to  reco- 
ver and  charge  the  enemy,  the  enemy  broke  in  the  utmost  con- 
fusion,  leaving  several  men  wounded  on  the  ground  which  they 
abandoned. ii>Y)f  '.  ,:*isj.r.ii';; 

We  then  piToceeded  in  admirable  order  on  a  gradual  ascent, 
when  a  fire  was  opened  upon  us  of  round  and  cannister,  from  the 
quarters  of  the  British  governor.  The  general  here  ordered  the 
troops  to  lie  close,  while  the  artillery  battery  under  Maj.  Eustis 
was  brought  to  the  front,  and  silenced  the  enemy's  battery.  The 
iSring  very  soon  ceased  altogether,  and  we  were  expecting  a  fl&g 
oC  surrender,  at  the  very  moment  when  a  terrible  explosion  eft 


THE  WAR. 


W 


r  music,  nor 


Oie  British  magazine  took  place.  The  explosion  wat  itupendoifs 
(gd  awful,  and  at  the  instant  the  common  supposition  was  a  sub- 
terraneous mine;  The  general  had  just  aided  in  removing  a 
•pounded  man  with  his  own  hands,  and  sat  down  on  a  stump  with 
a.  British  sergeant  we  had  taken  prisoner,  whom  the  general, 
with  Capt.  Nicholson  and  myself,  were  examining,  when  the  ex- 
plosion took  place.  The  general.  Captain  Nicholson,  and  the  Brt- 
tith  sergeant,  were  all  mortally  vvounded,  and  I  was  so  much 
bruised  in  the  general  crash,  that  it  is  surprising  how  I  survived^; 
probably  I  owe  my  escape  to  the  corpulency  of  the  British  sefr« 
geant,  whose  body  was  thrown  upon  mine  by  the  concussion. 

Brigade  Major  Hunt,  assisted  by  Lieutenant  Col.  Mitchell  of  the 
3d  artillery,  who  acted  as  a  volunteer  on  the  expedition,  formed 
the  troops,  and  we  were  ready  to  give  or  receive  a  charge  in  five 
joinutes  after  the  explosion. 

The  wounds  of  Gen.  Pike  were  ^f  such  a  nature  as  to  disable 
bim  from  ail  further  service,  and  the  command  devolved  on  Col. 
Pearce  of  the  16th  infantry,  as  the  senior  officer,  who  sent  a  flag 
demanding  an  immediate  surrender  at  discretion ;  they  made  on- 
ly one  stipulation,  which  was  granted  without  hesitation....that  is, 
that  private  property  should  he  respected. 

The  British  general  made  his  escape^  and  a  body  of  regular 
troops  with  him. 

When  the  surgeons  were  carrying  their  wounded  general  and 
bis  aids  from  the  field,  our  troops,  which  had  just  formed,  gave  a 
tremendous  huzza.  The  general  turned  his  head,  anxiously,  to 
enquire  what  that  was  for;  a  sergeant  who  accompanied  him 
said....*<  The  British  union  jack  is  coming  down,  general,  the 
stars  are  going  up",  ..he  heaved  a  heavy  sigh  of  extacy,  and 
nailed,  even  amidst  the  anguish  which  must  have  been  insepara- 
ble from  the  state  of  his  wounds.  He  was  carried  on  board  the 
Pert  schooner,  together  with  his  aidnle-camp,  Fraser,  and  from 
theace  on  board  the  commodore's  ship,  accompanied  by  the  com-. 
modore,  who  came  to  attend  him.  On  board  the  commodore's 
ship,  his  gallant  spirit  fled,  another  Montgomery  in  fate  ;  not,  inr- 
deed,  perishing  by  the  valour  of  a  gallant  foe  in  noble  combat, 
but  falling,  even  in  the  arms  of  victory,  by  the  barbarian  revenge 
of  a  baffled  and  defeated  enemy,   .v  .  ns 

Gen.  Dearborn,  Commodore  Cbauncey,  and  indeed  every  oflS- 
cer  and  soldier,  sees,  in  the  loss  of  our  friend,  the  loss  of  one  of 
our  country's  proudest  ornaments^  and  the  military  profession,  it^ 
brightest  example  and  model." 


I  K 


:><) 


The  following  is  the  most  eorrect  list  of  the  killed  and  woVnded 
in  tljiis  expedition : 


'  ^  •III 

,     ,''l.;li,.i?i 

.    mm 

■  ■   ■  ■- •^''' '"■'  M, 


■1  'ri^M: 


fM^B 


|yi -■<!■, 


m  1 


IH" 

J  • 

pli'^' 

|l|i 

iJ!) 

1 

r;4 

i 

1 

1 

ll'i^fe 


■m 


m 


SKETCHES  0]P 


"'•'  Killed  in  battle....!  subaltern^  2  sergeants,  1  cotfdrkl, 
2  musicians,  8  privates.  '  '  i!.  ,'      ...  .^y 

*   Killed  by  the  explosion*...!  captain^  4'  fiietgeant^i^  oois 

^  poralg,  29  private!.  i  n  i.  3g 

,'r,i  ■.■■•-■J  .luflCJi;:]    fi'Wviil  bjSfl    ow   '..•/■.ir;i98  ilHiiir^ 

-19  »i'     Total  killedJ'*"^*^^''-  ""^  <U>87ft>  .l/Ci-i  ao«u  mji/T  .tqr/3  ;;  ,«, 

V:  ;        ••        -    ■   ^  r    ■  ■   '^^      ..■;-;>n-,     ■     ^ 

''  "Wounded  in  battl€....2  captains,  (one  since  dead)-!'  8(ub- 
flkern,  3  sergeants,  4  corporals,  22  privates.  '  32 

."f J  Wounded  by  the  Explosion.;..  1  brig.  gen.  (since  d«ad) 
1  aid-de-camp,  1  acting  aid,  1  volunteer  aid,  6  captains, 
6  subalterns,    11  sergeants,  9  corporals,  1  musician,  185 

■  privates.  '         -  ,  / "  222 

Total  wounded,  -uoiaalqx »       ;  viiU  8%'..  254 

•i't  Killed,     •        '     -    -         ""    -^--J  '       '  'ru.v/^.,;    52 

Of  the  navy....2  midshipmen  and!  seanAaH,  killedili.tl   ' 

aeamen  wounded.  '  '  14 

■.Icr'jls;]^  v'^T;.'  ;' ;;^.iy^•ivfei^  -♦■»  j-it.miij-'.  -r.."f.ih'j;'nnii  as  ^nl'      , 

u  Ji;r.',  Total  killed  and  wounded, i -' ^^'  /'.^idv,  ^coUi^lucji.-^  i'   320 

■y  Biography  of  Gen,  Pike Zebulon  MONTGOMERY  Pike 

was  born  at  Lamberton,  in  the  state  of  Newjersey,  January  5th, 
1779.  His  father  was  a  respectable  officer  in  the  army  of 
the  United  States.  His  family  had,  for  several  generations  re- 
sided in  Newjersey,  and  were  descended  from  a  capt.  John  Pike, 
whose  name  is  preserved  by  tradition  as  having  been  a  galJaot 
and  distinguished  soldier  in  the  early  Indian  wars  of  the  colony. 
JHe  entered  the  army  while  yet  a  boy,  and  served  for  some  time 
as  a  cadet  in  his  father's  company,  which  was  then  stationed  oq 
the  western  frontiers  of  the  United  States. 

At  an  «arly  age  he  obtained   the  commission  of  ensign,  and 
soi^ie  time  after,  that  of  lieutenant  in  the  1st  regiment  of  Infant- 

&tyt,'  :He  was  thus  almost  from  his  cradle  trained  to  the  habits  of 
ft  military  life  ;  but)  he  did  not,  like  most  of  the  peaceful  veterans 
of  the  batraoks  and  the  parade,  while  away  his  days  io  inactivity, 
contented  with  the  mechanical  routine  of  military  duty,  ^y  a 
life  of  constant  activity  and  exposure,  he  invigorated  his  constitu- 
tion, and  prepared  himself  for  deeds  of  hardihood  and  adventure. 
At  the  same  time,  he  endeavoured  to  supply  the  deficiency  of  bis 

*  early  education  by  most  ardeut«  though,  probkbly,  often  desultory 
and  ill  regulated  application  to  every  branch  of  usettil  knowledge. 
He  had  entered  the  army  with  no  other  education  than  such  as  is 
afforded  by  the  most  or dinalry  village  8chobl....reading,  writing, 
and  a  little  arithmetic.  By  his  own  solitary  exertions  h|9' aoquiredi 
almost  without  the  aid  of  a  master,  the  French  and  Latin  Ian- 
guagesj  the  former  of  whicb^  it  appears  from  his  journal,  be  was 


i^bie  to  writs  and  speak  with  sufficient  accufitcy  for  all  the  purpo- 
ses of  business;  to  these  he  afterwards  added^a  oopnpetent  know- 
ledge of  the  Spanish.  He  also  studied  tht^^ejementary  branches 
of  matiiematics,  and,  became  very  conversant  and  ev^n  skilful  ia 
till  the  ordinary  practi9al  applications  of  that  ;^cience.  Heseeips,',: 
besides,  to  have  had  a  general  curiosity,  ,t9,  which  no  kind  of,." 
knowledge  was  without  interest ;  he  read  ^with  avidity  every 
book  which  fell  in  his  way,  and  thus,  without,  any  regular  plan  of 
study,  acquired  a  considerable  stock  of  various  information,  and 
some  tincture  of  popular  English  literature.  In  most  of  these  li- 
terary acquirements,  Pike  scarcely  attained  to  the  accuracy  of  the 
scholar,  but  they  were  such  as  became  the  gentleman,  and  ele- 
vated and  adorned  the  character  of  the  soldier.  Nor  were  these 
studies  directed  solely  to  the  improvement  of  the  mind  ;  he  en- 
deavoured to  make  them  subservient  to  a  much  higher  end.  From 
his  youth  he  seduously  cultivated  in  himself  a  generous  spirit  of 
chivalry ;  not  that  punctilious  and  barren  honour  which  cheaply 
satisfies  itself  With  the  reputation  of  personal  courage  and  free- 
dom from  disreputable  vice,  but  the  chivalry  of  the  ancient 
school  of  European  honour....that  habit  of  manly  and  virtuous 
sentiment,  that,  spirit  of  patriotism  and  self  devotion,  which,  while 
it  roots  out;  from  the  heart  every  other  weakness  of  our  nature^ 
spares  and  cherishes. "  that  last  infirmity  of  noble  minds,"  the 
!ove  of  glory^andijn  every  great  emergency  in  which  maa  may' 
be  called  upoa  to.  act>  sends  him  forth  into  the  service  of  his - 
country  or  his  kin(;l,  at  once  obeying  the  commands  of  duty, 
and  elevated  ai^d  animated  by  the  warm  impulse  of  enthusiastic^ 

feeling.    ;>  ...v^  ■•,.>ij,,r?  v>- ..   ■   !.  ^  ,      ,  .    -    •■-^•** 

Among  other  halnts  of  mental  disciphne  by  which  Pike  was 
accustomed  to  cherish  these  principles  and  feelings,  was  a  con- 
stant practice  of  inserting  upon  the  blank  pages  of  some  favourits 
vplume,.  syc^  striking  maxims  of  ■morality,  or  sentiments  of  ho- 
nour, as  occurred  in,  his  reading,  or  were  sitggestdd  by  his  own 
reflections. ,  He  had  bec!Q  in  the  practice  of  making  use  of  a  small 
edition  of  Dbd8ley»s"Econoray  of  Human  Life,'*  for  (his  purpose. 
Soon  after  his  marriage,  he  presented  (iiis  volume  to  his  wife, 
who  still  preserves  it  as  one  ojf  the  most'  precious  memorials 
of  her  husband's  virtues.  Aa  extract  from  orie  of  the  manii- 
script  pages  of  this  volume  was  pul;>Iished  in  ia  peifiodical  Work' 
soon  after  his  death.  It  was  vyriuen  as  a  continiiatibnof  the* 
article  .  **  ^jcerity,"   and   is  stronmy  ^ha'ralcteriSti'c  6f   llie'  ^13^ 


n 


■.s'«v;*  ; 


♦ij',  ^dj-xrii 


,M»1 


>^jShould  my  country  call  for  the  sacrifice  of  that  life  whicn 
iiWiS  J}eei^de;i[ot{jd  to  her  servipe  from  early  youth,  most  willingly, 
sl^ll  shejjrjeVeiYe  it.  .  The  sod  wliich  covers  the  brave  shall  be' 
"^sljeoi^'  ^^^(he  ;teiaijii9f  love  and  frientlibip ;  but  if  I  fall  fat 


dU 


>i:' 


'^-u 


ri 


^'  m 


-m 


■  *i§ 


v> 


SKETcnies  0^ 


I  • 


t '/ 


f\-  '-i'-' 


m\  R. 


i;." 


*', 


mh'i 


f  i  ;.* 


from  my  friendi  andf  firoiil  you,  my  Clara,  remember  th'at  '  \l^ 
choice&t  tears  wl^ioh'  are  «ver  shed,  are  those  vvhicb  bedew  tbe 
uiiburied  bead  of  a  soldier,*  and  when  these  lines  shall  meet  the 
eyes  of  our  young  — — ,  let  the  pages  of  this  little  book  be 
impressed  on  his  mind  as  the  gift  of  a  father  who  had  nothing  \^ 
b^^ueath  but  his  honour,  and  let  these  maxims  be  ever  present  tb 
his  mind  as  he  rises  from  youth  to  manhood : 

**  1.  Preserve  your  honour  free  from  blemish.  n 

**  2.  Be  always  ready  to  die  for  your  country. 

"  Z.  M.  Pike. 

'' Kaskaskias,  Indiana  Territory  .>^  ••'  ■ 

Thus  gifted  with  a  lofty  spirit  of  honour,  tod  an  iron  eonstitu 
tton.  Pike  presents  to  the  imagination  no  imperfect  resemblance  of 
one  of  the  cavaliers  of  the  sixteenth  century,  thcf  hardy,  steel-clid 
companions  of  Bayard  and  Sidney. 

In  March,  1801,  he  married  Miss  Clarissa  Brown,  of  Cincinna- 
ti,  in  the  state  of  Kentucky.  By  this  marriage  he  had  severJI 
children,  only  one  of  whom,  a  daughter,  survives  him. 

On  the  old  peace  establishment  of  our  army,  then  composed  onljr 
of  a  few  regiments,  and  employed  altogether  in  garrisoning  a 
few  frontier  posts,  promotion  ^as  slow,  and  tbe  field  of  action 
limited  and  obscure.  For  several  years  Lieutenant  Pike 
panted  in  vain  for  an  opportunity  of  gratifying  that  «  all-rul- 
ing passion,"  which,  to  use  his  own  words,  '*  swayed  him  ir- 
resistibly to  the  profession  of  arms,  and  the  pursuits  of  military 
glory." 

At  length,  in  1805,  a  new  career  of  honourable  distinction 
was  opened  to  this  active  and  aspiring  youth.  Soon  after  tbe 
purchase  of  Louisiana,  the  government  of  the  United!  States  d^ 
termined  upon  taking  measures  to  explore  their  new  territory, 
and  that  immense  tract  of  wilderness  included  within  its  limiti. 
Besides  ascertaining  its  geogra(ihieal  boundaries,  it  was  wished  to 
acquire  some  kdowledge  of  its  soil  ktd  natural  productions,  of 
the  course  of  its  rivers,  and  their  fitness  for  the  purposes  of 
navigation  and  other  uses  of  civilized  life,  and  also  to  gain 
particular  mformation  of  the  numbers,  character,  and  power  jof 
ttte  tribes  of  Indians  who  inhabited  this  territory,  and  their  seve^ 
ral  dispositions  towards  the  United  States.  With  these  views,, 
virhile  Captains  Lewis  andyO^r&e  were  sent  to  explore  the  aor 
known  sources  of  the  Mistouri,  Pike  was  despatched  on  a  li- 
milar  expedition  for  the  purpose  of  tracing  the  Mississippi  to  itK 
head. 

On  the  8th  of  August,  1805,  Pike  aecordingly  embarked  at  St 
Louis,  and  proceeded  up  the  Mississippi,  with  20  men,  in  a  stout 
hoat,  provisioned  for  four  months,  but  they  were  sooii  Obliged,  to 
le^e  Xbeir  boats  and  jn-oceed  on  their  joofney  by  laftd,  t>irm  ca* 


•JCUIWAH. 


W 


fht^  which  they  built  after  leaving  their  large  b6at,  and  carried 
^ith  them  on  their  march.  For  eight  months  and  twenty  days 
this  adventuroui  noldier  and  his  faithful  band  were  almost  conti- 
anally  exposed  to  hardship  and  peril,  depending  for  provisions  u|k 
on  the  precarious  fortunes  of  the  chase,  enduring  the  mott  pierd* 
teg  cold,  and  cheerftilly  submitting  to  the  most  constant  and 
harassing  toils.  They  were  sometimes  for  days  together  without 
{podf  and  they  frequently  slept  without  cover  upon  the  bare 
earth,  or  the  szu}w,  during  the  bitterest  inclemency  of  a  aorthern 
winter.  '  ''•'  **•  ****'**'  loi  if^- .q^b  •'to  -; 

During  this  voyage.  Pike  bad  no  Intelligent  ootopanion  upon 
whom  he  could  rely  for  any  sort  of  advice  or  aid,  and  he  literally 
performed  the  duties  of  astronomer,  surveyor,  commanding  offi- 
cer, clerk,  spy,  guide,  and  hunter,  frequently  preceding  the  party 
for  many  miles  in  order  to  reconnoitre,  or  rambling  whole  days 
in  search  of  deer  or  other  game  for  provision,  and  then  re- 
tMrning  to  bis  men  id  the  evening,  hungry  and  fatigued,  he 
would  sit  down  in  the  o)>en  air,  to  copy  by  the  light  of  a  tire, 
the  notes  of  his  journey,  and  to  plot  out  the  courses  of  the  next 

^»/*  k  '     '  '         ' 

His  conduct  towerdslhe  Indrahs  was  marked  with  equal  good 
seme,  firmness  and  humaftity  ;  he  every  where,  without  violence 
or  fraud,  induced  them  to  submit  to  the  governnaeat  of  the 
United  States,  and  he  made  use  of  the  authority  of  his  country 
to  put  an  end  to  a  savage  warfare  which  bad  for  many  years 
been  carried  on  with  the  utmost  cruelty  and  rancour  between  the 
Sioux  and  the  Chippeways,  two  of  the  most  powerful  nations  of 
Aborigines  remaining  on  the  North  American  continent.  He 
slio  every  where  enforced  with  eflfect  the  laws  of  the  United 
States  against  supplying  the  savages  with  spirituous  liquors.  Tbusj, 
while  he  wrested  their  tomahawks  from  their  hands,  and  coropeh- 
N  them  to  bury  the  hatchet,  he  defended  them  from  their  own 
vices,  and  in  the  true  spirit  of  humanity  and  '^ :  r.our,  reject- 
,d  with  disdain  that  cruel  and  dastardly  policy  whic'i  seeks  the 
security  of  the  civilized  man  in  the  debasement  of  the  savage. 

In  addition  to  the  ether  objects  oT  Pike's  mission,  as  specifi- 
cally detailed  in  his  instructions,  he  conceived  that  his  duty  as  a 
soldier  required  of  him  an  investigation  of  the  views  and  conduct 
of  the  British  traders,  within  the  limits  of  our  jurisdiction,  and 
•n  inquiry  into  the  exact  limits  of  the  territories  of  the  United 
States  and  Great  Britani.  This  duty  he  performed  with  the  bold- 
ness of  a  soldier  and  the  politeness  of  a  gentleman;  add  it  may 
jiistly  be  added,  with  the  disinterestedness  of  a  man  of  honour, 
«Dd  the  ability  and  discretion  of  an  enlightened  poiitiisian.  -  He 
found  that  the  North-west  Cota^tdlfy,  by  extending  their  establish^ 
■eots  and  commerce  far  within  the  bounds  of  the  United  Slate5^ 
•ad  eten  in  the  very  centre  of  l^gftihieoa,  were  tbus  enaWpd  tc 


;  ^"  •! 


,-'^ii; 


f-im 


"■'■  Mill 

mil 


I 


r  I    > 


\'i  V 


i9(l 


SIIETCUKS  0# 


intrcxHic^  tlicir  goads  \tithotrt  duty  or  licence  into  our  territories 
tp  the  very  great  injury  of  the  revenue,  as  well  as  to  the  com- 
plete exclusion  of  our  own  countrymen  frpm  all  competition  in 
this  trade.  ;  He  perceived,  besides,  that  thene  establiahmcnti 
wer«  made  subservient  to  the  purposes  of  obtaining  an  influence 
over  the  savages,  dangeroas  to  the  peace  and  injurious  to  the 
honour  Add icb^rjcter. of  our  g9y.en>ment,  and  he  thought  it  evi< 
dent  that;  in. icaee  of  a  rupture  betyvecn  the  two  powers,  all  tliiiie 
posts.  wi0.iiJd;.b«^u?9d.  As,  rallyipg:  .points  for  the  enemy,  and  as 
places  of  deposit  for  arms  to  be  distributed  to  the  Indians,  to 
the  infinit.<i  aunQyanoe^  if  not  tQtal  ri^in^  of  all  the  adjoining  ter- 
ritories.      i  ;.   .       .,  .  ■;,-    "L*  j 

AaQPfJortunity- vyw  nowipr.esfinted  to  him  of  enriching  him' 
self  for  Ufo>  by  mere IjT'wping, the  power  ve»;ted  in  him  by  law,  and 
seizing;(Upoiv,t|i«3,  immense  prpp<?rty  of^  the.  connpany  which  he 
found  illegally  introduced  vyithiupur  territory^,  But  having  been 
hospitably  i;eceived  at  oqe  oftJiQir  priopip^l  iposts,  his  high  sense 
of  houpur  wpuld  npt  permit;  himtp-ri^quite  tlicir  hpspitality  by  a 
rigprpu^  ex^putipn  of  the  1a>v8.  It.i;  prp^iiible,  tPP^  that  he  tbpught 
sp  violent  a  measure  might  lead  tp  coliisipns  between  the  twpgo- 
yernments,  yoithput  tending  tapro^q;c§,^i^perj[peneut  beneficia) 
effect,  ^ud;J)e  cheerfully  sacrificed. a)^;[f',j^8  of  perspnal  interest 
to  wl;iat  ;^e.,qpi>^,^,ived  to  be  thejtx^epin)<|i^&t  and.l^qnour^of  hit 
country.  vi;|  '^(j„y«r,,,j;,j,,T  ..,  J  'ip  ^o^,  «ft,>jr,  ^^{  <.i|g  ,v*;firt  '  r!rV' 
■  By  mefii^s  of  reprimands  and  threats  to  the,  Jn^riof  .trad^r^  and 
a  frank  and  spirited  remonstrance  to  the  director  of  the  Fond(lu 
Lac  depaiftment^  he  succeeded  in  prpcuring  a  stipulatipn^  that.in 
future  no  attempt  shquld  be  made  tp  influence  any  Indian  on  poli- 
tical aifairsjiPr  any  subjects  fprqigu  tp  trade,  and  that  measqreg 
should  be  immejdiately  taken  to  prevent  the  display  .  of  the  Bri- 
tish flag,  or  any  pthe|^^^lark  of  power,  within  our  dpminion; 
together  with  a  prpmise  that  such  representatipns  shpuld  be 
immediately  made  tp  the  cpojipany,  anjd  &uch  an  arrangement  ef- 
fected with  regard  to  duties,  as  wpuldyhjexeafter  set  that  question 
at  rest.  •;  ..,,,/  j^._- 

His  cpnduct  with  regard  tp-tl^is. subject  was^  at  the  time, 
viewed  with  cpld  apprpbatipn,  but,  the  pvents  of  the  pre- 
sent war  have  bprne  ample  tetttimpny  to  |iis<  sagacity  and  fore- 
sight. ,       ' 

Within  two  mpnths  after  his  return  from  this  expeditipn,  Pik^; 
was  selected, by  Gen.  Wilkinspn  for  a  secpnd  perilpus  journey  of 
harclship  and  adventure.  The j)rincipal  purpose  of  this  expedition 
was,  like  that  of  the  former,  to  explore  the  interior  of  Louisiana.; 
He  was  directed  to  embark,  at  §t.  Louis  with  the  Osage  captiveS|, 
(about  forty  in  number,)  who  h^4,rbeeii  rescued  from  their  eue«; 
naies,  the  Potowatpmies,  by  th^i  interference  of  our  government 
and  tp  transport  them  to-ihte  p/itt9ipal  village  of  their  n»tioni, 


>«/iHlS  WAK. 


m 


terntorle^i 
»  the  com- 
iputition  in 
Lblishmcnti 
n  iuflucnce 
rious  to  the 
jght  it  evi- 
Sf  all  ttiesie 
ny,  and  as 
Indians,  to 
joining  ter- 

ching  him* 
iy  law,  and 

which  he 
taving  bi'cn 

high  sense 
itality  by  a 

he  thought 
the  two  go- 
At  beneficial 
va9\  interest 

rad^r^  and 

e  Fond  |lu 

|on,  that, in 

an  on  poli- 

t  measiires 

f  the  Bri- 

dominiou; 

should  be 

gement  ef- 

,t  question 

the  time, 
the  pr?" 
and  fore- 

|tion,  FM, 

jom-ney  oi 

jxpedilioa. 

iouisiaoa^ 

captiveS|, 

their  eue* 

rernmeiit^ 

n*tioni, 


^jdhe  wa«  iuBlmcttd^ti  taWtkii  opporUilrfiy  t6  brinjg bbiiuf  idf 
tervipws  between  "•rt'Jd^ilerent^WvSgV  naltonr^  end  to  «i»ldif  avour 
to  assuage  aiiimositl'e^l  iiii  vilttbHsh  ''a  fcrhifiheut  pettdie  >6in»iijS 
them.'  '  "  ■''"'  '*•'  V  J  ■••'••  <-''-^''  •  uiov  !)iiu'..|  .1  .,..'r.T  ..,.a 
He  was,  after  Acdomtiiishing!  tHe«e  4&je^t9,  t&  toominu^  hit 
r61jte  Into  ^he  irtttVid^  ftfn'rt  fof'e*plore'"t^eMi«8lWippi  and  itti 
tribnt*i'y  iftreiartif,  i(*»peyilrtJIy  111*  lAWdnsat^^' 'fend  th*'  litd  River, 
ind  thus  to  ocquii*t  4uoh"  gdo^riipWcai  iirtfdrinat'Sbn''«9  "might 
enable  govbrrimthttb  ljtttfr>^Mo' 'definitiv4>  srrHhgemems  for 
'aboundaVy  line  belwefeiV  liUr  tievHJy  accjuiriU  tl^rrltofy'aild  .North 

In  the  course  of  this  Ji^bnd  journey,  oUr  ftdventu'rius^o^dier^ 
after  leaving  the  Osage  village,  encountered  Hardshijife',  iM  C(ympa- 
tison  of  which. the  s*^veritie8  of  his  for merjdurndy  scented  to  him 
^ie  and  luxury.  ..:•.•  >,(:i;  j.:rnjb 

Win4t*r  overtook  the  party  unprovided  with  any  6ldtM^  it  t» 
protect  thent'from  cold  and  storms.  Their  horses  dled>and'fOf 
weeks  they  we^-e  ©W^g*d  to  explore  their  way  on  IbOt  thrAiigtt 
the  wilderness,  carrying  packs  of  sixty  or  seventy  pounds  weight, 
beside  their  arms,  «xj^d  to  the  'bitterest  severity  of  th(^  cidld, 
relying  «b1&iy'^  on  thfe  p|i6duee  of  ^the  ohase  for  stibsistence,  fltid 
often  for  two  6r  threie  Aaf^s  altogether  without  food.  This 'part 
of  his  journal  contains '^'narrative' of  a  steries  of  iuife rings  nuflS' 
cient  -to  make  the  '^Isuperfluobl  and  •lust-dieted*'  atm  of  tukoiry 
shudder  at  thei  bare  rc^tfititK  Several  of  the(  men  had  ihtlir  f<i8f 
frozen>  aiid  all,  except  Pifte;andi-one  dthtr^  wer^  in  sdnk«  d^^etf 
injured  by  thre  intenisity  of  the'  o«td.  lie  thiis  relates  the  hiaMOtV 
of'two  dftheifedrfeiaifj' rf^iC'  -sLiOjiit't  sn!  Ibmix  b.sit  iBcjiiuuili  Ir 
,  'ti  ,  rTtxi.i   ..il  ,/.-.•;   r:.T  in  hi.  iiifu    *>  '■■  'to    :  nr\\r"j->  r.  Ic)  ha^il 

('18VAJ(ZtAiiif9,$ii»Mtt^u..i'FtR'  doctor'  atiid  myself; who,  fbW 
nately,  were  untouHihETdb^  the  fi^t»t,  went  out  t6  hHrit^hmethtflg 
to  preserve  existertc^J;  near  evetiiifig  we  Wdunded  a  buffalo  with 
three  balls,,  but  biad  ttie  nnortifiicatbtt  to  sed  him  run  off  liotv^ith- 
standing.  We  concladed  it  ^K'a8  useless  to  go  home  to  add  to  the 
general  glootn,  and  w^t  amongst  some  rooks,  where  we  encamp» 
ed,  and  sat  up  all  night;  from  the  intense  cold  it  was  impossible 
to  sleep.     Hungry  and  without  coyer.  >  ' i'b'nni  io'^bti'ic}  l;;ic  rnili 

"  I9th  January,  Mmdiay..,„We  again  took  the  field,  and  aftet' 
crawling  about  one  mile  in  the  snow,  got  near  enough  to  shoot 
eight  times  among  a  gang  of  buffaloes^  and  cnuld  plainly  perceive 
two  or  three  to  be  badly  wounded,  but  by  accident  they  took  the 
wind  of  us,  and  to  our  great  mortification,  all  were  able  to  run 
off.  By  this  time  I  had  become  extrennely  weak  and  faint,  it  be- 
ing  the  fourth  day  since  we  had  received  sustenance,  all  of  which 
^e  were  marching  hard,  and  the  last  night  had  scarcely  closed 
our  eyes  to  sleep.  We  were  inclining  our  course  to  a  point  of 
woods,  determined  t^  remain  absent  and  die  by  ourselves,  rathtf 


i:  a 


>  1  !i 


;      , 


w 


a&ITCHU  Qf 


XhM  to  return  to  our  oamp  and  behold  the  ta\tery  of  our  pu^i 
hdff  when  we  ditooycred  a  gang  of  bufiiloei  coining  along  it 
aome  ;diatanoe.  With  great  t aertiom  1  made  out  to  run  and 
place  myieir  behind  some  cedart,  and  by  the  greatest  good  luck 
the  first  shot  stopped  one,  which  we  killed  in  three  more  shoti^ 
and  by  the  dusk  bad  nut  each  of  us  a  heavy  load,  with  which  wt 
determined  immediately  to  proceed  to  the  camp,  in  order  to  relieve 
the  anxiety  of  our  men,  and  carry  the  poor  feUowa  some  food. 
We  arrived  there  about  12  o*clock,  and  when  I  threw  my  load 
down,  it  was  with  difficulty  I  prevented  myself  from  falling ;  I 
was  attacked  with  a  giddiness  of  the  head,  which  lasted  for  some 
minutes.  On  the  countenances  of  the  men  was  not  a  frown,  not 
a  desponding  eye,  but  all  seemed  happy  to  hail  their  officer  and 
companions,  yet  not  a  mouthful  had  they  eat  for  four  days.  On 
demanding  what  were  their  thoughts,  the  sergeant  replied,  the 
most  robust  had  determined  to  set  out  in  search  of  us  on  the  nor- 
now,  and  not  return  unless  they  found  us,  or  had  killed  iomethio| 
t|>pr9«f  rye.  |he  lives  of  their  starving  coowAQiopit? 

,  In  the  course  of  this  long,  toilaome  and  perilcruf  march,  Pili* 
displayed  a  degree  of  personal  heroism  and  hardihood,  united 
with  a  prudence  and  sagacity  which,  bad  they  been  everted  od 
some  wider  theatre  of  action,  would  have  done  honour  to  tbe 
niost  renowned  general.  The  reader  may^  perhaps,  smile  at  this 
wmark,  as  one  of  the  wild  exaggerations  of  a  biographer  anxious 
%% dignify  the  character  of  his  hero;  but  the  truth  is,  that  great 
i^ji  owe  much  of  their  splendour  to  external  circumstances,  and 
if  Hannibal  had  made  his  famous  march  jaoross  t.ho  Alps  at  the 
head  of  a  company  of  foot,  instead  of  an  army,  his  name,  if  it 
haid  reached  us,  wooM  have  come  down^lo,  posterity  with  much 
less  dignity  than  that  of  our  hardy  countryman. 

There  are  passages  in  Pike's  journal  of  his  second  expedition, 
which,  had  they  been  found,  with  proper  alterations  of  place  and 
oircumstance,  related  by  Plutarch  or  Livy  of  one  of  their  heroet, 
would  have  been  cited  by  every  school-boy,  as  examples  of  mili- 
tary and  heroic  virtue.  Take,  for  instance,  the  account  of  Pike'i 
firm  and  prudent  conduct  in  repressing  the  first  symptoms  of  dii- 
oontent  in  his  little  band,  and  his  address  upon  this  occasion  to  the 
mutineer,  and  they  will  be  found  to  need  but  little  of  tbe  uiua! 
embellishments  of  an  eloquent  historian,  to  be  made  worthy  qf 
Hannibal  himself. 
''* . 

<<  2Ath  January,  5attir(iay....;We  callied  out  in  the  morniof> 
Und  shortly  after  perceived  our  little  band  marching  through  the 
snow,  (about  two  and  a  half  feet  deep,)  silent,  and  with  down* 
vast  countenances.  We  Joined  them,  and  learnt  that  they,  find' 
i$g  the  snow  to  feU  so  fhickly  tbtrt  it  was  impolsible  to  proce^, 


rii 


THE  WAK. 


Wi 


t&'i  rriCnpiped  about  one  o'clock  the  preceding  day.  As  1  found 
jll  the  hutViiloei  had  quitted  thepliiint,  I  dttui  mined  to  attempt 
•he  tinvurseof  the  mountain^  in  which  we  piri»evi'red  until  tlie 
'  ^now  became  so  deep  it  wan  impossible  to  proceed,  when  I  again 
tiirnefl  my  face  to  the  plain,  and  for  the  first  time  in  the  voyage 
louiid  mvHelf  discouraged,  and  for  the  flrst  time  I  heard  a  man 
express  hnnself  in  a  seditious  manner ;  he  exclaimed,  *  that  it 
was  more  than  human  nature  could  bear,  to  march  three  days 
without  sustenance,  through  snows  three  feet  deep,  and  carry 
burdens  only  fit  for  horsej?,*  &c.  &c. 

«  As  I  knew  very  well  the  fidelity  and  attachment  of  the  ma- 
jority of  the  men,  and  even  of  this  poor  fellow,  and  that  it  was 
in  my  power  to  chastise  him  when  I  thought  proper,  I  passed  it  by 
for  the  moment,  determined  to  notice  it  at  a  more  auspicious  time. 
We  dragged  our  weary  and  emaciated  limbs  along  until  about  10 
o'clock.  The  doctor  and  myself,  who  were  in  advance,  disco- 
vere^d  some  buffaloes  on  the  plain,  when  wc  It  ft  our  Iqad:*,  and  or- 
der?, written  on  the  snow,  to  proceed  to  the  nearest  woods  to 
encamp.  We  went  in  pursuit  of  the  buffaloes,  which  were  ou 
the  nnve. 

<'The  doctor,  who  was  then  less  reduced  than  myself,  ran  and 
got  behind  a  hill,  and  shot  one  down,  which  stopped  the  remain- 
der. We  crawled  up  to  the  dead  one,  and  shot  from  him  as  ma- 
ny as  twelve  or  fourteen  times  among  the  gang,  when  they  re- 
moved out  of  sight.  We  then  proceeded  to  cut  up  the  one  we 
had  shot,  and  after  procuring  each  of  us  a  load  of  the  meat,  vvc 
Dircbed  f  )r  the  camp,  the  smoke  of  which  was  in  view.  We 
Rrrived  at  the  camp  to  the  great  joy  of  our  brave  lads,  who  im- 
mediately feasted  sumptuously.  After  our  repast,  I  sent  for  the 
hd  whj  had  presuTied  to  speak  discoDtentedlyr  in  the  course  of 
the  day,  and  addressed  him  to  the  following  effect :  '  Brown,  you 
this  day  presumed  to  make  use  of  language  which  was  seditious 
and  mutinous;  1  then  passed  it  over,  pitying  your  situation,  and 
attributing  it  to  your  distress,  rather  than  to  your  inclination  to 
low  discontent  amongst  the  party.  Had  1  reserved  provisions  for 
ourselves,  whilst  you  were  starving;  had  we  been  marching 
along  light  and  at  our  ease,  whilst  you  were  weighed  down  with 
I  your  burden,  then  you  would  have  had  some  pretext  for  your  ob- 
servations ;  but  when  we  were  equally  hungry,  weary,  emaciated 
and  charged  with  burden,  which  I  believe  my  natural  strength  is 
le^s  able  to  bear  than  any  man's  in  the  party ;  when  we  are  al- 
ways foremost  in  breaking  the  road,  reconnoitering,  and  the  fa- 
tigues of  the  chase,  it  was  the  height  of  ingratitude  in  you  to  let 
an  expression  escape  which  was  indicative  of  discontent ;  your 
[ready  compliance  and  firm  perseverance  I  had  reason  to  expect, 
?Ube  leader  of  men,  and   iriy  companions   in  miseries  and  dan- 

.    -  ■  •  -    -    .       2  B  ,   .  .,      ■ 


; ,  5>v  '",i? 


.^,m 


y^ 


SKLTCIIES   OF 


,f  :i , 


\i: 


;M*,' 


g€r8.  But  your  duty  aa  a  soldier  demanded  your  obcchcnctu 
your  oflficer,  and  a  prohibition  of  such  language,  which,  for  thi; 
time,  I  will  pardon,  but  assure  you,  should  it  ever  be  repeated,  \ 
will  revenge  your  ingratitude  and  punish  your  disobedience  by  in- 
stant  death.  I  take  this  opportunity,  likewise,  to  assure  you,  so! 
diers,  of  my  thanks  for  the  obedience,  peiseverance  and  rtady 
contempt  of  every  danger  which  you  have  generally  evinced ;  [ 
assure  you,  nothing  shall  be  \vanting  on  my  part  to  procure  yoL 
the  rewards  of  our  government,  and  the  gratitude  of  your  couti 
trynien.' 

"They  all  appeared  very  much  afTectcd,  and  retired  wjth  rs 
surances  of  perseverance  ip  duty." 

Amidst  these  distresses,  after  a  three  months  winter's  marcl. 
they  explored  their  way  to  what  they  supposed  to  be  the  Red 
River.  Here  they  were  met  by  a  party  of  Spanish  cavalry,  b} 
whom  Pike  was  informed,  to  his  great  astonishment,  that  they 
were  not  on  the  Bed  River,  but  on  the  Rio  del  Norte,  and  in  the 
Spanish  territory.  All  opposition  to  this  force  would  have  been 
idle,  and  he  reluctantly  submitted  to  accompany  the  Spaniards  to 
Santo  Fe,  to  appear  before  the  governor.  Though,  to  his  great 
mortification,  h>s  expedition  was  thus  broken  off,  all  hardship  was 
now  at  an  end.  He  was  treated  on  the  road  with  great  re- 
spect and  hospitality,  though  watched  and  guarded  with 
much  jealousy  ;  but  he  still  insisted  on  wearing  his  swoid,  and 
that  his  men  should  retain  their  arms.  Indeed,  it  was  his  resolu- 
tion, had  he  or  any  of  his  people  been  ill  used,  to  surprise  tlie 
guard,  carry  off  their  horses,  and  make  the^^  best  of  their  way  to 
Apaches. 

When  he  arriveci  at  Santa  Fe,  his  whole  dress  was  a  blanl^et 
coat,  blue  trowsers,  mocasons,  and  a  scarlet  cloth  cap  lined  witb 
sl  fox  skin  ;  his  men  were  in  leather  coats,  with  leggings,  &c 
and  not  a  hat  in  the  whole  party.  But  he  appeared  before  the 
governor  with  his  usual  spirit,  and  insisted  on  being  treated  with 
the  respect  due  to  an  American  officer.  From  Santa  Fe  he  \nt 
sent  to  the  capital  of  the  province  of  Biscay,  to  be  examined  bj 
the  commandant  general,  where  he  was  well  received  and  en- 
tertained for  some  time,  after  which  he  was  sent  on  his  waj 
home,  under  the  escort  of  a  strong  party  of  horse.  He  ar 
rived  with  his  little  band  at  Natchitoches  on  the  Ist  day  of  July, 
1807. 

The  most  vexatious  circumstance  attending  this  unexpected 
sequel  to  his  expedition  was  the  seizure  of  all  his  papers,  except 
his  private  journal,  by  the  Spanish  government.  He  had  been 
fitted  out  with  a  complete  set  of  mathematical  and  astronomical 
instruments,  and  had  made  frequent  and  accurate  observations; 
he  had  thus   ascertained  the  geoirraphir-al  jutuation  of  the  iiios' 


IHE   WAK. 


Itit 


mportant  points  with  much  precision,  and  had  collected  mate- 
rials for  an  accurate  map  of  a  great  part  of  the  country  which 
he  traversed.  The  seizure  of  these  papers  is  a  real  loss  to 
the  cause  of  science.  It  is,  however,  in  perfect  conformity 
to  that  narrow  and  purblind  policy  which  the  old  Spanish 
<rovernment  uniformly  manifested  in  the  administration  of  its  co> 
'onies.     •  • 

Pike,  upon  his  return,  received  the  thanks  of  the  government ; 
ri  committee  of  the  house  of  representatives  expressed  their  high 
:en3e  of  his  "  zeal,  perseverance  and  intelligence,"  and  the  ad- 
ministration, much  t6  its  honour,  bestowed  upon  him  a  more  solid 
testimony  of  approbation,  by  a  rapid  promotion  in  the  army.  He 
.vas  immediately  appointed  captain,  shortly  after  a  major,  and, 
upon  the  further  enlargement  of  the  army  in  1810,  a  colonel  of 
infantry. 

During  the  intervals  of  his  military  duties,  he  prepared  for  the 
press  a  narrative  of  his  two  expeditions,  accompanied  by  several 
valuable  original  maps  and  charts.  This  was  published  in  8vo.  in 
1810.  The  work  is  rather  overloaded  with  imnecessary  detail> 
and  the  language  is  careless  and  often  inaccurate ;  the  last  fault 
is,  however,  in  a  great  measure  to  be  attributed  to  several  disad- 
vantageous circumstances  under  which  the  work  went  to  press, 
A'hile  the  author  was  at  a  distance,  engaged  in  public  service..... 
Still  it  is  sufficiently  evident  that  the  volume  is  not  the  composi- 
tion of  a  scholar.  But  it  bears  the  strongest  marks  of  an  acute, 
active,  busy  mind,  unaccustomed  to  scientific  arrangement  or  spe- 
culation, but  filled  with  a  variety  of  knowledge,  all  of  a  useful, 
practical  kind. 

Though  entirely  unacquainted  with  botany,  zoology  and  mi- 
neralogy, as  sciences.  Pike  had  a  liberal  curiosity,  which  taught 
him  to  look  upon  every  object  with  the  eye  of  an  observer,  and 
to  despise  no  sort  of  knowledge,  though  he  might  not  himself  per- 
ceive its  imYnediate  utility.  Above  all,  the  narrative  has  that  un- 
studied air  of  truth,  which  is  so  apt  to  evaporate  away  in  the  pro- 
cesses of  the  book  making  traveller;  it  retains  all  the  clearness 
and  freshness  of  first  impressions,  and  we  are  never  for  a  moment 
left  in  doubt  whether  or  no  the  writer  and  the  traveller  are  the 
same  person. 

Immediately  alfter  the  declaration  of  war.  Pike  was  stationed 
with  his  regiment  upon  the  northern  frontier ;  and  upon  the  com- 
mencement of  the  campaign  of  1813,  was  appointed  a  brigadier 
general. 

There  was  a  tincture  of  enthusiasm  in  Pike's  character  which 
communicated  itself  to  his  whole  conduct ;  in  whatsoever  pursuit 
he  engaged,  he  entered  upon  it  with  his  whole  soul.  But  the 
profession  of  arms  had  been  always  his  favourite  8tudy....hi8  "life's 
«mployment,  and  his  leisure's  chajm."      Having  served  througk 


.'  .V  S'l 


1^6 


{jKETCHEd   OF 


W'^3 


every  gradation  of  rank,  almost  from  a  private,  up  to  a  genera; 
and  very  often  tmployed  in  separate  and  independent  coin 
mands;  he  was  intimately  acquainted  with  all  the  minutiae  of  dk 
cipline.  --   '  *    ' 

The  veteran  of  a  peace  establishment  is  too  apt,  from  the  want 
of  greater  objects,  to  narrow  his  mind  down  to  the  little  details  o* 
a  military  life,  until,  at  length,  every  trifle  swells  up  into  idta! 
importance,  arid  the  cut  of  a  coat,  or  the  tying  of  a  neckcloth, 
stt  mi  big  with  the  fate  of  nations.  Pike  was  extremely  atten 
live  to  all  the  particulars,  even  to  tiie  most  minute  points,  of  dis 
cipline  and  dress,  yet  he  gave  them  their  dufe  importance,  and  no 
more. 

He  did  not  wish  to  degrade  the  soldier  into  a  mere  living  ma- 
chine, and  while  he  kept  up  the  strictest  discipline,  he  laboured  to 
make  his  men  feel  that  this  severity  arose  not  from  caprice  or  111 
temper,  but  from  principle,  and  that  it  had  for  itit  sole  object  their 
own  glory,  ibeir  ease,  their  health  and  safety.  Careless  of 
popularity,  and  negligent  of  the  arts  by  which  good  will  is 
often  conciliated  v^here  there  is  no  real  esteem,  by  the  un- 
a.ssuming  simplicity  and  frankness  of  his  manners,  and  the 
undeviating  honour  of  his  conduct,  he  bound  to  hitrs*lf 
the  hearts  of  all  around^  with  the  strong  ties  of  respect  and  af- 
fection. 

Thus  self  formed,  and  thus  situated,  the  eyes  of  the  army  were 
anxiously  cast  towards  him,  as  the  chosen  champion  who  was  to 
riedeem  their  reputation  from  that  disgrace  with  which  it  nad 
been  stained  by  a  long  series  of  disasters.  The  day  for  which 
his  heart  had  long  panted  at  length  arrived....a  bright  day  of  glory 
for  the  hero,  of  gloom  and  sorrow  to  his  country.  He  was  select- 
ed for  the  con>mand  of  the  land  forces  in  an  expedition  agaiust 
York,  the  capital  of  Upper  Canada,  and  on  the  25th  of  April  sail- 
ed from  Sacket's  Harbour  in  the  squadron  commanded  by  Comma 
dore  Chauncey. 

The  day  before  the  expedition  sailed,  he  wrote  a  letter  to  his 
father,  which  contains  thes&  prophetic  vrordt: 


;,J 

\  ■ 

IwHi 

11 

|H 

¥' 

m 

iH 

"I  embark  tomorrow  in  the  fleet  at  Siacket's  Harbour,  at  the 
head  of  a  column  of  1500  choice  troops,  on  a  secret  expedition. 
If  success  attends  my  steps,  honour  and  glory  await  my  name;  it 
defeat,  still  shall  it  be  said  that  we  died  like  brave  men,  and  con- 
ferred  honour',  even  in  death,  on  the  American  name. 

"  Should  I  be  the  happy  mortal  destined  to  turn  the  scale  oi 
war,  will  yoii  not  rejoice,  0  my  father  ?  May  heaven  be  propi- 
tious, and  smile  on  the  cause  of  my  country  !  But  if  we  ar&  des- 
tined to  fall,  may  my  fall  be  like  Wolfe'8....to  sleep  in  the  arms  cf 
victory,"  '   '        ■  .     , 


'J*HE  WAIt. 


107 


Oh  the  27th  of  April  General  Pike  arrived  at  York^  with  about 
leventeen  huitdred  chosen  men,  and  immediately  prepared  to 
land.  The  spot  which  was  selected  for  landing,  was  the  scite  of 
an  old  French  fort  called  Torento,  of  which  scarcely  any  ves- 
tiges now  remain.  The  plan  of  attack  was  formed  by  Gen.  Pike 
himself,  and  clearly  and  minutely  detailed  in  his  general  orders, 
which  were  directed'  to  be  read  at  the  head  of  every  corps;  every 
geld  officer  wai*  al8o  directed  to  carry  a  copy  of  them,  in  order 
that  he  might  at  any  moment  refer  to  them,  and  give  explana* 
tioi)!!  to  his  subordinates.  Every  thing  was  arranged,  and  ev«ry 
probable  exigency  provided  for,  with  admirable  method  and  pre- 
cision. 

There  is  one  paragraph  of  these  orderar  which  breathes 
so  much  of  its  own  spirit,  that  we  cannot  forbear  from  ex- 
tracting it.  It  is  deeply  stamped  with  that  unity  of  cha- 
racter which  was  visible  throughout  all  his  actions,  and  which  is, 
ill  truth,  one  of  the  strongest  marks  of  a  powerful  and  origina: 
mind. 

«  No  man  will  load  until  ordered,  except  the  light  troops  iu 
front,  until  within  a  short  distance  of  the  enemy,  and  then  charge 
bayonets;  thus  letting  the  enemy  see  that  we  can  meet  them 
with  their  own  weapons.  Any  man  firing  or  quitting  his  post 
without  orders  must  be  put  to  instant  death,  as  an  example  may 
be  necessary.  Platoon  officers  will  pay  the  greatest  attention  tc 
the  coolness  and  aim  of  their  men  in  the  fire ;  their  regularity 
and  dressing  in  the  charge  The  field-officers  will  watch  over 
the  conduct  of  the  whole.  Courage  and  bravery  in  the  field  do- 
not  more  distinguish  the  soldier  than  humanity  after  victory ;  and 
whatever  examples  the  savage  allies  of  our  enemies  may  have 
given  us,  the  general  confidently  hopes,  that  the  blood  of  an  un- 
resisting or  yielding  enemy  will  never  stain  the  weapons  of  the 
soldiers  of  his  column.  Property  roust  be  held  sacred ;  and  any 
soldier  who  shall  so  far  neglect  the  honour  of  his  profession  as  to 
be  guilty  of  plundering  the  inhabitants,  shall,  if  convicted,  be  pu- 
nished with  death.  But  the  commanding  general  assures  the- 
troops,  that  should  they  capture  a  large  quantity  of  public  stores, 
he  will  use  his  best  endeavours  to  prqcure  them  a  reward  from 
Ills  government." 

As  soon  is  the  debarkation  commenced,  a  body  of  British 
grenadiers  was  paraded  on  the  shore,  and  the  Glengary  fencibles, 
a  local  force  which  had  been  disciplined  with  great  care,  and 
has  repeatedly  proved  itself  fully  equal  to  any  regular  force  ap- 
peared at  another  point.  Large  bodies  of  Indians  were  also 
'tea  in   different  directions,    while    others    filled    the    woods- 


'ftii 


!»■  ' 


ill  .■'M- 


iyh 


h'iCK'VCHES  01? 


iJvhich  skirled  the  shore.       General  Slieaflfe  commanded  in  pc, 
eon. 

Forsyth's  riflemen  were  the  first  to  land,  which  they  effected 
under  a  heavy  tire  of  musketry  and  rifles  from  the  Indians  and 
British.  As  soon  as  the  fire  from  the  shore  had  commenced, 
Major  Forsyth  had  ordered  his  men  to  rest  a  few  monienis 
upon  theij  oars,  and  return  the  fire.  At  this  moment  Gen.  Pik 
was  standing  upon  the  deck  of  his  ship.  He  saw  the  pause  oi 
his  first  division,  and,  impatient  at  the  delay,  exclaimed,  **  1  can 
stay  here  no  longer,  come,  jump  into  the  boat;"  and,  springing 
into  it,  followed  by  his  staff,  was  immediately  rowed  into  th? 
thickest  of  the  fire. 

The  infantry  had  followed  the  riflemen,  and  formed  in  platoo;:- 
as  soon  as  they  reached  the  shore.  Gen.  Pike  took  the  command 
of  the  first  platoon  which  he  reached,  and  ordered  the  whole  to 
prepare  for  a  charge.  They  mounted  the  bank,  and  the  enemv, 
after  a  short  conflict,  broke  at  once,  and  fled  in  disorder  tovvart'r 
the  works. 

At  that  moment  the  sound  of  Forsyth's  Ibugles  was  heard,  an 
nouncing  his  success  at  another  point.  Its  effect  upon  the  Indian: 
was  almost  electrical ;  they  gave  a  horrible  yell,  and  fled  in  everv 
direction. 

The  whole  force,  being  now  landed  and  collected,  was  again 
formed  and  led  on  by  Gen.  Pike  in  person  to  attack  the  enem}'; 
Works.  They  advanced  through  the  woods,  and  after  carrying 
one  battery  by  assault,  in  the  most  gallant  manner,  moved  on  in 
columns  towards  the  main  work.  The  fire  of  the  enemy  \fzi 
soon  silenced  by  cur  artillery,  and  a  flag  of  surrender  was  ex- 
'pected,  when  a  terrible  explosion  suddenly  took  place  from  the 
British  magazine,  which  had  been  previously  prepared  for  thir 
purpose. 

Pike,  after  aiding  in  removing  a  wounded  man  with  his  owu 
hands,  had  sat  down  on  the  stump  of  a  tree  with  a  British  ser 
geant,  who  had  been  taken,  and  was  employed  with  Captain 
Nicholson  and  one  of  his  aids,  in  examining  the  prisoner.  The 
explosion  was  tremendous ;  an  immense  quantity  of  large  stonei 
were  thrown  in  every  direction  with  terrible  force,  aud  scattered 
destruction  and  confusion  around  among  our  troops.  The  gene- 
ral,  his  aid.  Captain  Nicholson,  and  tiie  prisoner,  fell  together,  ail 
except  the  aid  mortally  wounded.  General  Pike  had  been  struck 
on  the  breast  by  a  heavy  stone.  Shortly  after  he  received  the 
^low,  he  said  to  his  wounded  aid,  ''  I  am  mortally  wounded...' 

write  to  my  friend  D ,  and  tell  him  what  you  know  of  the 

battle,  and  to  comfort  my  ."       In  the  same  bmken  manner 

he  afterwards  added  several  other  requests  relating  to  his  private 
affairs. 


THE   VVAU. 


i&», 


the  troojjs  were  instantly  formed  again;  as  a  body  of  theni 
passed  their  wounded  general,  he  said,  "  Push  on,  brave  fellowa,. 
and  avenge  your  general."  While  the  surgeons  were  carrying 
him  out  of  the  field,  a  tumultuous  huzza  was  heard  from  our 
troops;  Pike  turned  his  head  with  an  anxious  look  of  inquiry; 
he  was  told  by  a  sergeant,  *'  The  British  union  jack  is  coming 
down,  general. ...the  stars  are  going  up."  He  heaved  a  heavy 
sigh,  and  smiled.  He  was  then  carried  on  board  the  comn^j- 
dole's  ship,  where  he  lingered  for  a  few  hours.  Just  before  ae 
breathed  his  last,  the  British  standard  was  brought  to  him ;  he 
made  a  sign  to  have  it  placed  under  his  head,  and  expired  with* 
out  a  groan. 

The  death  of  General  Pike,  at  such  a  period,  was  a  great  pub- 
lic misfortune ;  his  countrymen  did  not  know  half  the  extent  of 
their  loss.  Pike  was  plain  and  unimposing  in  his  appearance  and 
manners,  ^nd  to  the  world  seemed  little  more  than  an  active  and 
intelligent  soldier;  but  it  is  not  easy  to  say  what  height  of  mili- 
tary excellence  may  not  have  been  reached  by  a  mind  like  his, 
stimulated  by  high-soaring  ambition,  braced  up  by  principle  to  ha- 
bitual dignity  of  thought,  and  constantly  expanding  its  views,  en- 
larging its  resources,  and  unfolding  its  powers,  by  its  own  native 
and  unwearied  energy. 

Gallant  spirit !  It  was  thine  to  wash  out  with  thy  life-blood  the 
foul  remembrance  of  our  country's  shame....of  those  disgraces 
which  had  blasted  her  honour,  and  tarnished  the  ancient  glories 
of  her  arms.  It  was  thine,  in  life,  in  death,  to  give  to  your  com- 
panions in  arms  a  great  example  of  chivalrous  honour  and  heroic 
courage ;  it  was  thine  to  lead  them  to  the  threshold  Of  the  tem- 
ple of  fame,  and  bid  them  enter  on  a  long  career  of  glory.     W" 

Gallant  spirit !  Thy  country  will  not  forget  thee....thou  shalt 
have  a  noble  memory.  When  a  grateful  nation  confers  upon  the 
heroes  of  Niagara  and  Erie  the  laurels  they  have  so  nobly  earned, 
she  will  bid  them  remember  that  those  laurels  were  first  gather- 
ed on  the  shores  of  York,  and  were  watered  by  the  blood  of  a 
hero ;  and  hereafter,  when  our  children  and  our  children's  chil- 
dren shall  read  the  story  of  patriots  and  heroes  who  have  greatly 
fallen  in  the  arms  of  victory,  when  their  eyes  glisten  and  their 
young  hearts  throb  wildly  at  the  kindling  theme,  they  will  close 
the  volume  which  tells  of  Epaminondas,  of  Sidney,  or  of  Wolfe^^ 
and  proudly  exclaim,  "  And  we,  too,  had  our  Montgomery  and 
'JitrPike."  . 

q     '        '  \Analectio  Magazine. 


'  \:  !^,i 


■f,-\ 


KM 


2(70 


SKETCHES  iJiig 


^■'- 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


Capture  of  forts  G'>orge  and  Erie....Battle  at  Stoney  Creek.., 
Defeat  of  Col.  Boerstler,.,.Defrat  of  the  enemy  at  SackeVs 
Harbour.  *    -  •'       '  •  «. 

Capture  of  forts  George  and  Eri>....The  nrmy  re*embarkedflt 
Sfork,  and  proceeded  to  Nia|»ara  to  effect  th€  third  object  of  the 
expedition,  where  they  arrived  on  the  .8th  of  May.  Some  little 
time  was  necessary  to  put  the  army  in  condition  for  the  attack  of 
fort  George,  and  also  to  bring  on  reinforcements  from  Sacket'g 
Harbour  and  other  places  On  the  27th  tlie  attack  was  made  and 
succeeded  most  gloriously.  The  following  is  an  extract  from  th? 
oAicial  account :  .        '         . 

«  Head-Quarters,  Fort  George,       "i 
'  '      «« Upper  Canada,  May  27,  1813  > 

^<The  light  troops  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Scott  and 
Major  Forsyth  landed  this  morning  at  9  o'clock.  Major  General 
Lewis's  division,  with  Colonel  Porter's  command  of  light  artille- 
ry, supported  them.  General  Boyd's  brigade  landed  immediately 
after  the  light  troops,  and  Generals  Winder  and  Chandler  follow- 
ed in  quick  suficession.  The  landing  was  warmly  and  obstinately 
disputed  by  the  British  forces;  but  the  coolness  and  intrepidity  of 
our  troops  soon  compelled  them  to  give  ground  in  every  direciion. 
/general  Chandler  wHh  the  reserve  (composed  of  his  brigade  and 
Chi.  Macomb's  artillery)  covered  the  whole.  Commodore  Chaun- 
cey  had  made  the  most  judicious  arrangements  for  silencing  the 
enemy's  batteries  near  the  landing.  The  army  is  under  the  great* 
est  obligations,  to  that  able  naval  commander,  for  his  indefatiga- 
ble exertions,  in  co-operation  in  all  its  important  movements,  and 
especially  in  its  operations  this  day.  Our  batteries  succeeded  in 
rendering  fort  George  untenable ;  and  when  the  enemy  had  been 
beaten  from  his  position,  and  found  it  necessary  to  re-enter  it,  after 
firing  a  few  guns,  and  setting  fire  to  the  magazines,  which  soon 
exploded,  moved  off  ra{>idly  by  different  routes.  Our  light  troopi 
pursued  them  several  miles.  The  troops  having  been  under  arms 
from  one  o'clock  in  the  morning,  were  too  much  exhausted  for 
any  further  pursuit.  We  are  now  in  possession  of  fort  George 
and  its  immediate  dependencies ;  to-morrow  we  shall  proceed  fur- 
ther on.  The  behavior  of  our  troops,  both  officers  and  men,  en- 
titles them  to  the  highest  praise  ;  and  the  difference  in  our  loss 
n-ith  that  of  ♦'..?  enemy,  when  we  cons^ider  the  advantages  his  po- 
sitions afforded  him,  is  astonishing.  We  had  seventeen  killed  and 


THK  WAR. 


801 


ijrty  ftve  woiuided.  The  enemy  had  ninety  killed  and  one  hun- 
difd  and  «ixty  wounded,  of  the  reG;ular  Iroops.  We  have  takfa 
on-'  hu  idred  prUoiiers,  exclusive  of  the  wmnded.  Colonel  Mey- 
ixs,  of  the  49th,  vva.«  wounded  and  takf  n  prisoner.  Of  ours,  only 
one  coramis^iont  d  oQicer  vim  killed.  Lieutenant  Hobart,  of  this 
light  artillery  " 

Return  of  the  loss  of  the  army  6T  the  United  States,  in  the  aC- 
.  tion  of  the  27th  May,  ldl3« 
The  liftht  troops  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Col.  Scott-^ 
Capt.  Roach  of  the  '23d  infantry  wounded,;  Lieut.  Swearingen,ao.; 
23  non  coipmissioned  officers  ^and  privates  killed  ;  D4  do.  wound- 
ed—total 89 

Gen.  Lewises  division—iltt.  or  -Boyd's  brigade, Lieut.  H.  A.  Ho- 
bart  killed ;  rank  and  file,  1  wounded. 

Of)  regt.  of   ioftntry,  Capt.  Arrowsaiith,  wounded  ;  rank  and 
file,  6  killed,  16  wounded. 

15th  regt.  inf.  Mdjur  King,  wounded  ;  rank  and  file,  1  killed,  6 
wounded. 

16th  r^gt., inf.  Capt.  Steel,  wounded  ;  rank  and  file,  8  killed, 
9  wounded. 

N»'W-yo«-k  volunteers,  rank  and  file,  4  wounded. 
2d,  or  IVinder^s  brisade — Rank. and  file,  6  wounded. 
3d,  or  Chandler''s  brigadf-r-^one,  "     > 

Of  the   wonodedt  but  61  have  been  sept  to  the  hospitaL     The 
wounds,  of- the  others  vvere  very  slight.  n^,i§i    *;.  «* 

Reuturn  of  the  loss  of  the  enemy  in  killed,  wounded,  and  taken, 
in  the  action  of  the  27th  May,  1813. 
Killed^lOB. 

Prisoners. — Wounded,  1  colonel,  3  subalterns,  7  sergeants 
and  152  rank  and  file — 163.     Not  wounded,  1  captain,  1  subat 
tero,  1  surgeon,  8  sergeants  and  102  rank  and  file — 1 15. 
Loss  ofthe  enemy  in  killed  and  wounded     380 
Militia  paroled        .        -       -        -         507 


-!■  i 


y^,v:-■ 


i 


Total  lo98 


893 


»f  ODD  after  the  capture  of  fort  Georgc,-the  enemy  evacuated  fott 
Erie,  (which  was  immediately  occupied  by  the  American  army)  and 
retired  to  a  place  called  the  Beaver  Dams,  where  they  had  large 
stores  of  provisions  and  ammunition.  They  however,  in  a  few 
days,  retired  to  the  head  of  the  lake,  and  were  pursued  by  Gens. 
Chandler  and  Winder.  ^On  the  5th  of  June  they  took  a  positiom 
for  the  night  beyond  €tony  Creek,  near  the  retreating  British  ar- 
ny.   >^n  this  position  they  were  attacked  about  2  o'clK^k  the  next 


Vi  V  t;     fjjrt 


s  c 


m 


^tm 


'i 

J  ' 


8|D9 


SKETCHES  09 


fnorning,  and  succeeded  in  repulsing  the  enemy,  but  with  the  jou 
of  Gens.  Chandler  and  Winder. 

The  particulars  of  this  affair  will  be  found  in  the  following  ex- 
tract of  a  letter  from  Col.  Burn  :  ...1-        •  ii!    v,r  , 

"In  the  afternoon  of  the  5th  our  advance  guard,  consisting  of  | 
the  light  infantry,  under  the  command  of  Captains  Hindman,  Bid- 
<|le  and  Nicholas,  a  part  of  the  rifle  corps  under  Captain  Lytic,  and 
a   detachment  of  the  2d  dragoons  under  Captain  Selden,  com- 
menced a  sharp  skirmish  with  the  advance  of  the  enemy,  said  to 
be  a  detachment  of  the  49th  regiment,  which  soon  retreated,  cot>  | 
•red  by  a  thick  woods,  having,   however,  several   wounded  on 
both  sides,  and  one  dragoon  horse  killed.     In  the  evening  our  ad- 1 
vance  returned  behind   Stony  creek,  where  the  army  took  a  peti- 
tion for  the  night.     The  light  infantry,  and  part  of  the  rifle  corpi  I 
on  the   right  of  the  !{5th  regiment,  formed  the  right  wing.    The 
artillery,  under  Captains  Towson  and  L.  Leonard,  the  centre.  Th( 
9th,  16th,  83d,  and  some  riflemen,  the  left  w)ng,and  the  cavalry 
]n  the  rear.     A.  strong  picket  guard  was  posted  some  distance  ig  [ 
front,  also  strong  flank  and  rear  guards  in  such  manner  as  to  sur- 
round the  whole  encampment   with  sentinels— ^the  troops  lay  un- 
der arms  without   any  covering.     Our  numbers  in  the  field  did  I 
not  exceed  one  thousand.     Three  hundred  effectives  of  the  13th 
and  14th  reginaents  having  encamped  on  the  borders  of  the  lake, 
about  three  miles  distant,  for  the  protection  of  the  boats.     The  en- 
emy forced  our  picket  and  attacked  us  about  two  o'clock  in  the 
morning  (which  was  very  dark)  with  their  army  and  Indians,  ex- 
pecting, no  doubt,  to  throw  us  into  confusion.     Their  views  were,  I 
in  this  instance,  however,  completely  frustrated,  and  when  the  day 
dawned,  none  were  to  be  seen  except  their  killed  and  wounded, 
who  covered  the  field  of  battle.     The  attack  began  on  our  right, 
and  was  gallantly  repelled  by  the  fire  of  the  light  troops  aod 
25th  regiment,  commanded  by  Major  Smith.    In  a  few  minutet 
it  became  general  along  the  whole  line,  and  was  nobly  returned 
by  the  artillery  of  the  centre,  oommi^nded  by  Captains  Towson  aod 
L.  Leonard,  and  again  by  the  troops  of  the  left  wing,  viz.  the  Sth, 
under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Milton,  the  23d,  commanded  by  Major 
Armstrong,  and  the  16th.    The  fire  continued  with  little  interllli^ 
sion  for  one  hour,  during  which  time  the  enemy  attempted  by  fre 
quent  charges,  to  break  our  line,  but  without  effect,  being  obliged 
to  give  way  by  the  well  directed  fire  of  our  brave  troops. 
^■'    **  The  13th  and  14th  regiments  (which  had  been  detached  the  I 
preceding  evening)  were  active  in  making  prisoners,  and  advao-[ 
ced  with  much  ardor  to  the  field  in  hopes  of  sharing  with  the  gal>| 
lant  5th  and  25th,  23d  and  light  troops,  the  glory  of  another  con-f 
bat.    Butc^he  unfortunate  captureof  Brigadier  Generals  Chandler | 
iQd  Winder^  who  were  taken  is  the  action  unknown  to  any 


XHB  WAR. 


2QS 


(if  the  army,  and  hurried  into  the  enemy's  lines,  prevented  the  fu» 
ture  operations  from  being  carried  into  efTect  with  the  promptitude 
which  would  assuredly  have  taken  place  had  either  of  those  offi- 
cers been  present  to  command. 

«  You  will  be  surprized  to  find  our  loss  so  small....that  of  the  ene- 
ny  exceeds  ours  much;  they  lost  in  killed  about  sixty,  many 
wonnded,  and  upwards  of  seventy  prisoners,  all  regulars  and  priii» 
cipally  of  the  49th  regiment.  Several  of  their  officers  were  kil- 
I  ledy  wounded  and  missing.  A  flag  was  sent  by  Col.  Hervey,  ask- 
ing permission  to  make  enquiries  for  them ;  also  to  be  allowed  td 
send  a  surgeon  to  attend  their  own  wounded^  which  1  readily 
granted.  On  the  return  of  day-light,  I  found  the  command  oC 
the  army  had  devolved  on  me,  and  being  at  a  loss  what  steps  to 
I  pursue  in  the  unpleasant  dilemma,  occasioned  by  the  capture  of 
our  generals  i  finding  the  ammunition  of  many  of  the  troiips  near- 
\y  expended,  I  had  recourse  to  a  council  of  the  field  officers  pres- 
ent, of  whom  a  majority  coincided  in  opinion  with  me  that  we 
ought  to  retire  to  our  former  position  at  the  Forty-mile  Creek> 
where  we  could  be  s'ipplied  with  ammunition  and  provisions,  and 
either  advance  or  remain  until  further  orders. 

"Every  aid  was  afforded  by  the  stafil  The  assistant  adjutant 
I  general, Major  Johnson^and  Brigade  Majors  Jones  and  Wartenby 
I  exerted  themselves  in  rendering  all  the  assistance  in  their  power* 

"The  army,  on  this  occasion,  has  proved  its  firmness  and  brave* 
lry,by  keeping  its  position  in  a  night  attack,  in  which  the  yells  of 
the  Indians,  mingled  with  the  roar  of  cannon  and  musketry,  were 
calculated  to  intimidate.  The  enemy  charged  repeatedly,  and 
10  dark  was  the  night  that  our  army  could  not  distinguish  friend 
from  foe;  in  one  of  those  they  succeeded  in  carrying  off  a  six 
^under,  a  howitzer  and  a  caisson,  to  the  great  mortification  of 
our  brave  artillery.  I  presume  it  was  on  that  occasion  also  that 
we  lost  our  generals,  who  were  distinctly  heard  encouraging  our 
nen  to  fight.  The  squadron  of  dragoons  remained  formed  and 
steady  at  their  post,  but  could  not  act  on  account  of  the  darkness 
of  the  night  and  the  thickness  of  the  adjacent  woods.  Much 
credit  is  due  to  the  troops  generally,  but  too  much  praise  cannot 
be  said  of  the  conduct  of  the  5th  and  25th  regiments.'* 


:■;'*'  \i 

'■  'III 

■'Mm 

.'  •'  -,'.)• 

m 

.    ■•!     '■  )■■' 

■   -  ipr 


\-:'\:h 


About  this  time  the  British  fleet  on  lake  Ontario  having  been  ia- 
I  creased  by  the  addition  of  a  new  vessel,  appeared  on  the  lake,  and 
cutoff  the  water  communication  of  that  part  of  the  army  with  fort 
I  George.  The  situation  of  the  army  was  therefore  critical,  and  it 
'  ecame  necessary  that  it  should  retreat  to  fort  George.  This  was 
I  conducted  by  General  Lewis,  who  was  about  this  time  invested 
with  the  command  of  the  army  in  consequence  of  the  ill  health 
h>f  General  Dearborn,  not  however  without  some  small  loss  is 
I  ^ggage  and  prigoaers . 


;l 


/• 


264 


SKiriTHKfl  Of 


'  ¥ ' 


t'l  i 


Dflfrat  of  Colonel  Bo-rstier  ....Oti  the  23d,  Colonel  Boerstl^r^ 
ifvith  abuut  (»00  mt-ii,  wm  oid<  rid  to  it  arch  \o  a  place  catl<-d  tht 
BtHvet  Dams,  t<  attack  and  (tii>p»  riie  a  bod)  of  the  enemy  colhel. 
ti'  thire.  The  t'olloxviiig  in  au  extiuct  from  tiie  official  account, 
daud  June  25th  :       ... 


o..t 


•   **0n  the  23d,  at  « vening,  Lieut.  CMonel  Bner»tler^  with  670 
■nin,  ii'fantry,  artillei),  cstvulr}',  and  ritli  ii « ii,  ui  due  pr(ipoiti<n, 
WH8  ordered  to   march,  by  th«'  vva}  of  Uutenstown,  to    a  plHce 
calitd  the  Beaver  DHnt>,  un  the  high  grouod,   about  ejcht  or  nine 
miles  from  Ciiiceittitovvn,  to  attack  and  rlit^per^e  a  bod)  of  the  (ne- 
m}  collected  there    for   the  purpose  of  procurint^    provisions,  nnd 
bairassing  those  inhabitants  vvhu  are   considered  friendly   to  the 
United  i^tates:  their  force  was,   from    the    most   direct  inforrrg. 
tiou,  ct^mposed  of  one  company  of  the  104th  regiment,  above  80 1 
strong;  from  150  to  2  0  militia,  and  fiom  40  to  00  Indians.   Atj 
ei^tit  o'clock  the   next  ntorning;,  when  within  about  two  miles  of 
the  Beaver  Danis,  our  detachnient  was  attacked  from  an  ambui- 
Cftile,  but  soon   drove   the   enemy  some  distance  into  the  wood!,  | 
and  then  retired  to  a  clear   fit  Id,   and  sent  an  express  for  a  rrio- 
forcement,  .«aying,he  would  maintain  his  position  until  reinforcd. | 
A  Jeinforcement  of  300  men  marched  immtdiately  under  the  com* 
n>Hnd  of  Colonel  Chr}stie,but  on  arriving  at  Q,ueenstown,  Colonel 
Chrystie    received   authentic   information  that  Lieutenant  Colonel  I 
Boerstler  with  his  command  had  cnrrendired  to  the  enemy,  and 
tht  reinforcement  returned  to  camp.     A  man  who  belonged  toi 
8n»all  corps  of  mounted  volunteer  riflemen,  came  in  on  the  25tb, 
who  stated,  that   the  enemy  surrounded  our  detachment  in  the 
woods,  and    towards  12    o'clock  commenctd  a  general  attack; 
that  our  troops  fought  more  than  tw*  hours,  until  the  artiller\  Ld 
expended  the  whole  of  its  amn<unition,  and  then  surrendered,  and  [ 
at  the  time  of  the  surrender  the  mformaut'-made  hisi  escape.'* 

Subjoined  is  an  account,  taken  from  an  authentic  source,  co>-| 
taiuiug  many  additional  particulars  of  Col.  Boerstler'ft  defeat : 

"On  the  23d  of  June,  a  party  of  the  regular  troops  (consist 
in^  of  500  infantry  and  20   lij^ht  dragoons,;    under  the  conmiand 
of  Lieut.  Col.  Boerstler,  together  with  44  mounted  riflemen,  com- 
posed of  militia  from  the  country,  uud^r  Major  Chapin,  were  de- 
tached from  the  American  encampnunt  at    Foit  George,   forihe 
purpose  of  cutting  ofT  the  supplies*  of  the  eneni},  and  breakiigupj 
the  xmall  encampments  they  were  forming  thfougb  the  couuiij' 
0;i  the  24th,about  9  miles  west  of  Queenstimn,  they  were  atiack- 
ed  by  a  body  of  above   500   Indians  end  nearly  a  hundred  regu- 
lars, who  lay  concealed  m  the  woods  near   the  road   they  wefU 
passing.     The    attack  commenced  on    the   diaaoon^,   wlio  wtfj 
placed  in  the  rtar.    The  infantry  was  soon  brought  mto  a  posiiw** 


THI  WAft. 


20&V 


:t)'return  the  enemy's  fire  to  advaiitagey  and  succeeded'  in  drivrn|} 
tbt^m  forne  dUtuoce  into  the  woods,  lit  a  shott  time  the  Indians 
having  taken  a  circuitouH  route,  appeared  in  front  and  opened  a 
Are  upon  the  mounted  riflemen,  who  were  stationed  there.  Here 
thfy  met  wi'h  so  warm  a  reception,  that  they  were  compelled  a 
second  time  to  retreat  in  much  haste.  After  this  every  exertion 
was  made  to  draw  the  IndiauH  from  the  woods,to  the  open  ground, 
but  Arithout  much  effVot.  The  few  who  were  bold  enough  to 
tenture,  were  handled  so  roughly  that  they  soon  returned  to  their 
lurking  place;*.  In  the  mean.  wiu\e  the  enemy  were  receiving 
considerable  reinforcements,  which  at  length  gave  them  a  superi- 
ority. A  retreat  for  a  shurt  distance  was  ordered,  and  eflfected 
with  very  little  loss.  The  Indians  soon  made  their  appearance  up- 
on our  right  and  left,  and  the  regular^  and  some  militia  in  front : 
«ur  troops  were  formed  into  close  columns  for  the  purpose  of 
opening  themstelves  a  way  through  the  enemy,  with  their  bayonets. 
At  this  juncture  a  British  olficer  rode  up- and  demanded  the  sur- 
render of  the  American  party.  The  demand  was-  made,,  he  said, 
to  prevent  theelFusion  of  blood.  He  asserted  upon  his  honor,  and 
declared  in  the  most  solemn  manner,  that  the  British  re^/ular  force 
WHS  double  that  of  the  American,  and  that  the  Indians  were  700 
in  number.  Lieut.  Col.  Bjerstler  under  a  belief  of  these  facts,  and 
thinking  it  impracticable  to  get  olf  the  wounded,  whom  he  wat 
unwilling  to  abandon  to  the  mercy  of  the  savages,  and  deeming  it 
txtremt^ly  uncertain  whether  a  retreat  could  be  eflfected,  thought 
proper  to  agree  to  terms  of  capitulation,  which  were  at  length 
tigiud  by  himself  on  the  one  part,  and  Lieut.  Col.  Bishop  on  the 
other. 

**  By  these  it  was  stipulated  that  the  wounded  should  be  taken 
good  care  of,  the  ottict  rs  permitted  to  retain  their  side  arms,  pri- 
vate property  to  be  respected,  and  militia  to  be  paroled  and  per- 
mitted to  return  home  immediately.  The  articles  of  capitulatiofi 
were  no  sooner  signed  than  they  w«re  violated.  The  Indians  Urxr 
mediately  commeiiced  their  depredations  and  plundered  the  otficers 
of  their  side  arms.  The  soldiers  too  were  stripped  of  every  arti- 
cle of  clothing,  to  which  the  Indians  took  a  fancy,  such  as  hats,, 
suats,  shoes,  &c.  It  is  impossible  to  give  any  correct  account  of 
the  killed  and  wounded,  as  tne  enem>  did  not  furnish  a  list.  The 
ioiis  of  thie  eneniy  is  supposed  to  be  much  greater  than  ours.  Be- 
tween 30  and  40  Indians  were  counted  that  lay  dead  on  the  field. 
From  their  known  practice  of  carrying  olT  their  killed  and  wound- 
ed, it  is  believed  they  must  have  suffered  severely.  The  regular 
Uuups  were  in  a  few  days  sent  to  Kingston. 

"  Major  Chapin  and  his  corps  were  detained  under  guard  at  the 
head  of  Liike  Ontario,  and  no  attention  paid  to  that  article  which 
provided  for  their  being  paroled.  On  the  l^th  July  they  were 
ordered  down  the  Lake  to  Kingston  ;  for  which  place  ttiey  vvenei. 


i'  L 


:;."#!■! 


r  ?;fii>, 


SSif 


•;  a 


(IliiiTi;  ■ ' 


!200 


SXVTCHK8  Of 


f  mbtrked  in  two  boats  accompanied  by  a  guard  of  men  under  the 
command  of  a  lieutenant.  Thirteen  of  the  men  with  the  lieuten- 
ant were  itationed  in  the  forward  boat  with  Major  Chapin,  and 
the  other  officeri,  while  the  remaining  two  (a  seijeant  and  one 
man)  took  the  direction  of  the  other  boat,  which  contained  the 
loldiert.  An  agreement  had  been  entered  into  previous  to  their 
tfeparture,  of  seizing  the  first  opportunity  that  oflfered,  to  regain 
their  liberty,  which  they  determined  to  eflfect  or  die  in  the  attempt. 
When  they  were  within  about  12  miles  of  York,  the  boat  which 
was  filled  with  the  prisoners,  was  rowed  by  them  along  side  the 
other,  under  the  pretence  of  taking  something  to  drink.  The  tig. 
nal  being  giren,  they  sprang  upon  the  guard,  who  little  expected 
luch  a  manoeuvre,  and  in  a  short  time  disarmed  thttm,  and 
gained  possession  of  the  boats.  They  immediately  altered  their 
course  from  Kingston  to  fort  Niagara,  and' after  rowing  hard  for 
most  of  the  night,  and  escaping  with  difficulty  from  one  of  the  en- 
emy's schooners  which  gave  them  chase,  arrived  in  safety,  with 
their  prisoners.'* 


t'^'  i- 


w  '1 


1. 


it.  ; 


m4< 


m-i 


Pi' 


m 


Defeat  of  the  enemy  at  Sackei*s  Harbor While  the  Amer- 
ican army  and  fleet  were  employed  in  the  expedition  againtt 
Vork  and  fort  George,  the  enemy  fitted  out  an  expedition 
Ugainst  Sacket's  Harbor,  hoping,  at  this  moment,  from  the 
treduced  state  of  the  garrison  at  that  place,  to  carry  it :  but 
Ihey  were  gallantly  met  by  General  Brown,  and  repulsed*  The 
following  is  the  official  account  of  the  battle : 


} 


'   Head  Quarters,  Sacket's  Harbor,' 
^    '  June  I,  1813. 

$IR— You  will  have  received  my  despatch  of  the  20th  ult. 
^written  from  the  field  of  battle,  and  stating  generally,  that  this 
|)08t  had  been  attacked  by  Sir  George  Prevost,  and  that  we  had 
tucceeded  in  repulsing  him,  principally  owing  to  the  gallantry  of 
Colt  Backus  and  the  regular  troops  under  his  command.  Now  I 
beg  leave  to  offer  to  you  the  evedts  of  that  day  more  in  detail. 

On  the  25th  ultimo,  1  received  a  letter  from  General  Dearborn, 
requesting  me  to  repair  to  this  post  for  the  purpose  of  taking  com* 
mand.  Knowing  that  Lieut.  Col.  Backus,  an  officer  of  the  first  re« 
giment  of  dragoons,  and  of  experience,  was  here,  I  hesitated,  as  I 
would  do  no  aot  which  might  wound  his  feelings.  In  the  night 
of  the  27th  I  received  a  note  from  this  officer,  by  Major  Swan, 
deputy-quarter-master-general,  joining  in  the  request  already  made 
by  Major- General  Dearborn.  I  could  no  longer  hesitate,  and  ac- 
cordingly arrived  at  this  post  early  in  the  morning  of  the  28tb. 
These  circumstances  will  explain  how  I  came  to  be  in  command 
upon  this  occasion.  Knowing  well  the  ground,  my  arrangements 
for  defence^  in  the  event  of  an  attack,  were  soon  made.  •' 


m 


THK  WAR. 


807 


lu  the  oourie  of  tbt  morning  of  the  28th,  Lieut.  Chtunoey,  of 
the  navy,  came  in  fiom  the  Uke,  firing;  gum  of  alarm.  Thoie  of 
the  lame  chHraot^r,  intended  to  biing  in  the  militia,  were  fired 
from  the  postt.  The  enemy**  fleet  loon  after  appeared  accompa- 
nied by  a  large  number  of  boati.  Believing  that  he  would  lan4 
on  the  peninsula,  commonly  called  Hone  Inland,  I  determined  to 
meet  him  at  tlw  water's  e*lge  with  nuch  militia  a«  I  could  collect 
and  the  Albany  volunteers,  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant  Col. 
Mill* ;  Lieut,  '^ol.  Backus,  with  the  regulare,  formed  a  second  lioe| 
the  c<ire  of  Fort  Tompkins  was  committed  to  the  regular  artille- 
riils  and  some  volunteers,  and  that  of  Navy  Point  to  Lieut.  Chaun- 
oey  of  the  navy.  It  driven  from  my  pocition,  Lieut.  Col.  Backut 
was  ordered  to  advance  and  meet  the  head  of  the  enemy's  col-- 
umn,  while  rallying  my  corps.  1  was  to  fall  on  its  flanks.  If  un- 
able here  to  resist  the  enemy's  attack,  Lieut.  Chauncey  was  in 
that  case  to  destroy  the  stores,  &c.  and  retire  to  the  south  shore 
of  the  bay,  east  of  Fort  Volunteer,  while  I  proceeded  to  occupy 
that  fort  as  our  dernier  resort. 

In  the  course  of  tiie  27th  and  during  the  nights  of  the  28th  and 
20th  ultimo,  a  considerable  militia  force  came  in,  and  were  order- 
ed  to  the  water  side  near  Horse  Island,  on  which  was  Lieut.  Col, 
Mills  and  his  volunteers.  Our  strength  at  this  point  was  novr 
500  men....all  anxious  for  battle,  as  far  at  profession  would  go. 
The  moment  it  was  light  enough  to  discover  the  approach  of  the 
enemy,  we  found  his  ships  in  line  between  Horse  Island  and  Stony 
Point,  and  in  a  few  minutes  afterwards  33  large  boats  filled  witl^ 
troops,  came  off  to  the  Larger  Indian  or  Garden  Island,  undercov- 
er of  the  fire  of  his  gun  boats.  My  orders  were,  that  the  troopi 
should  lie  close  and  reserve  their  fire  till  the  enemy  had  approach-^ 
ed  so  near  that  every  shot  might  hit  its  object.  It  is,  however^ 
impossible  to  execute  such  orders  with  raw  troops  unaccustomed 
to  subordination.  My  orders  were  in  this  case  disobeyed.  The 
whole  line  fired,  and  not  without  effect....but  in  the  moment  while 
I  was  contemplating  thie,  to  my  utter  astonishment,  they  rose 
from  their  cover  and  fled.  Col.  Mills  fell  gallantly  in  brave  but 
in  vain  endeavors  to  stop  his  men.  I  was  personally  more  fortu- 
nate. Gathering  together  about  100  militia,  under  the  immedi- 
ate command  of  Capt.  M'Nitt  of  that  corps,  we  threw  ourselves 
on  the  rear  of  the  enemy's  flank,  and  I  trust,  did  some  execution. 
It  was  during  this  last  movement  that  the  regulars  under  Col. 
Backus  first  engaged  the  enemy,  nor  was  it  long  before  .they  de- 
feated him.  .*     >; 

Hurrying  to  this  point  of  action,  I  found  the  battle  still  raging, 
but  with  obvious  advantage  on  our  side.  The  result  of  the  action, 
io  glorious  for  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  regular  army,  has  al- 
^y  been  communicated  in  my  letter  of  the  2&th.    Hod  Qot  Gen, 


m 

1   . 


;  f  -.li. 


vfei 


■It 


iV. 

. ;  ^^  pi 


■  ■  fkm 


JScO% 


SKBTCHESOP 


'is 


•♦<«,? 


l^revoit  retreatpd  most  rapidly  under  the  guns  of  his  vessels,  [,^ 
would  never  have  returned  to  Kingston. 

One  thing  in  this  business  is  to  be  seriously  regretted.  In  the 
midst  of  the  conflict,  fire  was  ordered  to  be  set  to  the  navy  bar- 
racks and  stores.  This  was  owing  to  the  infamous  conduct  of 
-those  who  brought  information  to  Lieut.  Ch'4uncey,  that  the  battle 
'Was  lost,  and  that  to  prevent  the  stores  from  falling  into  the  ene* 
:iny*s  hands,  they  must  be  destroyed. 

The  enemy's  force  consisted  of  ICOO  picked  men,  led  by  Sk* 
XSeorge  Prevost  in  person.  Their  fleet  consisted  ot  the  new  ship 
Wolfe,  the  Royal  George,  the  Prince  Regent,  Earl  of  Moira,  two 
armed  schooners,  and  thi'ir  gun  and  other  boats. 

Of  the  officers  who  distinguished -themselves,  I  cannot  but  re- 
peat the  name  of  Lieut.  Col.  Backus,  vvho,  praised  be^God  !  vet 
lives.  Capt.  M'Nitt's  conduct  was  noble;  he  well  de«er-ves  Xv,  be 
placed  in  the  regular  army.  Maj.  Swann,  of  the  army,  served  as 
my  adjutant  general,  and  was  highly  useful.  -Lieut.  Chaunccv  is 
a  brave  and  honourable  man.  To  him  no  blame  can  attach  for 
•what  happened  at  the  NaA'y  Point.  He  was  deceived.  Lt.  Col. 
buttle  was  in  march  for  this  post,  but  with  every  exertion  v^ai 
'^unable  to  reach  it  in  time  to  take  part  in  the  action.  This  \s  fek 
^}  the  colonel  and  every  officer  of  his  detachment,  as  a  misfor* 
>tune. 

At  the  moment  I  am  closing  this  communication.  Com.  Chaun- 
xey  has  arrived  with  his  sqiiadron.  Thib  renders  my  longer  slay 
4iere  unnecessary.  1  shall  therefore  immediately  return  to  my 
!iiome. 

.1  am,  air^  with  the  highest  respect,  &c. 

JACOB  BROWN,         " 
'Brig.  Gen.  of  the  N.  York  Militia. 

Hon.  John  Armstrong,  Secretary  at  War. 


'•«- 


.  ■'•fit 


m  ■ 


M 


'iReport  of  the  killed,  wounded  and  missing  in  the  action  of  the  29tl 

May,  1 8 1 3,  at  Sacket»«  Harbor. 
;   Killed 20  privates,  regulars,  and  1  volunteer. 

Wounded 1  lieut.  colonel,  ^  second  lieutenants,  1  ensign,  7 

non-commissioned  officers,  1  musician  and  68  privates,  rtguiarsi 
and  1  musician  and  2  privates  volunteers. 

Missing 2  non  commissioned  officers,  7  privates,  regulars; 

1  noncommissioned  officer,  i  musician  and  45  privates,  volun- 
'teers. 

jiggregate  loss,...  110  regulars  and  21  volunteers-;  number 
not  known,  but  notto  exceed  25  militia.     Total  156. 

About  400  of  the  regular  troops  sustained  the  heat  orAe  ac* 

^on;  these  consisted  chitfly  of  the  1st  regiment  of  light  dragooni, 

some  of  the  Otb,  21st,  and  a  few  of  the  23d  inf«Dtry,  3<i  and  hgkt  ^| 

srrtillery. 


i ;  J^ 


THE  WAR. 


S09 


^Report  of  the  enemv^^  loss  in  the  action  of  the  29lh  May,  18 1 3, 
.    .  at  Sackt'l's  Hurbor  ■      ,,.«>.-.•.» 

Adjutant-General  Gray,  Col.    Moodx,  NJaj.  Edward?,  1  captain 
and  25  rank  and  file  found  dead  in  the  lield. 
2  captains  and  20  rank  nnd  file  found  wounded  in  the  field.     ' 
2  captains,  1  ensign  and  i2  rank  and  file  made  prisoners,       ^' 
III  addition  to   the  above,  man}  were  killed    and    wuunded    in 
their  boats  bv  the  militia  and  Albany  volunteers  while  effecting  a 
landing: ;  a  number  were  likewitte  carried  offihe  field  by  the  en 
ea)|,  pteviou«  to  the  commencement  of  his  retreat. 


M>. 


V'^iiK 


^■^ 


)nofthe29tli 


Expedition  dovm  the  St.  Lawrence its  pro^ress.„.,Battle  of 

Williamsburg Abandonntpnt  of  the  expfdition. 

From  the  latter  part  of  June  to  the  first  of  October,  the  army 
lay  at  Fort  Georg*-,  and  the  two  rival  fleets  on  Lake  Ontario  were 
so  nearly  equal  that  neither  felt  itself  able  to  assume  the  superiori- 
ty. In  the  mean  time.  General  Wilkinson  arrived  and  took  the 
command  of  the  army.  After  considerable  discussion  between  the 
secreta/y  of  war  and  the  commanding  general,  it  was  decided 
that  the  army  should  move  down  the  St.  Lawrence,  form  a  junc- 
tion with  General  Hampton,  and  attack  Montreal. 

The  army  left  Fort  George  the  fore  part  of  October,  and  in  a 
few  days  after  arrived  at  Grenadier  Island,  where  it  continued  till 
the  3d  of  November. 

The  following  extract  from  Gen.  Wilkinson's  journal,  gives  a 
history  oi  the  progress  and  termination  of  the  expedition  : 

"  October    2dth Measures    were     taken     to    seize    every 

pause  of  the  prevailiug  storms  to  slip  the  flotilla  into  the  dt. 
Lawrence  by  small  detachments.  In  these  deceitful  momentary 
calms  we  found  it  impossible  to  traverse  in  safety  the  arm  of  the 
lake  to  Gravelly  Point,  though  distant  only  nine  miles.  In  the 
several  attempts  made,  many  boats  were  driven  ashore,  and  much 
provision  and  clothing  lost.  French  C.-eek,  nearly  opposite  the 
point  where  the  enemy  expected  we  should  land  to  attack  Kings- 
ton, was  made  the  general  rendezvous  of  the  troops,  and  Briga* 
dier  General  Brown  ordered  on  to  take  the  chief  command  On 
(the  2d  November  Commodore  Chauncey,  by  concert,  entered  the 
St.  Lawrence,  fell  down  nearly  to  French  Creek,  and  took  a  po- 
sition to  command  the  north  and  south  channels.  In  the  evening 
of  the  U\  November   our    vigilant  enem^r  having  observed,  eves 

2  D 


'^\ 


' ,  mm 


jii  ;  1 


n.' 


Pn" 


'■>}J 


910 


SKETCHES   O? 


amid  the  storms,  our  movement  and  position  at  French  Creek,  at- 
tacked the  detachment  at  that  place  under  Gcueral  cirowii,  aocut 
sunset,  with  a  squadron  of  two  brigs  and  two  schooners,  with  ma- 
ny boats  loaded  with  infantry  for  landing,  should  their  cannonade 
make  a  sufficient  impression.  Very  soon  Captain  M'Pnerson  of 
the  light  artillery  erected  a  battery  of  three  18  pounders,  and  re- 
turned  their  fire  with  such  spirit  and  effect,  that  they  fell  down 
to  a  harbor  below,  beyond  its  range.  Next  morning  the  attack 
was  renewed  and  repelled,  and  one  of  the  biigs  was  with  great 
difficulty  towed  off  by  the  squadron,  which  put  into  Kingston 
Channel  behind  Gr^nd  island.  We  lost  two  killed  and  four 
wounded.  The  enemy  were  supposed  to  have  suffered  severely, 
from  the  evident  disabled  state  of  their  brig,  and  the  deliberate  aud 
well  directed  fire  of  the  gallant  Captain  M^Pherson. 

•*  November  6t/i....The  flotilla  got  under  way,  and  without  acci- 
dent fell  down  and  landed  early  in  the  night  below  Morrisviite. 
The  general  suspecting  he  would  be  followed  by  the  enemy,  as  in 
the  morning  his  course  had  been  discovered  by  three  of  their  look- 
out gun  boats  and  a  gig,  and  knowing  that  two  of  their  arri  (d 
schooners  could  jeopardize  his  movement,  gave  orders  for  the  flo- 
tilla to  pass  Prescott,  then  seven  miles  below  hin',  in  the  course 
of  the  night.  But  some  confusion  occurred  arising  from  the  nov- 
elty of  the  movement,  and  the  order  was  countermanded. 

**  Novembfr  6tft....The  general  ordered  the  flotilla  to  descend  to 
a  point  within  three  miles  of  Prescott ;  and  the  day  being  fine, 
gnt  into  his  gig,  and  proceeded  to  reconnoitre  the  place.  In  the 
mean  time  the  powder  and  fixed  ammunition  were  debarked  and 
placed  in  carts,  to  be  transported  by  land,  under  cover  of  the 
night,  beyond  the  enemy's  battecies.  As  soon  as  the  general  re- 
turned, orders  were  issued  for  the  debarkation  of  every  man  (ex- 
cept so  many  as  were  necessary  to  navigate  the  boats)  who  were 
directed  to  march  under  cover  of  the  night,  to  save  useless  expo- 
sure to  the  enemy's  cannon,  to  a  bay  two  miles  below  Prescott; 
and  arrangements  were  made  at  the  same  time  for  the  passage 
of  the  flotdla  by  that  place,  the  superintcndency  of  which  devolv- 
ed on  Brigadier  General  Brown,  the  general  officer  of  the  day. 
About  8  o'clock  P.  M.  we  had  a  heavy  fog,  and  it  was  believed 
ive  could  pass  the  British  fortress  unobserved.  Orders  were  ac- 
cordingly given  for  the  army  to  march^  and  the  flotilla  to  get  un- 
der way.  The  general  in  his  gig  proceeded  ahead,  followed  by 
his  passage  boat  and  family  ;  but  a  sudden  change  of  the  atmo- 
sphere exposed  his  passage  boat  to  the  garrison  of  the  enemy,  and 
near  50  twenty  four  pound  shot  were  fired  at  her  without  effect) 
while  the  column  on  land,  discoverd  by  the  gleam  of  their  arms, 
vrere  assailed  with  shot  and  shells  without  injury.  Gen.  Browo^ 
on  hearing  the  firing,  judicially  halted  the  flotilla  until  the  moon 
lutd  set^  when  it  got  iu  motion^  but   was  perceived  by  the  ene- 


■«■ 


THB  WAR. 


211 


■'■i 


uiv,  who  bpened  upon  it,  and  continued  their  fire  from  front  to 
rear  for  the  space  of  three  hours  ;  and  yet^out  of  njore  than  three 
hundred  boat8,  no^  one  was  touched,  and  only  one  nnan  was  kil- 
led, and  two  were  wounded;  and  before  10  next  morning  the 
whole  of  the  flotilla  (except  two  vessels)  reached  the  place  of  renr 
dezvous.  About  noc:i  this  day  Colonel  King,  adjurant  general  of 
the  army  of  General  Hampton,  arrived  and  waited  on  the  com- 
in»nder  in  chief,  whom  he  informed  that  he  had  been  to  Sacket's 
Hurbor  with  a  despatch  from  General  Hampton  to  the  secretary 
of  war  ;  that  he  had  no  communication,  written  or  verbal,  from 
MajorGeneral  Hampton  to  him  (the  commander  in  chief,)  but 
that  not  finding  the  secretary  of  war  at  Sacl'^t's  Harbor,  he  had 
thought  proper,  on  his  return,  to  call  for  any  communication  he 
(General  Wilkinson)  might  have  to  make  to  General  Hampton. 
The  general  had  intended,  in  the  course  of  this  day,  to  send  an 
express  to  General  Hampton,  with  an  order  to  him  to  form  a  juuc- 
tion  of  his  division  with  the  corps  descending  the  St.  Lawrence^ 
aiid  availed  himself  of  the  opportunity,  presented  by  Col.  King^ 
to  send  the  order. 

"  Novmber  1th In  passing  Prescott,  two  of  our  largest  ves- 
sels, loaded  with  provisions,  artillery  and  ordnance  stores,  either 
through  cowardice  or  treachery,  had  been  run  into  the  river  near 
Ogdensburgh,  and  opposite  Prescott.  The  enemy  kept  up  so  con- 
stant a  cannonade  on  them,  that  we  found  it  difficult,  and  lost 
half  a  day,  to  get  them  out.  We  perceived  the  militia  in  arms 
at  Johnson,  directly  opposite  us,  and  several  pieces  of  Held  artille- 
ry in  motion.  Understanding  that  the  coast  below  was  lined 
with  posts  of  musquetry  and  artillery  at  every  narrow  pass  of  the 
river.  Colonel  Macomb  was  detached  about  one  o'clock  with  the 
elite  corps  of  about  1200  men,  to  remove  these  obstructions,  and 
the  general  got  under  way  abnut  half  past  three  o'clock.  Four 
or  five  miles  below  we  entered  the  first  rapids  of  the  river,  and 
soon  after  passing  them,  two  pieces  of  light  artillery,  which  had 
not  been  observed  by  Colonel  Macomb,  opened  a  sharp  fire  upon 
the  general's  passage  boat,  but  without  any  further  effect  than 
cutting  away  some  of  the  rigging.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Eustis^ 
with  a  part  of  our  light  gun  barg^-s,  came  within  shot  of  the  pieces 
of  the  enemy,  and  a  cannonade  ensued,  without  injury  on  either 
side.  In  the  mean  tinole  Major  Forsythe,  who  was  in  the  rear  of 
the  ehte  of  Colonel  Macomb,  landed  his  riflemen,  advanced  upon 
the  enemy's  guna,  and  had  his  fire  drawn  by  a  couple  of  videttes^ 
posted  in  his  route,  on  which  their  pieces  were  precipitately  car- 
ried off.  The  general  came  to  at  dusk  about  six  miles  below  the 
tOA-n  of  Hamilton,  where  he  received  a  report  from  Col.  Macomb, 
\who  had  roiitfcd  a  party  at.  a  block-house  about  two  miles  belofr 
ind  captured  an  officer.   ?;  v      *•'.;    =..  ,   r-^  .,  »        <  .  .,^ 


'i  ^J:  '-* 


ii^^rlfr     r-.l   1' 


.-■<!■ 


.^■ii^ 


.:^;  fulfil 

■ '  ■•?lll. 


'     vm 


'''t.m 


\    ' 

M 

A 

i 

iB'' 


!li:'il 


^'i* 


bJifeTCUES  OF 


"  Novpmb^r  8f*....TIii8  morning  the  flotilla  fell  down  to  a  cuii; 
Unction  oi  the  river  at  a  point  called  the  "  V\  liite  house,"  win  re 
the  dragoons  weie  assembled  to  bi  cropped.  Brijr  Gen.  Brovn 
w;)8  ordered  this  morning  to  reinforce  Col.  Mucomb  with  his  bri- 
gade, and  to  take  t^ie  command  ;  and  the  whole  da^  nnd  follow- 
ing  night  were  devoted  to  transporting  tin  dragoons.  About 
noon  this  day  we  received  atlvice  that  two  armed  schooners  nnd 
a  budy  of  the  enemy  in  batteaux,  estimated  at  lOGO  or  1500  rttn, 
had  descended  the  river  from  Kingston  and  landed  at  Prescott; 
that  they  had  immediatl'ly  sent  a  flag  across  the  river  to  Ogdens- 
bijrgh,  and  demanded  the  delivery  of  all  public  property  there  un- 
der  the  penalty  of  bwrningthe  town.  Not  long  aff^r,  information 
was  received  that  the  enemy  had  re-embarked  at  Prt  scolt  in  their 
batteaux,  and  were  following  us  with  sev^n  gun-boats. 

**  hoi'ember  9f/i....Thi8  morning  very  early  the  enemy  mena 
ced  our  rear,  and  a  slight  skirmish  took  place  between  cur  iifle- 
men  and  a  party  of  their  militia  and  Indians,  in  which  we  had 
one  nan  killed  and  the  enemy  were  driven  back.  The  cavalry, 
with  four  pieces  of  light  artillery,  under  the  command  of  Captain 
M'Pherson,  were  attached  to  the  command  of  Biigadier  Genera! 
Brown,  and  he  was  ordered  to  march  "to  clear  the  coast  below  us 
as  tar  as  a  point  near  the  head  of  the  long  saut.  The  rapidity 
of  the  current  (obliged  us  to  halt  the  flotilla  several  hours,  to  ena- 
ble General  Brown  to  make  good  his  march  in  time  to  cover  our 
movement.  During  this  period  the  enemy  frequently  threatened 
our  rear,  but  never  indicated  an  intention  to  make  a  serious  at- 
tack. About  three  o'clock  P.  M.  the  flotilla  got  under  way  and 
came  to,  about  five  o'clock,  at  the  yellow  house,  having  floated 
IK  ar  eleven  miles  in  two  hours,  where  we  encamped  for  the 
night. 

*'  November  IQth This  morBing  the  following  order  was  ij- 

?ued  :     :.t      •  -  ■■*':  i  ■■  5. 

..  .    .       «*  MORNING  GENERAL  ORDERS. 

"  Hpad-Quarters,  Tuttle's  Bay,  Nov.  10,  1813. 

*«  General  Brown  will  prosecute  his  march  with  the  troops  yes- 
terday under  his  command,  excepting  two  pieces  of  artillery  and 
the  2d  dragoons,  who  with  all  the  well  men  of  the  other  brigades, 
except  a  sufficient  number  to  navigate  the  boats,  are  to  march 
under  the  orders  of  Brigadier  General  Boyd.  This  precaution  is 
enjoined  by  regard  to  the  safety  of  the  men  in  passing  the  long 
saut ;  and  as  this  rapid  is  long  and  dangerous,  the  general  earnest* 
ly  requests  the  commanding  officers  of  regiments  and  corps  to 
examine  the  boats  and  see  them  properly  fitted,  in  order  to  avoid 
accidents  as  much  as  possible.  Brigadier  General  Boyd  will  take 
the  necessary  precaution  to  prevent  the  enemy,  who  hangs  on  our 
rear,  from  making  an  advantageous  attack,  ai  d  if  attacked,  is  to 
turn  about  and  beat  them.    The  boats  are  to  resume  the  station 


THE  WAR. 


aii 


ajislfjned  tliem  in  the  original  order  respectinsj  the  flotilla,  and  for 
tfiis  the  coiiinmndiiig  officers  of  regiments  and  brigades  will  be 
held  as  responsible.  Tfie  movement  of  yesterdav  was  a  reproach' 
tp  the  service.  The  flotilla  will  come  to  day  at  Baruharts,  near 
Crab  Island,  and  two  guns  from  the  front  will  be  the  signal  for 
landing.  In  case  of  an  attack  in  force  beyond  all  expectation,  the 
corps  under  Brigadier  Generals  Boyd  and-  Brown  are  to  co-ope- 
pjt"  with  each  <ither  promptly  and  with  decision.  The  general 
offiiM.r  of  the  da}  will  strictly  attend  and  see  that  the  flotilla  pi.!* 
cif  and  moves  in  the  prescribed  order,  and  will  arrest  any  officer 
who  preHimes  to  deviate  therefrom." 

"Brigadier  General  Brown  marched,  and  about  noon  was  en- 
gaged by  a  partx  of  the  enemy  near  a  block  house  on  the  saut, 
erected  to  harrass  on--  flntilla  in  its  descent.  About  the  sam^ 
time  the  enemy  were  observed  to  be  advancing  on  our  rear,  and 
their  galley  and  gun  boat<«  hove  in  sight,  approached  our  flotill* 
then  at  shore  and- bejran  to  cannonade  it.  Tht  slender  structure 
of  our  gun  barges  made  it  impossible  for  them  to  resist  the  long 
twenty  four  pounder  of  the  enemy's  galley  ;  this  obliged  the  gen- 
eral to  order  two  eighteen  pounders  to  be  run  on  shore  and  form- 
ed ill  battery,  a  single  shot  from  which  gave  such  an  alarm  to  the 
enemy's  vessels  that  they  retired  up  the  river  accompanied  by 
their  troops.  But  these  slight  operations  so  wasted  the  day  that 
our  pilots  were  afraid  to  enter  the  saut  (a  continued  rapid  of  eight 
miles)  with  the  flotilla;  we  therefore  fell  down  within  tA*o  or 
three  miles  of  the  head  of  it  and  came  to  for  the  night.  By  this' 
time  the  general  had  become  so  extremely  ill  as  to  be  unable  t(y 
set  up,  and  was  confined  to  his  bed  in  a  small  birth  under  the 
I  quarter  deck  of  his  passage  boat. 

"  Sovembrr  nth Having  heard    the    firing  of  the  cannon 

yesterday  between  General  Brown  and  the  enemy,  being  still  un- 
apprised of  the  result,  it  became  necessary  that  we  should  hear 
I  from  him  before  we  committed  ourselves  to  the  saut,  which  al- 
lows no  retreat,  no  landing,  no  turning  to  the  right  or  left  but 
where  the  impetuosity  of  the  current  impels.  About  10  or  11 
o'clock,  A.  M.  the  commander  in  chief  received  advice  from  Gen- 
eral Brown  that  he  had  forced  the  enemy  to  retire  before  him, 
andhad  arrived  near  the  foot  of  the  saut.  Orders  were  imme- 
diately given  for  the  flotilla  to  prepare  to  sail,  and  for  Gei  eral 
Boyd  and  his  command  to  commence  their  march,  when  some* 
firing  took  place  fnim  the  gun  boats,  and  a  re-port  was  brought  to 
Ihe  commander  in  chief  that  the  enemy  was  advancing  in  coV- 
umn;  on  this  he  ordered  GeiMral  Boyd  to  attack  them,  and  the 
flotilla  was  directed  not  to  leave  the  shoie.  Bui  the  report  was 
hoon  after  contradicted.  A  variety  of  reports  respecting  their 
movements  and  countermovements  were,  after  this,  successively 
"^ought  to  the  general,  which  impressed  him  with  the  convicti  )n 
'hal  the  enemy  had  determined  to  attack  his  rear  a*;  soon  as  tha: 


■r.t!';- 


:mm 


V;  M 


2214 


sRetchksuI^ 


i  .Ell'!; . 


mwm 


;;;) 


f: 


flotilla  should  put  off  and  the  troops  commence  their  march  ;  hj 
resolved  to  nnticipnte  them.  He  therefore  sent  Colonel  Swift  of 
the  engineers,  with  instructions  to  Brigadier  General  Bo>d,  who 
had  been  directed  by  the  order  of  the  preceding  day  to  take  com- 
mand  of  the  detachment  on  shore,  to  form  that  detachment  int(i 
three  columns,  to  advance  upon  the  enemy,  to  endeavor  to  out 
flank  them,  and  to  take  their  artillery.  Soon  after  this  the  action 
commenced,  and  for  the  numbers  engaged  was  extremely  warm 
and  bloody  for  upwards  of  two  hours,  during  which  time,  in  opeu 
space  and  fair  combat,  the  raw  undisciplined  troops  of  the  Unittd 
States  braved,  and  frt^quently  drove  the  best  troops  of  the  British 
army.  Desciiptions  of  battles  have  become  too  suUscrvient  to  tlie 
gratiflcation  of  personal  vanity  and  the  acquisition  of  populnr  ap- 
p!ause;  yet  every  man  who  has  taken  part  in  a  great  action  nnuxt 
know  th'it  there  is  liotiiing  more  difficult  than  to  do  justice  to  the 
merits  of  a  battle  in  all  its  parts,  where  it  is  hard  to  find  two  of!i- 
eers,  unless  fighting  side  by  side,  who  agree  in  opinion  as  to  the 
propriety  of  measures  and  the  conduct  of  men.  The  fortunes  of 
this  day  were  various  ;  sometimes  one  line,  sometimes  the  other 
giving  way.  Unfortunately,  during  ihe  shiftings  of  the  action,  bji 
the  death  of  Lieutenant  Smith,  a  young  officer  of  the  hightst 
promise,  the  enemy  got  possession  of  a  field  piece,  the  only  tro- 
phy they  obtained.  It  is  difficult  to  speak  of  the  precise  numbm 
engaged  on  either  side,  because  the  detachment  under  General 
Boyd  consisted  of  an  indefinite  number  of  his  own,  Covington'i 
and  Swartwout's  brigades,  ordered  from  on  board  the  boats  to 
lighten  them, and  save  the  hazard  of  the  men's  lives  in  descending 
the  saut.  Neither  Covington  nor  Swartwout  were  obliged  to 
have  taken  part  in  the  action,  with  this  detachment ;  yet  they 
both  entered  the  field,  taking  command  of  that  part  oi  it  which 
belonged  to  their  respective  brigades,  where  they  exhibited  the 
same  courageous  conduct  which  distinguished  General  Boyd  on  the 
field ;  and  to  the  great  loss  of  the  service  Brigadier  General 
Covington  received  a  mortal  wound  when  icouraging  and  had- 
ing on  his  detachment.  The  numbers  engs^ed  on  our  sidt  could 
not  have  exceeded  sixteen  or  seventeen  hundred  men,  while  those 
of  the  enemy  are  reckoned,  by  spectators,  at  from  one  to  two 
thousanc*  ;  but  'tis  probable  did  not  exceed  1,500,  consisting,  iii 
we  are  informed,  of  detachments  of  the  49th,  8'ith,  and  104th, 
the  voltigeurs,  and  Glengarian  regiment. 

« With  respect  to  the  courage  displayed  by  our  officers,  it 
would  be  useless  to  enter  into  details,  since  they  all  manifested  in 
their  respective  stations  equal  intrepidity.  The  names  of  the  mer* 
itorious  dead  and  wounded  will  be  =-' corded  in  another  place.  The 
firing  ceased  by  common  consent  about  4  o'clock  P.  M.  our  troops 
were  formed  in  battalia  in  front  of  the  enemy,  who  were  also  in 
line,  and  they  separated,  the  enemy  to  their  camp,  and  we  to  w\ 


i'He  wAa. 


^{& 


ir  march  ;  I.^ 
(lone I  Swift  of 
al  Bo)  d,  who 
'  to  take  com- 
tachment  into 
deavor  to  out 
this  the  action 
remely  warm 
time,  in  open 
of  the  Uniitd 
!  of  the  British 
u^rvieiit  to  the 
of  popular  ap- 
at  action  n1u^t 
justice  to  the 
>  find  two  offi. 
linion  as  to  the 
he  fortunes  of 
imes  the  other 
the  action,  bj 
of  the  hight'st 
the  only  tro- 
rtcise  nunr>bm 
under  General 
,  Covington'i 
the    boats  to 
in  descending 
ere  obliged  to 
ent ;  yet  they 
t  ot  it  which 
exhibited  the 
I  Boyd  on  the 
adier  Gentral 
ing  and  I*  ad- 
our  side  could 
,  while  those 
one    to  two 
onsisting,  iit 
,  and  104lh, 

Lur  officers,  it 
manifestKiin 

^8  of  the  mer- 

»r  place.  The 

our  troops 

I  were   aI»o  Id 

Ind  we  to  w\ 


'g(^\a.  The  troops  being  much  exhausted,  it  was  considered  most 
(Oiivenient  that  tiiey  should  embark,  and  that  tiit  diagjons  with 
tht  artillery  should  proceed  by  land.  The  embarkation  took  place 
wittx'Ut  the  smallest  molestation  fk-om  the  enemy,  and  the  flotillt^ 
trade  a  hatbor  near  the  head  of  the  saut,  on  the  oppoiiite  shuie. 
Thf  views  of  the  American  and  British  commanders  were,  on  this 
occasion,  precisely  opposed.  The  first  being  bound  by  the  instruc- 
tions of  his  government,  and  the  most  solemn  obligations  of  duty 
to  precipitate  his  descent  ol  the  St.  Lawrence  by  every  practica- 
ble means,  and  the  last  by  duties  equally  imperious  to  retard,  and 
I  if  possible  to  prevent  such  descent,  if  then  he  found  himself  vic- 
torious on  this  day,  it  was  certainly  in  his  power  to  have  effected- 
on'  or  the  ether  object;  aad  as  he  made  no  attempt  to  effect  ei- 
fhtr,  it  follows  mcontestibly  that  he  had  no  fair  ground  on  which 
!  to  claim  a  victory. 

"November  12r/t The  flotilla  sailed  early  this  morning,  and 

pasiied  down  the  saut  without  dittcovering  either  the  boats  or  troops 
ol  the  enemy,  and  arrived,  in  the  course  of  the  forenoon,  at  Barn- 
1  harts,  where  the  commanding  general  received  a  letter  from  Ma- 
Joi  General  Hampton,  by  the  hands  of  Colonel  Atkinson,  his  in- 
spector general,  which  blasted  all  his  hopes  and  destroyed  every 
prospect  ol  the  campaign.  A  council  of  war  was  called  upon  the 
receipt  of  this  communication,  which  was  submitted  to  their  con- 
sideration, whereupon  the  council  determined  that  the-  conduct  of 
Major  General  Hampton,  in  refusing  to  join  his  division  to  the 
troops  descending  the  St.  Lawrence  to  carry  an  attack  against 
Montreal,  rendered  it  expedient  to  leave  the  left  bank  of  the  St. 
Lawrence,  and  to  remove  the  troops  to  French  Mills,  on  Salmon 
river;  and  on  the  13th  of  November  this  recommendation  was  ac- 
cctdingly  carried  into  effect ;  ample  time  having  been  given  to  the 
enemy  to  have  tried  a  second  action,  if  they  had  dared  to  run 
|the  hazard."    .  . ,  • 

Battle  of  lVUliamsburg.,..We  subjoin  the  official  account  of  the 
I  battle  of  the  11th  November: 

Head-quarters,  French  Mills,  adjoining  the  Province  of) 
Lower  Canada,  November  16,  1813.  jT 

SIR I  beg  leave  to  refer  you  to  the  journal*  which  accompa- 

I  nies  this  letter,  for  the  particulars  of  the   movement  of  the  corps 

under  my  command  down  the  St-  Lawrence,  and  will  endeavour 

to  exert  my  enfeebled  mind  to  detail  to  you  the  more  striking  and 

important  incidents  which  have  ensued  my  departure  from  Grena- 

jdier  island,  at  the  foot  of  lake  Ontario  on  the  3d  instant. 

The  corps  of  the  enemy  from   Kingston,  which  followed  me, 
^UDg  on  my  re«r  ;  and  in  concert  with  a  heavy  galley  and  a  few 

■*  »« t»«ir«  iram«H«trIyiTrec«llBgthi* 


1*         ,  It'*.'  C   ti 

■  ,c,  i  Mm 


>  '.  ■'  i,  /'     ,5.; 


■-'■fe 


...  ■.  i.'. 


m^i 


'21  e 


SKETCHES  or 


,V 


:■<        i' 


l'\ 


t»Mq  ■  -if  r 


iM,< 


gun-boat?,  scctncd  dcternnined  to  retard  my  progresit.  I  w^ 
strongly  tempted  to  halt,  turn  about  a!id  put  au  <  nc)  lo  his  ttn;. 
ings;  but,  alas,  1  was  confined  to  my  bed.  Maj.  Gen.  Lewis  uaj 
too  ill  for  any  active  exertion  ;  and,  above  all,  i  did  not  dire  yuf. 
fer  myself  to  be  diverted  a  single  moment  from  the  prosecution  of 
the  views  of  government.  I  had  written  Maj.  General  Hampton 
on  the.6th  iniitant,  by  his  adjutant  general, Col.  King,  and  hai:  or- 
dered him  to  form  a  junction  with  me  on  the  bt.  Lawrence, 
>which  I  expected  would  takt*  placf  on  the  9th  or  10th.  It 
would  have  been  unpardonable  had  1  lost  sight  of  this  otiject  a 
moment,  as  I  deemed  it  of  vita!  importance  to  the  issue  ot  the 
campaign.  -';   '^^  ■■'>'' ♦*•¥'■►«        '  *'*•*«'  .,*.■■'»/  ;-«vju-j,  ,;■*;'•,  . 

.  The  enemy  deserve  credit  for  their  Zf-al  and  intelligence,  whicli 
-the  active  universal  hostility  of  the  male  inhabitants  of  the  couq. 
try  enabled  them  to  employ  to  the  greatest  advantage.  Thus, 
-while  menaced  by  a  respectable  force  in  the  rear,  the  coast  was 
lined  with  musketry  in  front,  at  <'very  critical  pass  in  the  river, 
which  obliged  me  to  march  a  detachment,  and  this  impeded  my 
progress. 

On  the  evening  of  the  0th  inst.  the  army  halted  a  few  milei 
from  the  head  of  the  long  iiaut.  In  the  morning  of  the  10th, 
the  inclosed  order*  was  issued.  General  Brown  marched  agree- 
ably to  order,  and  about  noon  we  were  apprized,  by  the  report  of 
his  artillery;  that  he  was  engaged  some  distance  below  us.  At 
the  same  time  the  enemy  were  observed  in  our  rear,  and  their 
galley  and  gun-boats  approached  our  flotilla,  and  opened  a  fire  up 
on  us,  wh^ch  obliged  me  to  order  a  battery  of  18  pounders  to  be 
planted,  and  a  shot  from  tt  compelled  the  vessels  of  the  enemy  to 
retire,  together  with  their  troops,  after  some  firing  between  the 
advanced  parties.  But  by  this  time,  in  consequence  of  disembark- 
iog  and  re-embarking  the  heavy  guns,  the  day  was  so  far  spent 
that  dur  pilots  did  not  dare  to  enter  the  saut,  (eight  miles  a  coo- 
tinued  rapid)  and  therefore  we  fell  down  about  two  miles  and 
ceme  to  for  the  night.  Early  the  next  morning,  every  thing  was 
in  readiness  for  motion  ;  but  having  received  no  intelligence  from 
Gen.  Brovn,  i  was  still  delayed,  as  sound  caution  prescribed! 
should  learn  the  result  of  this  affair,  before  I  committed  the  flotil- 
la to  the  saut.  At  half  past  10  o'clock  A.  M.  an  officer  of  dra- 
goons arrived  with  a  letter  in  which  the  general  informed  me  he 
had  forced  the  enemy,  and  would  reach  the  foot  of  the  saut  early 
in  the  day.  Orders  were  immediately  given  for  the  flotillit  to 
sail,  at  which  instant  the  enemy's  gun  boats  appeared,  and  began 
to  throw  shot  among  us.  Information  was  brought  me  at  the  same 
time,  from  Brigadier  General  Boyd,  that  the  enemy's  troops  were 
advancing  in  column.  I  immediately  sent  orders  to  him  to  attack 
*h-  m.     This  report  was  soon  contradicted  ;  Their  gun  boats  hovr- 


•  Sec  page  Hi 


'•H- 


THE  WAR. 


217 


-III 


(vrr  continued  to  watch  us,  and   a  variety  of  report*  of  th«>ir 
moveinvnts   «nd  counter-movements  were  brou)j;ht  to   me  in  sue* 
cecsion,  which  convinced  me  of  their  deteimination  to  hazard  an 
attick  when    it  could  be   done   to  the  greatest  advantage,  and 
th'  refore  I  determined  to  anticipate  them.     P'-ections  were  ac- 
cordingly sent  by  that  distinguished  otlicer,  Co.    iel  Switt,  of  the 
engineers,  to   Brigadier  General   Boyd   to  throw  the  detachment 
oi  his  command,  assigned  to  him   in  the  order  of  the  preceding 
day,  and  composed  of  men  from  his  own,  Covington's  and  Swart- 
wont's  brigades,  into  three  columns,  to  march  upon   the  enemy^ 
ou;-flank  them  if  possible,  and   take  their   artillery.     The  action 
soon  after  commenced   with  the   advanced  body  of  the  enemy, 
and  became   extremdy  sharp  snd  galling  ;  and  with  occasional 
pauses,  was  sustained  with  great  vivacity  in  open  space  and  fair 
combat,  for  upwards  of  two  and  a  half  hours^  the  adverse  lines 
alternately  yielding  and  advancing.     It  is  impossible  to  say  with 
accuracy  what  was  our  number  on  the  field,  because  it  consisted 
of  indefinite  detachments  taken  from  the  boats  to  render  safer  the 
passage  of  the  saut.     Brigadier  Generalr  Covington  and  Swart- 
w9Ut  voluntarily  took  part  in  the  action  at  the  head   of  the  de- 
lachmeots  from  their  respective  brigades,  and  exhibited  the  same 
courage  that  was  displayed  by  Brigadier  General  Boyd,  who  hap« 
pened  to  be  the  senior  officer  on  the  ground.     Our  force  engaged 
might  have  reached  sixteen  or  seventeen  hundred   men,  but   cer- 
tainly did   not  exceed  eighteen   hundred.     That  of  the   enemy 
was  estimated  at  from  twelve  hundred   to  two  thousand,  but  did 
not  probably  amount  to   more  than   fifteen  or  sixteen   hundred, 
consisting,  as  I  am  informed,  of  detachments  from  the  4@th,  84tli 
and  104th  regiments  of  the  line,  with  three  companies  of  the 
vottigeur  and  Glengary  corps  and  the   militia  of  the  country, 
who  are  not  included  in  the  estimare. 

It  would  be  presumptuous  in  me  to  attempt  to  give  you  a  de- 
tailed account  of  this  affair,  which  certainly  reflects  high  honour 
on  the  valour  of  the  American  soldier,  as  no  example  can  be  pro- 
duced of  undiciplined  men,  with  inexperienced  officers,  braving  a 
fire  of  two  hours  and  a  half,  without  quitting  the  fit  Id,  or  yield- 
int;  to  their  antagonists.  But,  sir,  the  information  I  now  give 
you  is  derived  from  officers  of  my  confidence,  who  took  active 
parts  in  the  confiict ;  for,  though  I  was  enabled  to  order  the  at- 
tack, it  was  my  hard  fortune  not  to  be  able  to  lead  the  troops  I 
commanded.  The  disease  with  which  1  was  attacked  on  the  2d 
of  September,  on  my  journey  to  fort  George,  having,  with  a  few 
«hort  intervals  of  convalescence,  preyed  on  me  ever  since  ;  and 
at  the  moment  of  this  action,  I  was  confined  to  my  bed,  and 
emaciated  almost  to  a  skeleton,  unable  to  set  on  my  horse,  or  to 
move  ten  paces  without  assistance. 

2  E 


VO  'J 


i    » 


I  .ir'M 


5' If  I 

•■I'M 


■■^L 

hi 


»1» 


ttKBTCHES  OV 


i::*i 


V.'i 


M% 


fl  ''•I 


I  mu«>t,  however,  be  pardoned  for  trespassing  on  3  our  time  » 
few  remarks  in  rtlatiou  to  the  affair.  Ihe  objecth  of  the  firi!i«h 
and  American  connandirx  >\c-ri  precisely  oppootd;  the  last  be> 
in^  bound  by  the  instructions  of  his  gevernnitiitj  and  the  most  ^q. 
lemn  obligations  of  dut},  to  piccipitHte  his  descent  of  the  bt.  Law* 
rence  by  every  practicabh  nieauti ;  because^  this  being  effecttd 
one  of  the  greatt Kt  dithcultits  oppo^*  d  to  the  American  army 
would  be  surmounted.  And  the  first,  by  duties  equally  imperioui 
to  retard,  and,  if  possible,  prevent  fuch  di  scent :  He  is  to  be  ac> 
CKunted  victorious  who  effecttd  bi»  purpose.  I  he  British  ccni' 
maoder,  having  failed  to  gam  i  ither  of  his  objects,  can  lay  no 
claim  to  the  honourt*  of  the  day.  Tht  buttle  fluctuated,  and  tri- 
umph seemed  at  different  times  inclined,  to  the  contending  corps, 
The  front  of  t tie  enemy  was  at  fir^t  forced  back  more  than  a 
n^ilc,  and,  though  they  never  regaint  d  the  ground  thus  lost,  thtir 
stand  was  permanent  and  their  charges  resolute.  Amidst  these 
charges^  and  near  the  close  of  the  contest,  we  lost  a  fit- Id-piece  bv 
the  fall  of  the  officer  who  was  serving  it  with  the  same  cooineM 
as  if  he  had  been  at  a  parade  cf  review  :  This  was  Lieut.  Snitii, 
of  the  light  artillery,  who  in  point  of  merit  stood  at  the  head  of 
his  grade. 

The  enemy  having  halted,  and  our  troops  being  again  formed 
in  battalia  front  to  front,  and  the  firing  ceased  on  both  sides,  we 
resumed  our  position  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  and  the  infantry 
being  much  fatigued,  the  whole  were  re-embarked,  and  proceeded 
down  the  river  without  further  annoyance  from  the  enemy  or 
their  gun-boats,  while  the  dragoons,  with  five  pieces  of  light  ar- 
tillery, marched  dviwn  the  Canada  shore  without  molestitioo. 

It  is  doe  to  his  *ank,  to  his  worth  and  services,  that  I  should 
make  particular  mention  of  Brigadier  General  Covington,  who  re- 
ceived a  mortal  wound  directly  through  the  body,  while  aoi- 
mating  his  men  and  leading  them  to  the  charge.  He  fell  where 
he  fought,  at  the  head  of  hit  men,  and  survived  but  two  days. 

The  next  morning  the  flotilla  passed  through  the  saut  and  join* 
ed  that  excellent  officer.  Brigadier  General  Brown,  at  Barnliartt, 
near  Cornwall,  where  he  had  been  instructed  to  take  post  and 
wait  my  arrival,  and  where  I  >  confidently  expected  to  hear  of  | 
Major  General  Hampton's  arrival  on  the  opposite  shore.  But 
immediately  after  1  halted.  Col*  Atkinson,  the  inspector  general 
of  the  division,  under  Major  General  Hampton,  waited  on  me 
with  a  letter  from  that  ofHct-r,  in  which,  to  my  unspeakable  mor- 
tification and  surprise,  he  declined  the  junction  ordered,  and  in- 
formed me  he  was  marching  towards  lake  Cbamplain,  by  way  of  I 
CO  operating  in  the  proposed  attack  on  Montreal. 

This  letter,  together  with  a  copy  of  that  to  which  it  is  an  an* 
swtr,  were  immediately  submitted  to  a  council  of  war,  composed] 
i^<9f  my  general  officers,  and  the  colonel  commanding  the  elite;^! 


•»* 


THE  WA  ^iy 

■<'.V 
^jt^e  chief  engineer,  and  the  adjutant  •*»n(fr-«!,  \v^-  nnanimoiixly 
£,,ve  it  as  their  opinion,  that  **  the  Mtt  k  on  Moi  <  al  should  be 
ibnndoned  for  the  present  8f-ason,  and  i-  army  t  n  ntar  orO' 
Will  ohoiiid  be  immediately  crossed  to  the  American   thon  ta- 

king up  wmter  qnarters,  find  that  this  place  afforded   an       igible 
position  for  such  quarters." 

1  acquiesced  in  these  opinions,  not  from  the  vhortnes».  >f  *H« 
tf^ck  of  provi.Mons  (whieh  had  been  reduced  by  the  acts  of  God) 
{)iC)«u8e  that  of  our  meat  had  been  increased  five  days,  and  our 
brt-ad  had  been  reduced  only  two  d^ys,  and  because  \v«  could« 
in  case  of  extremity,  have  lived  on  the  enemy  ;  but  because  th« 
lust  of  the  division  under  Major  General  Hampton,  weakened  my 
force  too  sensibly  to  justify  the  attempt.  In  all  my  measures  and 
mnvennents  of  moment,  I  have  taken  the  opinions  of  my  general 
officer*,  which  have  been  in  accord  with  mv  own. 

I  remained  on  the  Canada  shore  until  the  next  day,  without 
seeing  or  hearing  from  the  **  powerful  force'*  of  the  enemy  in  our 
neighborhood,  and  the  same  day  reached  this  position  with  the  ar- 
tillery and  infantry.  The  dragoons  have  been  ordered  to  Utica 
and  its  vicinity,  and  I  expect  are  fifty  or  sixty  miles  on  the 
march. 

You  have  under  cover  a  summary  abstract  of  the  killed  and 
wounded  in  the  affair  of  the  11th  instant.  The  dead  rest  in 
honour,  and  the  wounded  bled  for  their  countr),  and  deserve  its 
gratitude. 

With  perfect  respect,  I  have  the  honour  to  be^  sir,  your  obedi- 
dient  humble  servant,  ''  /   ^ 

JA.  WILKINSON. 

Hon.  John  Armstrong,  Secretary  of  War. 

Jletum  of  the  killed  and  wounded  oj  a  detachment  of  the  U.  S, 
army,  in  an  action  fought  at  fftUiamsburg,  in  Upper  Canada^ 
mthe  nth  Nov,  18lJ. 

Killed...^  subalterns^  7  sergeants,  3  corporals,  1  n»usician,  89 
private8....Total,  102. 

lV(yunded...A  brigadier  general,  1  assistant  adjutant  general,  1 
sid  de  camp,  1  colonel,  1  major,  5  captains,  6  subalterns,  9  ser." 
gcaots,  13  corporals,  1  musician,  198  private8....Total,  2^7. 
Total  killed  au4  wounded,  339. 

Names  of  the  commissioned  officers  killed  and  'W0unde4* 

KILLED.  .    / 

Lieutenant  William  W.  Smith,  of  the  light  artillery.  • 

- David  Hunter,  of  the  12th  regiment  infantry.        '*  '; 

£dA!VBr4  Olmstead,  of  the  16th  (1».  ' 


a«o 


liKiiTCHliS  OV 


.lilt'''      t; 


i^iii^' 


:r  , 


WOUNDKH. 
Brifl;a(li<'i'  Orncra'  Lcoiinrcl  Covington,  morlnlly,  (»incc  (lead.; 
Mnjor  Tqlbot  Ch.imbi<r.«,  n«siiitii:it  tidjiitHnt  gt'ni'ial,  niigiitly. 
Mujnr  Darby  Noon,  aid  dc  camp  to  Brigudiur  (jtneral  Swurtwout, 

slightly. 
Colont-I  Jamt's  P   Preston,  of  the  23d  rigiiiient  infantry,  «evertlv, 

his  right  thigh  fractured. 
Mijdr  William  Ciimming?,  Kth  ditto, severely. 
Captain  Edmund  Poxtcr,  0th  ditto,  hlightly. 

David  S.  Townst  nd,  9th  ditto,  severely,  (taken  priioiicr.V 

Mordecai  Myers,  1 3th  ditto,  severely, 

John  Campbell,  13th  ditto,  olightly. 

John  B.  Murdoch,  25th  dUiO,  slightly. 

Lieut.     William  S.  Heaton,  lith  ditto,  severely. 

— John  Williams,  13th  ditto,  slightly. 

— .'ohn  Lynch,  I4th  ditto,  severely,  (taken  prisoner ; 

.1  P»'t^•r  P«  Iham,  2l8t  ditto,  severely,  (taken  prisoner.) 

—  James  D.  Brown,  95\h  ditto,  slightly. 

Archibald  C.  Crary,  26th  ditto,  severely,  in  the  skirniiiit 

the  day  before  the  action. 

Colonel  Preston  commanded  the  13th  regiment  of  infantry 
during  the  action  ;  and  Major  Cummings  did  duty  with  the  lOlli 
regiment  of  infantry  in  the  action. 


.^^'-I  ..,•:.•■ 


CHAPTFFi  XVIH. 


Korihern  armi/.,..Col.  Clark^s  expedition... .Battle  of  Chaiaugaij 
,...RcJusal  of  Gen.  Hampton  to  join  Gen.  I'Vtlkinson  at  St.  Ht- 
gts„..Close  of  the  campaign.    .  .v... 

The  northern  army,  for  the  campaign  of  1813,  consisted  of 
about  4000  men,  principall}  new  recruits  and  volunteers,  under 
the  command  ©♦  Gen.  Hampton,  assembled  at  Burlington,  (Vt.) 
and  in  its  vicinity.  The  whole  summer  was  spent  in  enlisting  and 
collecting  the  recruits  and  in  disciplining  them. 

In  the  fore  part  of  September  they  embarked  at  Burlington  and 
took  a  position  at  Cumberland  Head,  near  Plattsburgh,  where 
they  remained  some  days,  collecting  the  necessary  ^plies  for  a 
inarch  into  Canada. 

On  the  19th  September  the  army  moved  to  Chazy  and  attack 
ed  the  enemy's  advanced  posts  at  Odletown,  with  a  view  of  I 
pushing  into  Canada  by  that  route  ;  but  this  was  found  impracti- 
cable for  want  of  supplies  of  water.  The  army  accordingly  fell 
back  on  Champlain  and  took  the  route  by  Chataugay,  at  wbifb 
glace  tbby  arrived  and  took  a  poiition  on  the  25\ii* 


j*^ 


m 


Tin.   WAU. 


321 


Cnl.  Clark-^s  ^xn^'dition Gen,  Hampton,  in  order  to  cover  hU 

inovfiit-otK  iiiiJ  iiiti  nlioui,  and  to  disitract  the  en<  inyN  Httontioiif 
J, .')Htched  Col.  CUrU,  an  ixcellrnt  partizan  otlicer,  to  Miisii' 
QUI  bxy»  vvith  a  detacliment  of  titlemen,  to  nttaok  a  small  British 
force  at  St.  Armand.  Tli(>  following;  is  a  fhort  though  interest- 
hni;  account  of  the  colonel's  sticoeii!',  taken  from  his  otTicial  Letter, 
Idalt'd  Oct.  16. 

(( It  \«>  with  fl;reat  pleafinre  I  can  inform  you  of  a  successful  at* 
jtAck  upon  the  enemy  at  Missisque  bay  on  the  morning  of  ihe 
12tli  inst.  (After  detailing  his  approach  to  the  enemy,  which 
evinces  an  excellent  knowledt^e  of  the  country,  the  colonel 
gtates:)  At  this  time  1  had  only  the  riflemen  with  me,  the  artille* 
ry  moving  slow,  and  the  militia  protecting  their  rear.  We  pro- 
cod  <J  to  the  village,  (Vlissisqiie)  and  arrived  within  fifuen 
rnd>(  of  the  enemy  before  we  were  discovered.  We  found  them 
dravvd  up  under  Nl^jor  Powell,  in  a  manner  that  would  have  an- 
Qoyi'd  lis  much  had  we  attacked  them  by  water,  but  wholly  un« 
prt oared  to  defend  themselves  on  the  land  side;  they  commeneed 
L  fire  on  the  left  flank,  but  in  ten  minutes  after  the  first  attack 
thiy  laid  down  their  arms  and  surrendered  themselves  prisoners 
lof  war. 

"Understanding  that  a  force  of  200  men  under  Col.  Lock  was 
{marching  to  attack  us,  I  despatched  Capt.  Finch  with  his  compa- 
Dv  to  reconnoitre  them  and  ascertain  their  course.      He  proceed- 
ed with  such  promptness  and  ability  as  to  surprise  and  capture  the 
advitnced  guard,  consisting  of  cavalry,  excepting  one  man,  who 
jescaped,  and,  giving  information,  the  enemy  ret'-eated. 

"  The  prisoners  were  then  put  on  board  our  boats  and  sent  to 
{Burlington.  Our  whole  force  engaged  was  one  hundred  and  two  ; 
thf  number  of  prisoners  taken  is  one  hundred  and  one,  their  killed 
I  uine  and  wounded  fourteen." 

Battlf  of  Chataugay....Ahout  this  time  the  attack  on  Montreal 
I  was  determined  on,  and  the  army  of  Gen.  Hampton  was  ordered 
{toco-operate  in  the   expedition. 

The  army,  however,  continued  in  its  pesition  at  Chataugay 
{for  near  a  month  in  daily  expectation  of  orders  to  join  General 
Wilkinson,  whose  movements  down  the  St.  Lawrence  were 
more  tardy  than  had  been  contemplated.  From  this  circum- 
stance, and  probably  from  the  severity  of  the  season,  the  troops 
{beramein  some  measure  dispirited,  and  seemed  also  not  to  have 
had  the  necessary  confidence  in  their  commander. 

On  the  21st  cf  October,  however,  without  any  information  or 

I  instructions  from  General  Wilkinson,  the  army  moved  down  the 

Ch.)taugay  river,  for  the  purpose  of  placing  itself  in  a  situation 

to  form  a  junction  with  hirn^     But,  from  some  mismanagttinent, 


■I 

■   t 

's; 

i 

i  'ft-' vnJ 


■■■::■%%  Jl 


Ui^ 


Ml 


en  ^ 


'2^2 


SKETCHES  QF 


I'l'  vi-' 


■i>:- 


'(•    • 


i|.. 


the  army  was  met  by  the  enemy,  and  driven  back  with  cob. 
8i."i<-rable  Ions.  We  subjoin  an  extract  frtrn  Gent-ralHamptyn'j 
otticial  account  of  tbi«  aifair,  to  the  secretary  of  war* 

"  //  Q.  Four  Corners,  Nov.  1,  1813. 

**  On  the  inorning  of  the  21st  ultimo  the  army  commenctd  itj 
movement  down  th*-  Chatau^ny,  lor  the  purpose  of  placing  it>t(f 
in  a  situation  which  would  enable  it  to  fuihl  its  parts  of  th«-  pro. 
posfd  combined  operations  on  tlie  St   Lawrence. 

"An   extensive  wood  of  1 1    or  12, miles  in   front,  blorked  im 

with  felled  tin  her,  and  covered  by  iht-  Indians  and  light  troops  of 

the  enemy,  wa^  a  serious  impediment  to  the  arduous  ta:»k  ot  opMi- 

ing  a  road  for  the  artillery  and  stores.       Brigadier  General  Izard 

with  the  light  troops  and  one  regiment  of  the  line,  was  detached 

^eariy  in  the  morning  to  turn  these  impediments  in   flank,  and  tg 

•seize  on  the  more  open  countr;y  below,  while  the  aimy,  prect-ded 

by    a  strong  working  party,  advanced  on  a  more   circuitcjt  but 

^practicable  route  foi  a  road.     The  measure  completely  succeeded, 

«nd   the   main  body   of  the   army  reached  the  advanced  poi>itioii 

on  the  evening  of  the  22d.     The  23d  and  w4th  were  employed  io 

completing  the  road  and  getting  up  the  artillery  and  stores. 

"I  had  arranged,  at  my  departure,  under  the  direction  of  Major 
Parker,  a  line  of  communication  as  far  up  the  St.  Law  rence  aj 
Ogdensburgh,  for  the  purpose  of  hastening  to  me  the  earliest  no* 
tice  of  the  progress  of  our  army  down.  1  had  surmounted  24 
miles  of  the  most  difficult  part  of  the  route,  and  had  in  advance 
of  me  seven  miles  of  open  .country,  but  at  the  end  of  that  dis- 
tance commenced  a  wood  of  seme  miles  in  extent,  which  had  I 
been  formed  into  an  entire  abatis  and  /filled  by  a  succession  of  | 
wooden  breastworks,  the  rearmost  of  .which  were  supplied  with 
ordnance.  In  front  of  these  defences  were  placed  the  Indian 
force  and  light  corps  of  the  enemy,  and  in  the  rear  all  of  his  dii- 
posable  force.  As  the  extent  of  this  force  depended  upon  hit 
fense  of  danger  on  the  St.  Lawrence,  it  was  a  cause  of  regret 
that  all  communication  from  yourself  or  Major  Parker  stemea  to 
be  at  an  end.  As  it  was,  however,  believed  that  the  enemy  waj 
hourly  adding  to  his  strength  in  this  position^  if  free  from  tht  ap* 
prehension  of  danger  from  above,  an  effort  was  judg*  d  necessary 
to  dislodge  him,  and  if  it  succeeded  we  should  be  in  possession  of 
a  position  which  we  could  hold  as  long  a^  any  doubts  renaintd 
of  what  was  passing  above,  and  of  the  real  part  to  be  assigbtd  us. 

*'  Our  guides  assured  us  of  a  shoal  and  practicable  fording  place 
opposite  the  lower  flank  of  the  enemy's  defences,  and  that  the 
wood  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  a  dictance  of  seven  or 
eight  miles,  was  practicable  for  the  passage  of  the  troops.  Col. 
;Purdy  with  the  light  corps,  and  a  strong  body  of  infantry  of  the 
fine,  was  detached  at  an  early  hour  of  the  night  of  the  25tb;  tt 


THE  WAH. 


»2# 


•nil)  this  ford  by  the  morning,  and  to  commence  bis  attack  in 
rear,  and  that  ^as  to  be  the  signal  for  the  army  to  fail  on  in 
fr  )iit,  and  it  was  believed  the  pass  might  be  carried  btfore  the 
onemy's  djstant  troops  could  be  brought  forward  to  its  support. 

«i  had  returned  to  -my  quarters  from  Purdy's  column  about  y 
o'clock  at  night,  when  f  found  a  Mr.  Baldwin,  of  the  quarter 
master  general's  department,  who  put  into  my  hands  an  open* 
pa)er  containing  instructions  to  him  from  the  quarter  matster  ge- 
Dtral,  respecting  the  building  of  huts  for  the  army  in  the  Chatau- 
gay,  below  the  line.  This  paper  sunk  mv  hopes,  and  raised  seri* 
0U8  doubts  of  receiving  that  efficacious  support  which  had  been 
anticipated.  I  would  have  recalled  the  column,  but  it  was  in 
motion,  and  the  darkness  of  the  night  rendered .  it  impracticable. 
I  could  only  go  forward.  The  army  was  put  in  motion  on  the 
morning  of  the  2dth,  leaving  its  baggage,  &c.  on  the  ground  of 
encampment. 

"On  advancing  near  the  enemy,  it  was  found  that  the  column- 
en  the  opposite  side  was  not  as  far  advanced  as  had  been   antici- 
pated.    The  guides  had  misled  it,  and  finally  failed  in  finding  the 
fbril.    We  could  not  communicate  with  it,  but  only  awaited  the 
attack  below.     About  two  o'clock  the  firing  commenced,  and  our 
troops  advanced  rapidly  to  the  attack.     The  enemy's  light  troopr 
commenced   a  sharp  fire,  but  Brigadier  General  Izard  advanced' 
with  h«s  brigade,  drove  him  every  where  behind  his  defences  and 
gileocud  the  fire  in  his  front        This  brigade  w^ould  have  pushed 
forward  as  far  as  courage,  skill  and  perseverance  could  have  car- 
ried it ;  but  on  advancing,  it  was  found  that  the  firing  had   com- 
nenced  on  the  opposite  side,  and  the  ford  had  not  been  gained. 
,  "The  enemy  retired  behind  his  defences,  but  a  renewal  of  his' 
attack  was  expected,  and  the  troops  remained  some  time  in  ttieir 
position  to  meet  it.      The  troops  on  the  opposite  side  were  exces- 
sively fatigued.      The  enterprise  had  failed  in  its  main  point,  aud' 
Col.  Purdy  was^ ordered  to  withdraw  his  coinmu  to  a  shoal  four 
or  five  miles  above,  and  cross  over.       The   day  was  spent,  and 
Gen.  Izard   was  ordered  to  withdraw   his  brigade   to  a  position 
three  miles  in  the  rear,  to  which  place  the  baggage  had  been  or- 
dered forward. 

"  The  slowness  and  order  with  which  Gen.  Izard  retired  with 
hif  brigade,  could  but  have  inspired  the  enemy  with  resp<  ct...« 
They  presumed  not  to  venture  a  shot  at  him  during  his  move- 
ment;  but  the  unguardedness  of  some  part  of  Purdy's  command, 
exposed  him  to  a  rear  attack  from  the  Indians,  which  was  repeat- 
ed after  dark,  and  exposed  bim  to  some  loss.  These  attacks 
were  always  repelled,  and  must  have  cost  the  enemy  as  many 
lives  as  we  lost.  Our  entire  loss  of  killed,  wounded  and  ni.ssiu^ 
does  not  i  xceed  50.  In  its  new  position  within  three  uii.-  if 
^e  enemy's  post,  the  army  encamped  on  the. night  of  the  26thj, 


'i>i.'^^  i 


'■^ms 


'  n^ 


WW' 


224 


tjKtLreHKs,  &c. 


'M\'  ■■ 


-^1 


:p 


and  remained  until  12  o'clock  on  the  28th.  All  llie  dpsettfrs,  of 
whom  there  wt-re  lour,  having  concurred  in  the  intormaticii  iliat 
Sir  George  Prevost,  with  three  other  general  officers,  had  arti^d 
with  the  whole  of  his  disposable  force,  and  la>  in  the  rear  cf  ttu^i. 
defences,  and  a  letter  from  Major  Parker  (by  express  received  on 
the  evening  of  the  26th)  having  informed  me  that  no  movemtMs 
of  our  army  down  the  St.  Lawrence  had  been  heard  of  at  (;g. 
densburgh,  and  for  some  distance  above  ;  )he  following  que^tjul8 
were  submitted  to  the  commanding  oflicersof  brigades,  reginitit! 
and  corps,  and  the  heads  of  the  general  staff,  in  a  council  con- 
vened for  the  purpose :  *  Is  it  advisable,  under  existing  circi,m 
stances,  to  renew  the  attack  on  the  enemy's  position,  and,  if  not, 
what  position  is  it  advisable  for  the  army  to  take,  until  it  can  iec«ive 
advices  of  the  advance  of  the  grand  army  down  the  St.  Law- 
rence ?'  The  opinion  of  the  council  was  expressed  in  the  follow- 
ing words : 

"  It  is  the  unanimous  opinion  of  this  council,  that  it  is  necessa- 
ry, for  the  preservation  of  this  army,  and  the  fulfilment  of  the  ot- 
tenstble  views  of  the  government,  that  we  immediately  return  by 
orderly  marches  to  such  a  position  (Chataugay)  as  will  secure  our 
communications  with  the  United  States,  either  to  retire  into  uiu- 
ter  quarters,  or  to  be  ready  to  strike  below." 

"  In  pursuance  of  this  opinion,  the  army  has  returned  by  slow 
marches  to  this  place,  and  now  awaits  the  orders  of  the  goverl^ 
ment." 


Refusal  of  Gen.  Hampton  to  join  Gen.  Wilhinson On  tlie 

8th  November  Gen.  Hampton  received  a  letter  from  Gen.  Wil- 
kinson requesting  him  to  join  him  at  St.  Regis.  This  Gen.  Hamp- 
ton declined  on  account  of  his  own  and  Gen  Wilkinson's  limited 
supplies  of  provisions,  and  retired  to  Platt.vburgh  with  mtentiousofl 
opening  a  communication  with  Gen.  Wilkinson  and  forming  a 
junction  lower  down  the  river,  where  he  might  push  forward  the 
necessary  supplies.  But  Gen.  Wilkinson  considered  this  a  refusal 
on  the  part  of  Gen.  Hampton  to  co-operate,  and  accordingly  aban- 
doned the  expedition. 

We  shall  not  attempt  to  enter  into  the  merits  of  the  contro- 
versy between  these  two  generals,  not  having  that  minute  and 
particular  knowledge  upon  the  subject  which  is  necessary  to  foim  a 
correct  judgment ;  we  may,  however,  venture  to  conjecture,  that 
the  battles  at  Williamsburg  and  Chataugay  had  greatly  abated 
the  ardour  of  both  generals,  and  that  possibly  this  controversy 
was  produced  from  that  cause.  Be  this  as  it  may,  the  expedition 
was  leally  or  pretendedly  abandoned  for  this  cause,  and  the  arnry 
went  into  winter  quarters  at  Plattsburgh.       »     .      . 


•i.  '■' 


(IpseTtfr?,  of 
>rniaticii  tlibt 
,  had  artiMd 
rtai  cf  tluii; 
J  rectivtd  on 
0  move mt  1,18 
ird  of  at  (;g. 
iiig  que^liul! 
le»,  regin<ti.t! 
couiiCil  con- 
isting  circum- 
),  and,  if  not, 
it  can  lective 
the  St.  Law. 
in  the  follow- 

t  it  is  necesfa- 
lent  of  the  oj- 
itely  return  by 
,vill  secure  our 
t'tire  into  wia- 

jurned  by  slow 
)f  the  govern- 


ison On  tlie 

>m  Gen.  Wil- 
is Gen.  Han'p- 
uson's  limited 
intentious  of  I 
|nd  forming  a  I 
forward  the 
this  a  refusal 
rdingl.Y  aban- 

the   contro- 

minute  and 

jary  tofoima 

Dji^cture,  that 

ftatly  abated 

controversy 

he  expedttioD 

Ind  the  army 


SKETCHES 


■y  ?■;-■- 


OF 


Volume  I Number  5. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

Fort  George Burning  of  Newark Capture  of  fort  Niaga- 
ra  Burning  of  Buffalo,  ^c. 

Such  part  of  the  army  of  the  centre  as  was  left  by  General 
Wilkinson  at  fort  Georgt^,  was  placed  under  the  Cdmmand  of  Col. 
now  General  Scott,  who  continued  in  the  command  of  that  post 
until  the  12th  of  October,  when  he  left  it  with  all  the  regular 
troops  for  Sacket's  Harbour....the  enemy  having  previously  retir- 
ed to  BuilingtoD  heights. 

General  George  M'Clure,  with  a  body  of  New-York  militia  and 
volunteers,  occupied  fort  George  after  the  departure  of  Colonel 
Scott ;  but  nothing  occurred  worthy  of  notice  during  their  contin- 
I  uaiice  at  that  post.  But  upon  the  term  of  service  of  the  militia 
expiring.  General  M'Clure  evacuated  fort  George  after  burning 
the  flourishing  village  of  Newark,  under  a  pretence  that  it  was 
[  necessary  to  the  security  of  the  frontier. 

Ill  the  mean  time,  however.  General  Harrison  arrived  at  fort 
George   with  the  north  western  army,  but  continued  there  a  few 
1^8  only,  when  the  regular  army  was  ordered  to  Sacket's  Har- 
1  bour  for  the  defence  of  the  fleet  there  moored. 

The  British  army  were  in  full  march  for  fort  George  when  it 
I  was  evacuated  by  General  M'Clure,  and  immediately  after  arrived 
and  took  a  position  at  Queenstown,  where  they  prepared  for  a 
descent  upon  the  Niagara  frontier.  They  effected  their  landing 
at  the  Five-Mile  Meadows,  on  the  19th  of  December, from  whence 
Colonel  Murray,  with  a  detachment  consisting  of  the  100th  regi- 
ment, the  grenadier  companies  of  the  Royals,  and  the  flank  com- 
panies of  the  41st  regiment,  proceeded  to  fort  Niagara,  which  they 
surprised  and  captured  before  day  light,  making  a  most  dreadtu), 
land  It  is  believed  unnecessary  slaughter  among  the  garrison.  Gen- 
eral M'Clure's  official  account  of  the  capture  of  this  fort  seems  to 

2  F 


.  •  '.:^  «  ^\^^4l  lis 

V-:' fMr- 


'  ^tmm 


■  '>•'  ml 


226 


SKETCHES  Ofc" 


I    1  ■K''! 

■^ 

|;|]; 

1    S''i"'''- 

i 

t  V'^'^: 

' 

V-y' 

1^ 

i     !#:. 

* 

Iff'       L.     ■    i<  ' 

1  I:  v^ 

t? 

i 

ii  j;  '{■■*■ 

IT 

If     it     v'  .' 

'   i'.' 

Q    ?';  '  y ' ; 

•^, 

m    *^!   ^^ 

^ 

1   \i   \.^'   ' 

have  been  most  of  it  conjecture.     We  aball  tbcrefoie  collect  sutn 
of  the  facts  rtlatiig  tluri'ti),as  peem  to  ht-  will  auliiri.tiiiitul. 

The  garrisoii,  on  the  day  of  its  captun,  oontsi-tt'il  ol  aboiii  350 
men  uncli-r  tht' com  Band  ofCapt.  I.eoi-ani  of  the  arliilerv.  H(  I  ^.^ 
been  ordered  by  Gt-iiiral  M'Cliire  on  t'.n  12tii  to  have  every  ar- 
rangement made  as  if  he  expecit'd  an  iirnneriiate  Htcich.  But  % 
some  reason  not  yet  explained,  Cspt.  f.eonard  Itlt  the  gavnscn 
about  11  o'clock  in  the  evennig  previous  to  its  capture,  for  his 
family,  resident  about  two  mile.'  from  tiie  f  rt.  Cjeiural  M'C'luie 
says,  in  an  official  letter  to  the  secretary  ot  \\nr,  thut  Capt.  Lton- 
ard  was  intoxicated  J  and  other  accouiits  agree  with  tl'e  gemral 
in  attributing  the  conciucl  vi  Capt.  L»  "isard  to  treasoniibie  ino- 
tives;  but  we  deem  it  inip'oper  to  condemn  until  the  accused  has 
been  heard,  though  we  are  free  to  say,  that  the  capiau)'s  conduct 
needs  explanativn,  -.wul  till  then  wf  are  compelled  to  believe  him 
most  negligently  or  treasonably  guilty  in  leaving  the  fort  at  >such 
a  time.  The  pickci  guards  and  the  centuries  at  the  glacis  and  at 
the  gate  were  surprized  and  taken  by  the  enemy,  from  whom 
they  obtained  the  watch  word,  by  means  whereof  they  gaiiicd 
entrance  into  the  fort. 

The  f^arrison  was  not  alarmed  when  the  enemy  entered  the 
fort,  but  some  firing  took  place  immediately  after  between  the 
guard  at  the  south  east  block  house,  and  the  sick  at  the  red  bar- 
racks, and  the  principal  resistance  was  made  at  these  points.  But 
their  resistance  was  vain  :  they  were  soon  overpowered,  and  a 
royal  salute  announced  to  the  surrounding  country  the  capture  of 
the  fort.  The  British  official  report  of  the  capture  states  the 
American  loss  in  killed  at  riS,  and  wounded  15,  all  with  the  bay- 
onet ;  but  this  is  said  upon  good  authority  not  to  include  many 
who  were  after  the  issuing  of  the  order,  found  ba>onetted  in  the 
cellars  of  the  house?,  so  that  the  killed  may  be  estimated  at  80. 
On  the  part  of  the  enemy,  5  killed  and  3  wounded.  A  few  ol  the 
gat  I -son  escaped  by  crossing  the  pickets,  but  the  remainder  were 
made  prisoners. 

The  enemy  having  learned  the  success  of  the  detachment  un- 
der Colonel  Murray,  proceeded  to  burn,  plunder  and  destroy  the 
whole  fro:'tier  from  Niagara  fort  to  the  falls,  which  includes  the 
villages  of  Youngstown,  Lewi.stown,  Manchester,  and  the  Indian 
village  of  Tuscarora.  The  inoffensive  and  unarmed  inlabifaats 
who  could  not  escape,  were  many  of  them  most  inhumanly  butch- 
ered. 

These  measures  and  proceedings  of  the  enemy  were  attempted  to 
be  justified  by  our  previous  example  in  the  burning  of  Newark,  and 
we  should  have  been  ready  to  conclude  that  their  vengeance  had 
been  satiated,  but  events  proved  that  nothing  within  their  powtr 
was  to  escape.  They  accordingly  re-crossed  the  river,  leading  a 
garrison  in  fort  Niagara,  and  proceeded  up  the  river  opposite  Black 


THE  WAR. 


227 


Rock,  wherp  thpy  immpdiately  made  dispositions  f'^r  ac^ain  cross- 
ji,^.  (n  the  mcrtn  tun*' GcntTal  Kill  ..f  thf  New  York  miliiia  had 
arrived  at  Sluck  i^nck  wuh  about  1000  volimtecrs  and  J 000  nili- 
tia  afhis  own  brigade.  But  the  ent-my  iffi-oted  their  lai:ai.  g  on 
the  30th  a»id  acconipii.^hfd  their  diribohC'il  purposes.  The  f  >l!>)vv- 
ijior  Itttt^r  from  G'  nera!  Hall  to  G:v.  Tompkins  gives  a  leugihy 
and  minute  account  of  their  proceedings : 

«'The  confusion  into  which  every  thing  was  thrown  by  the 
events  of  the  30th  December,  and  the  imperious  necessity  of  ta- 
king precautionary  measures  against  the  advances  of  the  enemy, 
nut  it  out  of  my  power  to  furnish,  at  an  earlier  period,  a  detailed 
account  of  the  operations  on  this  frontier,  during  my  hitherto  un* 
[fortunate  and  embarrassmg  command;  add  to  this,  the  extreme 
diificulty  of  collecting  authentic  facts,  relative  to  our  loss,  since 
the  forces  under  my  command  were  of  that  multiform  descrip- 
tion, which  they  nec;ssarily  were,  being  composed  almost  wholly 
of  volunteer  militia  and  exempts,  hastily  and  confusedly  assem- 
bled in  the  moment  of  alarm^  and  dissipated  by  the  events  of  a 
I  battle. 

"The  storming  of  fort  Niagara  and  the  burning  of  Lewistown, 
presaging  further  devastation,  threw  this  whole  country  into  the 
I  most  violent  agitation:  on  the  moment,  and  without  any  previ- 
ous preparation,  I  hastened  to  Batavia,  with  a  view  to  take  such 
measures  as  might  be  within  my  power,  to  repel  the  enemy  and 
protect  t'le  frontier.  I  hastily  collected  from  the  militia  and  vo- 
lunteers of  Gennessee  county  and  the  brigade  of  General  Wads- 
worth,  in  Ontario,  a  considerable  force,  but  generally  deficient  in 
arms  and  ammunition,  and  the  necessary  conveniences  of  a  camp. 
In  the  evening  of  the  22d  December,  Gen.  M'Clure,  with  the  re- 

ilars  under  command  of  Major  Riddle,  arrived  in  Batavia,  and 
I  on  the  morning  of  the  23d,  signified  by  a  letter,  his  desire  that  I 
would  take  tl?e  command,  during  this  moment  of  general  alarm, 
laccordinly  proceeded  to  organize  in  the  best  manner  in  my  power 
the  forces  then  at  Batavia,  and  with  the  arms  and  ammunition 
collected  from  different  sections  of  the  country,  and  what  little 
could  be  procured  from  the  arsenals  at  Canandaigua  and  Batavia, 
I  was  enabled  to  get  under  march  on  the  25th  for  Lewistown,  a 
body  of  infantry  about  150  strong,  under  Lieut.  Col.  Lawrence, 
supported  by  one  company  of  cavalry  under  command  of  Cnpt. 
Marvin,  with  orders  to  proceed  and  join  a  corps  of  militia,  said  to 
be  200  strong,  under  command  of  Lieut.  Col.  Atchinson,  which 
was  stationed  at  Forsyth's,  on  the  ridge  road,  fifteen  miles  east 
from  Lewistown,  to  collect  and  save  all  the  ammunition  in  his 
power,  which  had  been  removed  from  the  arsenal  at  Lewistown, 
«nd  was  then  dispersed  on  the  read  and  different  parts  of  the 
country,  and  with  inetrnctions  to  act  as  circumstances  and  thie 


-    .V.*..       *■■ 


W^- 


1'' *!  iJr^'i'' 


Uht. 


i   ■-. 


it     sill 


m 


mm: 


tv;'' 


?iy'; 


Jet 


> ':l^^  i 


H1 


.1? 


228 


SKETCHES  OF 


nature  of  his  force  would  permit  against  the  enemy ;  and  if  prac 
ticable  to  effect  a  junction  with  the  main  force  at  Buffalo,  by  the 
way  of  Manchester,  Schlosser,  and  thence  up  the  river  to  Black 
Rock;  leaving  as  a  reserve  the  corps  under  Col.  Atchinson,  at 
their  station  near  Lewistown.  1  then  ordered  the  remainder  of 
the  troops  to  Buffalo,  with  the  exception  of  the  regular  forces, 
over  whom  I  assumed  no  command. 

"  On  the  morning  of  the  25th  I  proceeded  to  Buffalo,  leaving 
Gen.  M'Clure  at  Batavia  with  instructions  to  organize  such  de- 
tachments of  volunteers  as  might  arrive,  and  direct  their  march 
for  Buffalo.  I  ariived  in  Buffalo  on  the  morning  of  the  2eth, 
and  there  found  a  considerable  body  of  irregular  troops  of  various 
descriptions,  disorganized  and  confused. ...every  thing  wore  the  ap 
pearance  of  coniiternation  and  dismay.  On  the  same  day  1  is 
sued  an  order  to  the  several  commandants  of  corps,  for  a  reJurn 
of  the  number  of  effective  men  under  their  command  ;  and  an 
order  to  Capt.  Camp,  A.  D.  Q,.  M.  general  for  the  return  of  the 
ordnance  and  ordnance  stores,  in  the  quarter- master's  depart 
ment ;  a  copy  of  which  I  have  heretofore  had  the  honour  to  for 
ward  to  your  excellency,  and  which  sufficiently  exhibits  the  des- 
titute condition  of  that  department.  On  the  27th,  I  ordered  a 
review  of  all  the  troops  under  my  command  at  Buffalo  and  the 
Rock,  when  I  found  my  numerical  force  to  be  as  follows : 

**  At  Buffalo  under  Lieut.  Col.  Boughton,  of  the  cavalry  and 
mounted  volunteers,  129;  Lieut.  Col.  Blackslee,  of  Ontario  ex- 
empts and  volunteers,  433 ;  Lieut.  Col.  Chapin,  of  t'r.e  Buifalo 
militia,  1 36  ;  Lieut.  Col.  Mallory,  of  the  Canadian  volunteers, 97; 
Major  Adams,  of  the  Gennessee  militia,  332.  At  the  Rock  were 
stationed  under  the  command  of  Brigadier  General  Hopkins,  382 
effective  men,  composed  of  the  corps  commanded  by  Lieut.  Col. 
Warren  and  Lieut.  Col.  Churchill,  exclusive  of  a  body  of  37 
mounted  infantry  under  command  of  Capt.  Ransom ;  83  Indians 
under  command  of  Lieut.  Col  Granger,  and  one  piece  of  field  ar- 
tillery, a  6  pounder,  and  25  men  commanded  by  Lieut.  Seely.... 
making  my  aggregate  nominal  force  on  the  27th,  to  be  1711 
men  :  add  to  this  a  regiment  of  Chatauque  militia,  under  com- 
mand of  Lieut.  Col.  M'Mahan,  which  arrived  at  Buffalo  on  the 
29th,  about  300  men,  which  swells  my  force  to  2011,  vi'hich  was 
reduced  on  the  morning  of  the  alarm,  by  desertions,  to  less  than 
1200;  and  so  deficient  were  my  supplies  of  ammunition,  that  a 
greater  part  of  the  cartridges  for  Col.  M'Mahan*s  regiment  were 
made  and  distributed  after  they  were  paraded  on  the  morning  of 
the  battle. 

"  The  movements  of  the  enemy  already  indicated  their  inten- 
tion of  attacking  the  village  of  Buffalo  or  Black  Rock,  which  left 
me  not  a  moment's  repose  from  the  arduous  duty  of  preparing  the 
most  effective  means  in  my  power  for  meeting  the  enemy  with 


THE   WAR. 


229 


land  :  and  an 


liie  crude  force  under  my  command.  On  the  28th,  I  was  so  for- 
tunate as  to  proeuro  such  information  as  to  the  c'npm)'s  niove- 
ments,  from  a  citizcMi  wlio  made  his  eticape  from  Canada,  ;js  to 
leavf  me  no  doubt  as  to  their  intention. 

"In  tlie  evening  of  the  2«»th,  at  about  12  o'clock,  I  received 
information  that  our  horse  patrnle  had  been  fired  on  a  short  disf- 
tanco  below  Canjokaties  Crt-»k,  and  one  mile  below  liiack  Reck, 
Lieut.   Boughton,  an   enterprising   and    brave   ollicer,  who  com- 
manded tht  patrole,  had  his  horse  shct  under  him.     The   enemy 
advanced  and  took  possession  of  the  sailors'  battery  near  Canjoka- 
ties creek.     The  troops  were   immediately  paraded  and  stoc^d   by 
their  arms.     I  was  y»^t  uncertain  at  what  point  the  enemy  would 
attack   me  :  the  darkness  of  ihe    night   was  not   favourable   for 
mnki»g  observation?.     I  was  apprehensive  the  enemy  designed  to 
make  a  feigned  attack  below  Hlack  Kock,  for  the  purpose  ofdraw- 
idg  off  my  foice   from   the   village   of  Buffalo,  preparatory   to  a 
landing  above   the  village,  intending   thereby  to  ta'ce  it  by  sur- 
prise....at  the  same   time  being  anxious  to  anticipate  the  enemy's 
landing,  and  meet  them  at   the   water's  edge,  I  gave  orders  that 
the  troops  at  the    Roek,   commanded   by   Colonels   Warren   and 
Churchill,  (Gen.  Hopkins  being  at  that  time  absent  from  camp)  to 
attack  the  enemy  and  endeavour  to  dislodge  them  from  the  batte 
ry  and  drive  them  to  their  boats.     The   attempt  failed   through 
the  confusion  into  which   the  militia  were    thrown,  on    the  first 
fire  of  the  enemy  and  the  darkness  of  the  night :  they  were  dis- 
persed and  not  again  embodied  under  their  proper  officers  through 
the  day.     I  then  ordered  the  corps  under  Major  Adams  and  the 
corps  under  Col.  Chapin  to  make  the  attack.     This  was  attended 
with  no  better  eff*  ct.     The  men   were  thrown  into  confusion  by 
the  enemy's  fire,  and   after  fkirmij-hing  a   short    time,  fled,  and 
were  not  again  embodied    through  the  day.     I  then  ordered   the 
corps  under  Col.  Blakeslie  to  advance  to  the  attack;  and  at  the 
same  time  I  put  the   remainder  of  my  troops  in    motion   for  the 
same  point  and  proc<  eded  by  the  h'ti\  road  to  Black  Rock.     On  ap- 
proaching the  village  at  Black  Rock,  J   discovered  a  detachment 
of  the  enemy's  boats  crossinij   to  our   shore   and   bending  their 
course  towards  the  rear  of  Cen.  Porter's  house.       The    day  was 
now  beginning  to  dawn.       I  immediately  counteimanded  the  or- 
der given  to  Col.  Blakeslie  to  attack  the  enemy's  left,  and  direct- 
ed him  to  form   and  attack   the  enemy's  centre   at   the   water';? 
edge. 

"I  now  became  satisfied  as  to  the  disposition  and  object  of  the 
enemy,  which  I  ascertained  to  be  as  followf! : 

"Their  left  wing  composed  of  about  800  regular  troops  and  in- 
corporated militia,  and  150  or  200  Indians,  were  disposed  below 
Canjokaties  creek,  and  had  beoi  landed  under  cover  of  the  night. 
With  this  force  the  enemy  designed  to  cover  their  left,  out-flank 


U'l- 


'■■•■' 


■   '-.fiilS'A 


V: 


■:'*k! 


230 


iSKETCHtS  OP 


P-  ■ 


Iq     ii'"'  '  V 


our  right  anil  cut  olF  our  retreat  by  the  woods.     With  their  fcen. 
tre,  consisting  of  about   400  of  the  royal  Scots  commanded  by 
Colonel  Gordon,  the  battle  was  commenced.     Their  right,  v\l)ich 
was  purposely  weak,  was  landed  near  our  main  battery,  under 
cover  of  a  high  hank,  and  was  merely    calculated  to  divert  our 
force  from  the  principal  attack;  the  whole  under  the  command  of 
Lieut.    General    Drunimond,   conducted    to  the  attack  by  Major 
General  Riall.     I  thereupon  ordered  the  enemy's  left  wing,  which 
was  discovered  to  be  wheeling  upon  our  right,  to  be  attacked  by 
the  Indians  under  command  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Granger  and 
the  Canadian  volunteers  under  command  of  Colonel  Mallory.    At 
the   same  time  I  posted  the  legiment  under  command  of  Colonel 
M'Mahan  at  the   battery,  as   a  reserve,   to   act    as  emergenciea 
should  require.     The  attack  was  commenced  by  a  fire  from  our  6 
pounder  under  Lieutenant  Seely,  below  General  Porter's  house,  and 
one  24  and  two  twelve  pounders  at  the  battery  under  command 
of  Lieutenant  Farnum,  of  the  21i)t  U.  S.  infantry,  acting  as  a  vol- 
unteer.    At  the   same  time  the  enemy  opened  a  heavy  fire  from 
their  batteries  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  of  shells,  spherical 
and  hot  shot,  and  ball.     The  regiment  under  command  of  Colonel 
Blakeslie,  about   400  strong,  were  regularly  in  a  line,   together 
with  detached  bodies  from  other  corps,  amounting,  according  to 
the  best  estimate  I  can  make,  in  all  about   600  men.      These  few 
but  brave  men,  commenced   the  attack  with  musketry   upon  the 
enemy  in  their  boats  and    poured  upon  them  a  most  destructive 
fire.     Every  inch  of  ground  was  disputed  with  the  steady  coolnesj 
of  veterans,  add  at  the  expense  of  many  valuable  lives.    Their 
braver}',  at  the  same  time  that  it  casts  a  lustre  over  their  nameg; 
reflects  equal  disgrace  on  those  who  fled  at  the  first  appearance 
of  danger,  and  whom  neither  intreaties  nor  threats  could  turn  back 
to  the  support  of  their  comrades.     Perceiving  that  the  Indians  on 
whom  I  had  relied  for  attacking  the  enemy's  flank,  were  offering 
us  no  assistance,  and  that  our  right  was  endangered  by  the  ene- 
my's left,  I  gave  directions   for  the  n  serve,  under  command  of 
Colonel  M'Mahan,   to  attack  the  enemy  in  flank  on   our  right. 
But  terror  had  dissipated  this  corps,  and  but  few  of  them  could  be 
rallied  by  their  officers  and  brought  to  the  attack.     Of  this  corps 
there  were  some  who  merit  well  of  their  country,  but  more  who 
covered  themselves  with  disgrace.     The  defection  of  the  Indians 
and  of  my  reserve,  and  the  loss  of  the  services  of  the  cavalry  and 
mounted  men,  by  reason  of  the  nature  of  the  ground  on  which 
they  must  act,  left  the  forces  engaged,  exposed  to  the  enemy's  fire 
in  front  and  flank. 

•*  After  standing  their  ground  for  one  half  hour,  opposed  to  vete- 
ran and  highly  disciplined  troops,  overwhelmed  by  numbers  and 
nearly  surrounded,  a  retreat  became  necessary  to  their  safety, 
•vhirh  was  accordingly  made.     I  thf^n  inade  every  effort  to  rally 


TliE   WAR. 


231 


M 


■,,•!■    t  < 


uie  troops,  vvitli  a  view  to  renew  tlie  attack  en  the  enemy's  coN 
tiiniis  on  tlieir  approach  to  the  village  of  Buffalo.     But  every  ef- 
fort proved  ineffectual.... and  experience  proves,  that  with  militia^ 
a  retreat  becomes  a  (light,    and  a  hattle  once  ended,  the  army  is 
disisipated.     Deserted  by  my  principal  force,  I  fell  back  that  night 
to  tlie  Eleven  Mile  Creek,  and  was  forced  to  leave  the  flourishing 
villaijes  of  Black   Rock  and   Buffalo  a  prey  to  the   enemy,  whicU 
tilt  y  have  pillaged  and  laid  in  ashes.     At  the  Eleven  Mile  Creek 
I  cull 'Cted  between   two  and  three  hundred   men   who  remained 
faithful  to  their  country.  With  those  I  preserved  the  best  show  of 
defence  in  my  power,  to  cover  the  fleeing  inhabitants  and  check 
the  advances  of  the   enemy.     The  enemy  have  gained  but  little 
plunder  from  the  public  stores.     The  chief  loss  has  fallen  upon  the 
individual  sufferers.     Eight  pieces  of  artillery  fell  into  the   hands 
of  the  enemy,  of  which  but  one  was  mounted  on  a  travelling  car- 
riage.    What  little  remained  of  the  public  stores,  capable  of  being 
moved,  is    preserved  through  the  exertions  of  Capt.  Camp,  of  the 
quarter  master's  department,  whose  bravery  is  only  equalled  by 
his  active   zeal  for  the  public  service.     It  is  not  in  my   power  to 
give  a  particular  account  of  our  loss  in  killed  and  wounded,  as  the 
wounded  were  generally  got  off  by  their  friends  and  taken  to  their 
homes,  and  our   dead  were    mostly  buried  by   the  enemy.     But 
from  the  best  information  I  can  collect,  our  loss  is  about  30  killed 
and  perhaps  40  wounded.     In  prisoners  our  loss  is  ascertained  to 
be  69....twelve  of  whom  are   wounded.     The  enemy's  loss  must 
be  much  greater,  as  many  were  killed  in  their  boats  before  land- 
ing.   Their  loss  may  reasonably  be  presumed  in  killed  and  wound- 
ed, at  not  less  than  200.     Lieutenant  Colonel   Boughton,  of  the 
liglit  dragoons,  is  among  our  slain.     He  was  a  good  officer  and  a 
valuable  citizen.      I  regret  that  it  is  not  in  my  power  to  do  jus- 
tice to  all  those  who  were  engaged  on  this  day.       The  veteran 
Blakeslie  and  his  corps  were  pre-eminently  distinguished.     There 
were  of  the  broken  remains  of  other  corps  many  officers  and  sol- 
diers whose  bravery  and  conduct  merits  ray  warmest  praise  ;  but 
iiaving  fought  irregularly  and  in  detachments,  I  cannot  designate 
to  do  them  that  justice  they  deserve.     The  good  conduct  of  Lieu- 
tenant Seely  and   Lieutenant  Farnum,  who  had  charge  of  the  ar- 
tillery, was  particularly  noticed.     The  cavalry  under  Col.  Bough- 
ton,  and  mounted  volunteers  under  Major  Warner,  receive  my 
thanks  for  their  prompt  obedience  of  orders,  and  the  valuable  ser- 
vices rendered  in  the  fatiguing  duties  of  patroling  :    And,  it  is  a 
matter  of  regret,  that  the  nature  of  the  ground  on  which  we  con- 
tended, deprived  mc  of  that  support  which  I  might  confidently  ex- 
pf-ct  from  their  bravery.     To  Lieutenant  Frasier,  of  the  U.  S.  in- 
fantry, I   tender  my  thanks  for  the   voluntary  services  which  he 
rendered  me  as  one  of  my  staff.    To  my  two  aids-de-camps.  Ma- 
jors Hosmer  and  Norton,  I  cannot  withhold  my  warmest  thanks 


■f;  : 
\  i 


.i;^»r. 


lli 


1  ''i.  'i'  W'lij 


23:£ 


bKETCHKS  t)W 


m. 


for  their  cool  dfliborate  bravery,  and  the  alacrity  with  which  tht) 
exi'cutod  my  ordirs  from  tl)e  first  niovtmt'nts  of  the  troops  m  thf 
morjiing  to  the  close  of  the  day." 

The  events  which  have  been  delineated  in  this  chapter  are  of  a 
nature  to  call  torth  the  indignation  of  every  Annerican,  nay,  of 
ev»'ry  christian.  It  is  in  vain  that  the  enemy  endeavour  to  justi- 
fy these  barbarities  an  retaliatory  measures  for  the  burning  of 
Neu'ark,  They  are  not  defensible  upon  any  such  ground  either 
in  their  extent  or  in  the  manner  of  their  accomplishment. 

We  are  not  about  to  justify  the  burning   of  Newark,. ..on  the 
contrary,  wo  feel  as  the  whole  of  the  American  people  felt  and 
expressed    themselves  upon  that  occasion.        We   condemn  the 
act  as  burbaious  aud  s.ivage.      Vet  we  would,  at  the  same  time, 
conipaie  it  with  the  conduct  of  the  enemy,  and  frankly  state  the 
result  of  the  comparison.     Newark    was  burnt  by  Gen.  M'Clun 
about  the  time  of  the  evacuation  of  fort  George,  after  24  hours' 
notice  being  given  to  the  inhabitants*  then   there,  that    the  tovn 
would  be  burned,  and  that  they  niu>.t  rrmove   with  their  tifjcts 
elsewhere.     The  object  in  burning  the  town  was  to  deprive  the 
enemy  of  a  cover  for  their  troops  on  that  river  through  the  win- 
ter, and  to  protect  the  Niagara  frontier,  (hen  in  a  defenceless  si- 
tuation, from  the   inroads  of  the   enemy.     However  unjustifiable 
the  nnasure  upon  these  grounds,  let  u?  for  a  moment  compare  it 
with  the  ravages  of  the  enemy;  and  first  the  deliberate  butchery 
of  the  garrison  at  Niagara  is  not  only  substantiated  by  the  oaths 
of  persons  present,  but  the  enemy's  otficial  report   of  the  capture 
contains  irresistible  evidence  that  no  quarters  were  given.     Who 
before  ever   heard  of  a  battle  where  the  list  of  the  killed  bore  a 
four  fold  proportion  to  the  wounded  ?  And  that  the  massacre  was 
pursued  after   ill  resistance  had  ceased  is  also  proved  by  the  same 
report  :  how  else  can  we  account  for  the  c'lsproportion  in  the  loss 
of  the  garrison  and  the  enemy.     There  wa^  no  advantage  in  the 
position  of  tl  e  enemy  to  which   such  a  result  is  attributable;  ou 
the  other  hand  the  walls  of  the  barracks,  we  should  have  suppo- 
sed, would  have  been  a  breastwork  for  the  garrison. 

Can  this  measure  be  justified  as  a  measure  of  retaliation?.... 
"Where  can  the  enemy  point  to  a  like  measure  in  the  American 
troops  r  It  may,  we  think,  be  boldly  asserted  that  it  is  not  to  bt 
found. 

What  previous  notice  had  the  inhabitants  of  Lewistown, 
Youngstown,  Manchester  and  Buffalo  to  secure  themselves  and 
their  tran.«portabIe  effecty  from  the  general  conflagration  of  that 
frontier.'^  None.  How  er-n  it  be  justified,  then,  as  a  retaliator} 
measure  for  llie  burning  of  Newark  ? 


*  Till'  ii.iiiilii!uii'«  <:i  \L'.\i;rlv  !i.,il  most  I'l  i' '  m  ulaiuioiuii  iht-  tuwn  iiiion  thi-  M|'tiir>-'  oftiii' 


THE  WAR. 


233 


Agfliiu*  many  of  the  unarmed  inhabitants  were  most  barbarous* 
iy  niurdertd;  and  will  this  be  justiAt'd  as  a  retaliatory  measure? 
Surely  not.  In  vain  will  they  seek  for  a  previous  example,  unlesff 
it  be  found  in  the  hiMory  of  the  British  army. 

We  must  here  claim  the  indulgence  of  the  reader,  while  we 
compare  the  retaliation  which  a  distinguished  otficer  of  the  Ame- 
rican army  deemed  proper  to  tEike  for  that  inhuman  warfare  which 
Qnw  Proctor,  with  his  Indian  allies,  had  exercised  at  the  river  Rai- 
till,  at  Freiichtown,  at  fort  Meigs,  and  upon  many  other  occa- 
jjoiis.  That  officer,  instead  of  leaving  the  prisoners  and  wounded 
of  that  very  army  who  had  either  partook  in  the  scenes  above  al- 
luded to,  or  coldly  witnessed  them,  and  whu  fell  into  his  hands 
upon  the  Thames,  and  whose  fears  upon  that  occasion  show  how 
little  they  were  conscious  to  themselves  of  deserving  quarters,  to 
the  fate  they  so  justly  merited,  treated  them  with  the  greatest 
humanity  and  tenderness ;  and  upon  his  arrival  at  Krie,  commu* 
oicated  to  a  British  officer,  who  was  afterwards  one  who  deso- 
lated the  Niagara  frontier,  the  ground  he  had  taken,  and  solicited 
a  return  On  the  part  of  the  British  army  to  the  known  rules  of 
civilized  warfare.  .       ' 

Had  the  British  army  adopted  the  example  given  them  by  Gen; 
Harrison,  how  difTerently  would  they  have  appeared  to  the  world^ 
and  even  to  themselves.  Instead,  however,  of  placing  them- 
selves on  that  proud  eminence,  they  have  confirmed  all  in  ttie  be> 
lief  of  their  inhumanity  and  barbarity,  and  shown  themselves 
^vorthy  of  the  alliance  they  had  formed  with  the  savages. 


•I  '■• 


"■■■(.. 


iik 


.  ^  ,;  i 


1,  V 


I.-    Wl'lllff  Ot'lill'. 


CHAPTER  XX. 


9reek  war Preliminary  bhservations Massacre  at  fort  Mims. 

Battle  at  Tallushatches Battle  at  Talledega Battle  at 

Hillibee-towns, 

■  •      '  •    I.  •  -',■.;.., 

Thk  enemy  pursuing  the  system  uf  enlisting  the  savages  in 
the  war,  as  early  as  1812,  dispatched  emissaries  to  several  of 
the  Indian  tribes  in  the  Mississippi  territory,  generally  known  by 
the  names  of  Creeks,  Choctaws  and  Chickesaws,  to  hurry  them 
onto  hostilities  against  the  United  States.  These  tribes  are  almost 
wholly  surrounded  by  the  populous  states  of  Georgia  and  Tennes- 
«ee  and  by  the  American  settlements  in  the  Mississippi  territory. 
The  most  friendly  relations  had  subsisted  between  these  tribes  and 
the  U.  States  for   many  years ;  and   the  latter,  by  a  most  bt- 

2  G 


Jl£l 


Blftl 


■  ■;  mm 


m 

■,  ■  t 

v 

'i'isj! 

ll 

i^m 

li 

T" 


234 


fiKETCHKS  09 


I'r 


'  'r  h    ■  i 


nevolent  nnd  generous  policy,  had  succeeded  in  introducint 
among  them  many  of  the  improvemt  nts  of  civilized  ■ocifty.,,,, 
But  such  is  unfortunately  the  stronj;  propensity  of  the  Indian  r|||. 
racter  for  war,  that  many  were  bj  Xhitu'  emigsanes  induced  to 
commit  the  most  wanton  arti*  of  barbarity  nnd  murder  upun  their 
American  neighbours  and  friends. 

Yet  the  more  experienced  chiefs  were  so  well  aware  of  the 
evils  such  a  vvar  must  produce  upon  the  tribes,  that  they  niHdt 
use  of  their  best  endeavours  to  suppress  and  punish  these  hostile 
{|cti>,  and  fur  a  time  succeeded.  But  many  of  the  Cteeks  would 
not  listen  to  the  dictates  of  discretion  or  wisdom,  and  a  moit 
bloody  civil  vvar  broke  out  amoiii;  them,  which  ended  in  the  en 
tire  deiitriiction  and  dL^persion  of  the  American  or  pence  pnrfy..„. 
The  Creeks  now  received  of  their  allies  the  necessary  arms  and 
munitions  of  vvar,  and  commenced  open  and  avowed  hostilitiei 
against  the  United  States,  by  one  of  the  most  horrid  massacrei 
recorded  in  the  history  of  Indian  warfare.  The  following  ac- 
count of  it  is  extracted  from  a  letter  of  Judge  Toulmin,  dated 
September  7th,  18i3. 

**  The  dreadful  catastrophe  which  we  have  been  some  time  ao* 
ticipating  has  at  length  taken  place.  The  Indians  have  broken 
in  upon  us,  in  numbers  and  fury  unexampled.  Our  settlement  b 
overrun,  and  our  country,  I  fear,  is  on  the  eve  of  being  depopula- 
ted. The  accounts  which  we  received  led  us  to  expect  an  at- 
tack about  the  full  moon  of  August ;  and  it  was  known  at  Pensa- 
cola,  when  the  ammunition  was  given  to  the  Indians  who  were 
to  be  the  leaders  of  the  respective  parties  destined  to  attack  the 
different  parts  of  our  settlement.  The  attempt  was  made  to  de- 
prive them  of  their  ammunition  (issued  by  the  Spaniards  on  the  re- 
commendation of  a  British  general)  on  their  way  from  Pensacola 
(and  in  which  it  was  said  the  Indians  lost  more  than  20  men,  al- 
though only  one  third  of  our  people  stood  their  ground;  it  is  high- 
ly probable  in  some  measure  retarded  their  operations ;  and  the 
Steady  success'ton  of  rain  contributed  to  produce  the  same  eifect. 
Had  their  attempt  been  conducted  with  more  judgment  and  sup- 
ported with  more  vigor,  there  would  have  been  an  end,  for  a 
time  of  Indian  warfare.  In  consequence  of  the  delay,  our  citizeoi 
began  to  grow  careless  and  confident ;  and  several  families  who 
had  removed  from  Tensaw  to  fort  Stoddert,  returned  again  pd 
fell  a  sacrifice  to  the  merciless  savages. 

**  Our  whole  plan  of  defence  was  erroneous.  It  was  adopted 
by  the  citizens  under  an  imperfect  view  of  their  danger.  From 
the  best  accounts  which  I  can  obtain,  I  suppose  that  there  must 
have  been  twenty  forts  erected  on  the  two  sides  of  the  river  be- 
tween Fort  Stoddert  and  the  upper  settlements,  a  distance  of  about, 
76  miles,  which  in  a  country  so  thinly  settled  as  ours,  could  noj 


VHK  WAR. 


»35 


te  maintained,  even  if  tliey  had  been  better  constructed.  About 
the  20tli  of  August,  intelligence  wai  communicHted  to  us  by  the 
Choctaw  Indians,  that  in  eight  or  ten  days  an  attack  would  be 
made  by  distinct  bodies  of  Creeks  on  Mim*s  Fort,  in  the  Tensaw 
lettlement,  which  is  on  the  east  side  of  Alabama,  nearly  opposite 
to  Fort  Stoddert....ori  tht>  forts  in  the  forks  of  Tombigby  and  Ala- 
bama....on  Ca«ely's  fort,  near  the  Choctaw  line  on  the  Tombigby, 
and  finally  on  the  Fort  and  United  States*  trading  house  at  H. 
Hopkins.  A  very  valuable  olficer.  Major  Beasely  of  the  Missisip« 
pi  Territory  volunteers,  commanded  at  Port  Mimt.  About  a  mile 
or  two  from  (t  was  another  fort,  at  Pierce's  mills ;  and  a  few 
miles  bt'low  '.  at  pl.ice,  at  another  mill  a  small  party  of  soldiers 
was  also  sta(kO>ied.  Mims,  however,  where  were  the  greatest 
Dumber  of  familieH  and  property  collected,  seems  to  have  been  the 
lole  object  of  attack  in  that  quarter. 

«  A  few  days  b»-fore  the  attack,  some  negroes  of  Mr.  M»Girt»§, 
who  lived  in  that  part  of  the  Creek  territory  which  is  inhabited  by 
half  breed!),  had  been  sent  up  the  Alabama  to  his  plantation  for  corn; 
three  of  them  were  taken  by  a   party  of   Indians.     One  escaped 
and  brought  down  news  of  the  approach  of  the  Indians.     The  of- 
ficer gave  but  little  credit  to  him  ;    but    they    made  some  further 
preparation  to  receive   the  enemy.     On  the  next  day  Mr.  James 
Cornels,  a  half  breed,  and  some  white  men,  who  had  been  out  on 
the  late  battle  ground,  and  discovered  the  trail  of  a  considerable 
body  of  Indians  going  towards  Mr.  M'Girt's,  came  to  the  fort  atd 
informed    the    commanding   officer   of  the   discovery.     Though 
their  report  did  not  appear  to   receive  full   credit,   it   occasioned 
great  exertions ;    and    Saturday   and  Sunday,  considerable  work 
was  done  to  put  the  fort  in  a  state  of  defence.     Sunday  mornii.g 
three  negroes  were  sent  out  to  attend  the  cattle,  who  soon  return- 
•d  with  an  account  that  they  had  seen  20  Indians.     Scouts  were 
tent  out  to  ascertain  the  truth  of  the  report.     They  returned  and 
declared  that  they  could  see  no  signs  of  Indians.     One  of  the  ne- 
groes belonging  to  Mr.  Randon  was  whipped  for  bringing  what 
they  deemed  a  false   report....He  was  sent  out  again  on  Monday, 
and  !!aw  a  body  of  Indians  approaching ;  but  afraid  of  being  whip- 
I  ped  he  did  not  return  to  Mim's,  but  to  Pierce's  fort ;    but  before 
his  story  could  be  communicated,  the  attack  was  made.  The  com- 
manding officer  called  upon  Mr.  Fletcher,who  owned  another  of 
the  negroes,  to  whip  him  also....He  believed  the  boy  and  resisted 
two  or  three  applications ;    but  at  length  they  had  him  actually- 
brought  out   for  the  purpose,  when  the  Indians  appeared  in   view 
'of  the  fort.     The  gate  was  open.     The  Indians  had  to  come  thro* 
an  open  field  150  yards  wide,  before  they   could  reach   the    fort, 
and  yet  they  were  within  thirty  steps  of  the  fort,  at    1 1  in  the 
morning,  before  they  were   noticed.      The  sentry  then  gave  the 
cry  of  ( Indians !'  and  they  immediately  set  up  a  most  terrible 


*.», 


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fi 
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t)  •■.■'• 


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I* 


■■,■  «f. 
If; 


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Uti 

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23a 


SKETCHES  OV 


war-whoop  and  rushed  into  the  gate  with  inconceivable  rapidity 
and  got  within  it  before  the  people  of  the  fort  had  any  opportuui 
ty  of  shutting  it.  This  decided  their  fate.  Major  Bearely  was 
shot  through  the  belly  near  the  gate.  He  called  to  the  men  to 
take  care  of  the  ammunition  and  to  retreat  to  the  house.  He 
vi'ent  himseli  to  a  kitchen  where  it  is  supposed  he  must  have  been 
burnt. 

« The  fort  was  originally  square.  Major  Beasely  had  it  en- 
larged, by  extending  the  lines  of  two  sides  about  SO  feet,  Hud 
putting  up  a  new  side  into  which  the  gate  was  removed.  The 
old  line  of  pickets  stood  :  and  the  Indians  upon  rushing  into  the 
gate,  obtained  possession  of  this  additional  part,  and  through  the 
port  holes  of  the  old  line  of  pickets  fired  on  the  people  w  ho  held 
the  interior.  On  the  opposite  side  of  th^  fort,  an  offset  or  bastion 
was  made  round  the  back  gate,  which  being  open  on  the  outiide 
was  also  taken  possession  of  by  the  Indians,  who  with  the  axes 
that  lay  scattered  about  immediately  began  to  cut  down  the  gate. 
There  was  a  large  body  of  Indians,  though  they  probably  did  uot 
exceed  400.  Our  people  seemed  to  sustain  the  attack  with  un- 
daunted spirit.  They  took  possession  of  the  port  holes  in  tLe  oth- 
er lines  of  the  fort,  and  fired  on  the  Indians  who  remained  in  the 
field.  Some  of  the  Indians  got  on  the  block  h('use,  at  one  of  the 
corners  :  but  alter  firing  a  good  deal  down  upon  the  people  *hey 
were  dislodged.  They  succeeded  hov  ever  in  setting  fire  to  a 
house  near  the  pickets  from  which  it  was  communicated  to  the 
kitchen  and  from  thence  to  the  main  dwelling  house.  They  at- 
tempted to  do  it  by  burning  arrows,  but  failed.  When  the  peo- 
ple in  the  fort  saw  the  Indians  retained  full  possession  of  the  outer 
eourt,  that  the  gate  contmued  open,  that  their  men  fell  ver}  fast^ 
and  that  their  houses  were  in  flames,  they  began  to  de^poud. 
Some  determined  to  cut  their  way  through  the  pickets  and  escape. 
Of  the  whol?  number  of  white  men  and  half-breeds  in  the  fort,  it 
is  supposed  that  not  more  than  25  or  30  escaped,  and  of  these 
many  were  wounded.  The  rest  and  almost  all  the  women  and 
children  fell  a  sacrifice  either  to  the  arms  of  the  Indians  or  to  the 
flames.  The  battle  terminated  about  an  hour  or  an  hour  and  a 
half  before  sunset.  '  ,  i- 

"  The  information  thus  far,  was  given  to  me  by  a  person  of 
character  and  credibility,  who  \aas  present  during  the  whole 
scene,  and  who  escaped  through  the  opening  made  in  the  pick- 
ets. The  women  and  children  took  refuge  in  an  upper  story  of 
the  dwelling  house  :  and  it  is  said  that  the  Indians  when  the 
buildings  were  in  flames,  danced  round  them  with  savage  delight. 
The  helpless  victims  perished  in  the  flames.  It  is  also  reported) 
that  when  the  buildings  were  burning  and  the  few  who  remained 
were  exposed  to  the  heavy  fire  of  the  enemy,  they  collected  as 
rpany  as  they  could  of  the  guns  of  (>he  deceased,  and  threw  botf* 


THE  WAR. 


837 


tbein  and  the  remainini;  stock  of  ammunition  into  the  flames,  to 
prevent  their  becoming  subservient  in  ti.e  hands  of  the  Indians, 
to  the  destruction  of  their  fellow  citizens.  Surely  this  was  an  in* 
stance  of  determined  resolution  and  benevolent  foresight  of  which 
there  are  not  many  examples, 

«  But  notwithstanding  the  bravery  of  our  fellow  citizens,  the 
Indians  carried  all  before  them,  and  murdered  the  armed  and  the 
helpless  without  discrimination.  Our  loss  is  7  commissioned  offi- 
cers and  about  100  non  commissioned  officers  and  privates,  of  the 
I  first  reginient  of  Mississippi  Territory  volunteers.  There  were 
about  24  families  of  men,  women  and  children  in  the  fort,  of  whom 
almost  all  have  perished,  amounting  to  about  1 60  souls,  f  reckon, 
I  however,  among  them  about  six  families  of  half  breeds,  and  seven 
Indians.  There  were  also  about  100  negroes,  of  whom  a  large 
proportion  were  killed.  The  half  breeds  have  uniformly  done 
themselves  honor,  and  those  who  survive  will  afford  great  assist* 
ance  in  the  prosecution  of  the  war.  Some  of  the  most  respecta- 
ble among  them  were  at  Pierce's  fort,  and  are  ready  with  all  their 
dexterity  and  all  their  courage,  to  avenge  the  death  of  their 
friends,  and  the  destruction  of  their  property.  It  was  principally 
through  them  that  we  learnt  that  the  real  object  of  the  Indians,  in 
obtaining  ammunition  at  Pensacola,  was  to  make  immediate  war 
on  the  white  people,  and  that  the  idea  e.itertained  in  the  eastern 
part  of  the  Creek  Nation,  that  this  was  only  a  secondary  and  re- 
mote object,  was  not  founded  in  fact,  and  was  probably  suggest- 
ed for  the  purpose  of  putting  us  off  our  guard,  and  keeping  out  of 
sight  the  real  i;itention  of  their  revolt  against  the  constituted  au> 
thorities  of  their  nation*" 


i;'fe 


•:;|:^;^:^:' 


>       ''■■        •   IT 


r:l] 


Other  accounts  state  the  Indian  force  employed  upon  this  occa- 
3100  at  700  warriors,  and  the  whole  number  of  soul;!  in  the  garri- 
son at  308,  of  whom  only  18  escaped,  and  that  all  the  adjacent 
country  was  burned  and  plundered. 

The  hostility  of  the  Creeks  had  been  anticipated  by  the  United 
States  and  the  governments  of  Georgia  and  Tennessee,  and  mea- 
sures weie  taken  to  have  forces  prepared  for  any  event.  As  ear- 
ly as  July,  a  brigade  of  Georgia  militia  were  detached  and  put  in 
readiness  for  the  expected  attack,  under  the  command  of  Brig. 
Gen.  Floyd  ;  but  from  some  defect  or  omission  in  the  commissary 
department,  this  force  was  unable  to  act  efficiently  until  the  latter 
part  of  the  season.  The  militia  and  volunteers  from  Tennessee, 
under  Gen.  Jackson,  were  ready  immediately  to  take  vengeance 
for  the  massacre  at  fort  Mims. 

We  have  no  authentic  account  of  the  amount  of  the  force  un- 
der Gen.  Jackson,  but  it  may  be  estimated  at  between  three  and 
four  thousand  men.  They  were  assembled  at  the  ten  islands  m 
tlje  river  Coosey  in  the  latter  part  of  September. 


■'"'nil 

'■  '■  hM^ 

Pi 


.a; 


238 


yXETCHBS  OF 


',.>>■'' 


m 


: 


•■U^' 


II' 


i;:^ 


i'^ 


Battle  at  Tallushatches On  the  2d  of  November,  Generil 

Jackson  learned  that  a  considerable  force  of  hostile  Creeks  were 
concentrated  at  Tallushatches  He  immediately  detached  Geo, 
John  Coifee  with  a  part  of  his  brigade  to  attack  and  destroy  the 
place,  which  was  most  completfrly  efTrcted  on  the  3d. 

The  following  account  off  the  expedition  is  from  Gen.  Coffee'i 
official  report  to  Gen.  Jackson : 

«  Pursuant  to  your  order  of  the  2d,  I  detailed  from  my  brigade 
of  cavalry  and  mounted  riflemen,  900  men  and  officers,  and  pro. 
ceeded  directly  to  the  Tallushatches  towns,  crossed  Goosey  river 
at  the  Fish-Dam  ford,  three  or  four  miles  above  this  place.    I  ar- 
rived within  one  and  a  half  miles  of  the  town  on  the  morning  of 
the  3d,  at  which   place  I  divided  my  detachment  into  two  co- 
lumns, the  right   composed   of  the   cavalry  commanded  b^t  CoL 
AUcorn,  to  cross  over  a  large  creek  that  lay  between  us  and  the 
towns,  the  left  column  vvas  of  the   mounted  riflemen   under  the 
command  of  Col.  Cannon,  with  whom  I  marched  myself.     CoL 
Allcorn  was  oVdered  to  march  up  on  the  right  and  encircle  one 
half  of  the  town,  and   at  the  same  time   the  left  would  form  a 
half  circle  on  the  left,  and  unite  the  head  of  the  columns  in  front 
of  the  town  ;  all  of  which  was  performed  as  I  could  wish.  When 
I  arrived  in  half  a  mile   of  the  town,  the  drums  of  the   ene  pv 
began  to  beat,  mingled  with  their  savage  yell»,  preparing  for  ac- 
tion.    It  was  after  sun-ri^e  an  hour,  when  the  action  was  brought 
on  by  Capt.  Hammond's  and  Lieut.  Patterson's  companies,  who 
who  had  gone  on  within  the  circle  of  alignment  for  the  purpose 
of  drawing  out  the   enemy  from   their  buildings,  which  had  the 
most  happy  effects.     As  soon   as  Capt.  Hammond  exhibited  bis 
front  in  view  of  the  town  (which  stood  in  open  woodland)  and 
gave  a  few  scattering  shot,  the  enemy  formed   and   made  a  vio- 
lent charge  on  him ;  he  gave  way  as  they  advanced,  until  they 
met  our  right  column,  which  gave  them  a  general  fire  and  then 
charged ;  this  changed  the  direction  of  the  charge  completely...» 
The  enemy  retreated,  firing,  until  they  got  around  and  in  their 
buildings,  where  they  made  all  the  resistance  that  an  overpower- 
ed  soldiery  could  do ;  they  fought  as  long  as  one  existed,but  their 
destruction  was  very  soon  completed ;  our  men   rushed  up  to  the 
doors  of  the  houses,  and  in  a  few  minutes  killed  the  last  warrior 
of  them.     The  enemy  fought   with  savage  fury,  and  met  death 
with  all  its  horrors,  without  shrinking  or  complaining,  not  one 
asked  to  be  spared,  but  fought  so  long  as  they  could  stand  or  sit. 
In  consequence  of  their  flying  to  their  houses  and  mixing  with 
the  families,  our  men,  in  killing  the  males,  without  intention  killed 
and  wounded  a  few  of  the  squaws  and  children,  which  w2li  re* 
gretted  by  every  officer  and  soldier  of  the  de|achmeDt,  but  which 
could  not  be  avoided.  -      >  -         . 


u' 

»i%  thJ 
in  the 
one,  t< 
sonersj 
riors  e| 
fore. 

«I 
the  gr«| 
killed 
part  01 
with  a  I 
the  guij 

«It 
and  fir 
that  oft 
parade 
equals 
any;  1 
no  doufc 
her,  the 


THE  WAR. 


239 


"The  number  of  the  enemy  killed  was  one  hundred  and  eighty 
lix  that  were  counted,  and  a  number  of  others  that  were  killed 
in  the  weeds  and  not  found.  I  think  the  calculation  a  reasonable 
one,  to  say  two  hundred  of  them  were  killed,  and  eighty-four  pri- 
joners  of  women  and  children  were  taken.  Not  one  of  the  war- 
riors escaped  to  carry  the  news,  a  circumstance  unknown  hereto- 
fore. . 

*t  I  lost  five  men  killed  and  forty  one  wounded,  none  mortally, 
the  greater  part  slightly,  a  number  with  arrows;  two  of  the  men 
killed  was  with  arrows ;  this  appears  to  form  a  very  principal 
part  of  the  enemy's  arms  for  warfare ;  every  man  having  a  bow 
with  a  bundle  of  arrows,  which  is  used  after  the  first  fire  with 
the  gun,  until  a  leisure  time  for  loading  offers. 

« It  is  with  pleasure  I  say  that  our  men  acted  with  deliberation 
and  firmness  ;  notwithstanding  our  numbers  were  far  superior  to 
tbatof  the  enemy,  it  was  a  circumstance  to  us  unknow,and  from  the 
parade  of  the  enemy  we  had  every  reason  to  suppose  them  our 
equals  in  number,  but  there  appeared  no  visible  traces  of  alarm  in 
any ;  but,  on  the  contrary,  all  appeared  cool  and  determined,  and 
no  doubt  when  they  face  a  foe  of  their  own  or  of  a  superior  num- 
ber, they  will  show  the  same  courage  as  on  this  occasion." 

Battle  at  TaUedega..,.On  the  7th  November  General  Jackson 
'earned  that  a  friendly  part  of  the  Creeks,  at  the  fort  at  Tallede- 
,f  (about  thirty  miles  distant)  were  threatened  with  an  attack 
..uffi  a  large  force  of  hostile  Creeks ;  he  accordingly  marched  to 
their  relief  in  the  evening,  and  arrived  within  six  miles  of  the 
fort  the  next  day,  where  he  encamped  for  the  night,  and  the 
next  morning  at  4  o'clock  resumed  his  march  to  attack  the  ene- 
my, who  were  encamped  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the 
fort,  and  succeeded  in  dispersing  them  with  great  slaughter. 

The  following  is  an  extract  from  the  general's  official  letter, 
giving  the  particulars  of  the. battle: 

<*At  sun-rise  we  came  within  half  a  mile  of  them,  and  having 
formed  my  men,  I  moved  on  in  battle  order.  The  infantry  were 
in  three  lines....the  militia  on  the  It-ft  and  the  volunteers  on  the 
right.  The  cavalry  formed  the  extreme  wings;  and  were  or- 
dered to  advance  in  a  curve,  keeping  their  rear  connected  with 
the  advance  of  iheir  infantry  lines,  and  euclo&e  the  enemy  in  a 
circle.  The  advanced  guard  whom  I  seqt  forward  to  bring  on 
the  engagement,  met  the  attack  of  the  enemy  with  great  intre- 
pidity; and  having  poured  upon  them  four  or  five  very  gallant 
rounds,  fell  back  as  they  had  been  previously  ordered,  to  the  main 
army.  The  enemy  pursued,  and  the  front  line  was  now  ordered 
to  advance  and  meet  him  ;  but  owing  to  some  misunderstanding, 
*  few  companies  of  militia,  who  composed  a  part  of  it,  commen- 


'•  :,'■,! 


:..  &■ 


m 


vi 


240 


S|^ElX:Mt£S  ot 


iiji'-i"      * 
W  '*i      i. 


*«..- 


k   \ 


<^d  a  retreat.  At  this  moinent  a  corps  of  cavalry  command^eiif 
by  Lit  ut.  Col.  Dyer,  which  I  had  kept  as  a  rt'serve,  was  ordered 
to  dismount  and  fill  up  the  vacancy  occasioned  by  the  retreat .... 
This  order  was  executed  with  a  great  deal  of  promptitude  and 
effect. 

"  The  militia,  seeing  this,  speedily  I'allied,  and  the  fire  became 
general  along  the  first  line,  and  on  that  part  of  the  wings  which 
was  contiguoiis.  The  eiiemy,  unable  to  stand  it,  bt^gan  to  retreat, 
but  were  met  at  every  turn  and  pursued  in  every  direction.  The 
right  wing  chased  then^  with  a  most  destructive  fire  to  the  moun- 
tains, a  distance  of  about  three  miles  ;  and  had  1  not  been  com- 
pelled by  the  faux  pas  of  the  militia  in  the  onset  of  the  battle,  to 
dismount  my  reserve,  1  believe  not  a  man  of  them  would  have  es- 
caped. The  victory  however  was  very  decisive....290  of  the  ene- 
my were  left  dead  ;  and  there  can  be  no  doubt  but  many  more 
were  killed  who  were  not  found.  Wherever  they  ran,  they  left 
behind  traces  of  blood  ;  and  it  is  believed  that  very  few  will  re- 
turn to  their  villages  in  as  sound  a  condition  as  they  left  them.  I 
was  compelled  to  return  to  this  place  to  protect  the  sick  and 
wounded,  and  get  my  baggage.  In  the  engagement  we  lost  15 
killed  and  15  wounded,  two  of  whom  have  since  died.  All  the 
officers  acted  with  the  utmost  bravery,  and  so  did  all  the  privates, 
except  that  part  of  the  militia  who  retreated  it  the  commenc^ 
ment  of  the  battle  ;  and  they  hastened  to  atone  for  their  error.... 
Tiking  the  whole  together,  they  have  realizt  d  the  high  expecta- 
tions I  had  formed  of  them,  and  have  fairly  entitled  themselver 
to  the  graiitude  of  their  country." 

Battle  c.t  Hillibee-towns Another  detachment  of  Tennessee 

militia  wes  assembleu  at  fort  Armstrong  under  Maj.  Gen.  John 
Cocke  early  in  November.  On  the  11th,  Gen.  White  was  de- 
tached and  sei^t  against  the  Hillibee  towns,  with  a  view  of  pU' 
oishing  the  hostile  Creeks  in  that  quarter. 

The  following  is  fren.  White's  official  letter  to  Gen.  Cocke,gi* 
ving  a  detailed  account  of  the  expedition  : 

"Under  your  order  of  the  11th  November,  1  immediately 
marched  with  the  mounted  infantry  under  the  immediate  com- 
mand of  Col.  Burcb,  the  cavalry  under  the  command  of  Major 
Porter,  and  a  few  of  the  Cherokee  Indians  under  the  command 
of  Col.  Morgan,  with  very  short  rations  for  four  dayj»  only.  We 
continued  our  march  to  Little  Oakfuskie,  when  we  fell  in  with 
and  captured  five  hostile  Creek  warriors,  supposed  to  be  spies..... 
Finding  no  other  Indians  at  that  place,  we  burned  the  town, 
which  consisted  of  30  houses.  We  then  proceeded  to  a  town 
called  Genalga,  and  burned  the  same,  consistii  g  of  P3  hcuMs; 
thence  we  proceeded   to  Nitty  Chaptoa^  consisting  of  about  25 


;  I, 


THE   WAR. 


24) 


jiouseSf  which  I  considered  it  most   prudent   not  to  destroy,  ns  it 
niight  possibly  be  of  use  at  some  future  period.     From  thence  we 
inarched  to  the   Hillibee  town,  consisting  of  about  20  houses,  ad- 
I  ioiiiing  which  was  Grayson*s  farm.       Previous  to  our  arrival  at 
IthHt  place,  I  was  advised  that  a  part  of  the  hostile  Creeks  were 
gjigembled  there.     Having   marched  within  six  or  seven  miles  cf 
it  on  the  17th,  I  dismounted  a  part  of  the  force  under  my  com- 
mand, and  sent  them  under  the  command   of  Col.   Burch,  with 
the  Cherokees  under  the  command  of  Col.  Morgan,  in  advance^ 
to  surround  the  town  in  the  night,  and  make  the  attack  at  day- 
iigiit  on  the  l8th.     Owing  to  the  darkness  of  the  night,  the  town 
was  not  feiiched   until  after  daylight;  but  so  complete  was  the 
surprise,  that  we  succeeded  in   surrounding  the  town,  and  killing 
and  capturing  almost  (if  not  entirely)  the    whole  of  the   hostile 
Creeks  assembled  there,  consistmg  of  about  3 Id,  of  which  num- 
ber about  sixty  warriors  were  killed  on  the  xpot,  and  the  remain* 
dfr  made   prisoners.     Before   the   close  of  the  engagement,  my 
whole  force  was  up  and  ready  for  action,  had  it  become  necessa- 
ry;  hut  owing  to  the  want  of  knowledge,  on  the  part  of  the  In- 
diana, of  our  approach,  they  were  entirely  killed  and  taken  before 
thev  could  prepare  for  any  effectual  defence.     We   lost  not  one 
drop  of  blood   m  accomplishing   this  enterprize.     We  destroyed 
this  village,  and   in  obedience  to  your   orders,  commenced  our 
march  for  this  post,  which  we  were  unable  to  reach  until  yester- 
day.   I  estimate  the  distance  from  this  to  Grayson's  farm,  at  about 
100  miles.     The  ground  over  which   we   travelled,  is   ^o  r  ugh 
aud  hilly  as  to  render  a  passage  very  difficult.     Many  defiles   it 
was  impossible  to  pass  in  safety,  without  the  greatest  precaution. 
For  a  part  of  the  time,  the  weather   was  so  veiy  wet,  being  en- 
cumbered  with  prisoners,  and  the  troops  and  their  horses  having 
to  subsist  in  a  very  great  degree  upon  such  supplies   as  we   could 
procure  in  the   nation,  rendered   our   march   more   tardy  than  it 
otherwise  would  have  been. 

**The  troops  under  my  command  have  visited  the  heart  of 
that  section  of  the  Creek  nation  where  the  red  sticks  wete  first 
distributed. 

"  in  justice  to  this  gallant  band,  I  am  proud  to  state,  that  the 
whole  of  the  officers  and  men  under  the  command  of  Col.  Burch 
performed  their  duty  cheerfully  and  without  complaint ;  that 
Irom  the  cool,  orderly  and  prompt  manner  in  which  Major  Potter 
and  the  cavalry  under  his  commaiid,  formed  and  conducted  them- 
selves in  every  case  of  alarm,  1  had  the  highest  confidence  in 
them.  Col.  Morgan  and  the  Cherokees  under  his  command,  gave 
undeniable  evidence  that  they  merit  the  employ  of  their  govern- 
ment. In  short,  the  whole  detachment  u"der  my  oomoiand, 
conducted  in  such  a  manner  as  to  enable  me  to  assure  vou  tha'. 

2  H 


'U: 

"  •  J- '. 

t* 

f,  \ 


'% 


'  ^iifil 


i.m\ 


242 


SKETCHKa  Oif 


they  arc   capable  of  performing  any  thing  to   which  the  njtA 
number  of  men  are  equal. 

**  It  gives  me  pleasure  to  add,  that  Mr.  M'Corry,  who  acted m 
my  aid  in  this  expedition,  rendered  gcrvices  that  to  me  were  Iq. 
dispensable,  to  his  country  very  useful,  and  to  himself  high!)  he 
nourable.'^ 


=.  y,, 


Cri AFTER  XXI. 


i':i'''( 


Creek  war  continued Battle  at  Autosse Attack  upon  camU 

Defiance Expedition  to  the  bend  of  the  Tallapoosa* 

In  the  latter  part  of  November,  the  Georgia  militia  under  Gen, 
Flo}d,  had  surmounted  the  ditliculties  attending  their  first  efforts,  I 
and  on   the  29th  succeeded  in  defeating  a  large  body  of  hostile 
Creeks  at  Autosse.     The  following  is  Gen.  Floyd's  official  letter  to  | 
Gen.  Pinckney,  detailing  the  particulars  of  the  battle.        ,.  ^. 

"  Har\'ing  received  information  that  numbers  of  the  hostile  In- 
dians were  assembled  at  Autosse,  a  town  on  the  southern  bank  of 
the  Tallapoosa,  about  eighteen  miles  from  the  hickory  ground,  and 
twenty  above  the  Junction  of  that  river  with  the  Coosa,  I  pro- 
ceeded  to  it  with  950  of  the  Georgia  militia,  accompanied  bj  be- 
tween 3  and  40U  friendly  Indians.  Having  encamped  witliiuO 
or  10  miles  of  the  point  of  destination  the  preceding  evening,  wt 
rei^umt'd  the  march  a  few  minutes  before  one,  on  the  morniug  of 
the  29th,  and  at  half  past  6  were  formed  for  action  in  front  of 
the  town. 

**  Booth's  battalion  composed  the  right  column,  and  marched 
from  its  centre.  Watson's  battalion  composed  the  left,  and 
marched  from  its  right  ;  Adams'  rifle  company,  and  Mertiwe* 
ther's,  under  Lieut,  iiendon,  were  on  the  flanks;  Capt.  ThomaB' 
artillery  marched  in  front  of  the  right  column  in  the  road. 

**  It  was  m}  intention  to  have  completely  surrounded  the  ene- 
my, by  appuying  the  right  wing  of  my  force  on  Canlebee  creek, 
at  the  mouth  of  which  I  was  informed  the  town  stood,  and  rest- 
iji^  the  left  on  the  river  bank  below  the  town ;  but  to  our  sur- 
prise, as  day  dawned  we  perceived  a  second  town,  about  500 
yards  bflow  thgt  which  we  had  first  viewed,  and  were  preparing 
to  attack.  The  plan  was  immediately  changed  ;  three  companies 
of  ii)f!»i)try  on  the  left,  were  .wheeled  to  the  left,  into  echellofif 
rtjid  were  advanced  to  the  low  town,  accompanied  by  Merriwe- 


,1"",  ff'-'Vi 


'J}HE  WAR. 


243 


llier'8  riflo  company,  and  two  troops  of  light  dragoons  under  the 
lommand  of  Captains  Irwin  and  Steele. 
«The  residue  of  the  force  approached  the  upper  town,  and  the 
dttle  soon   became  i^eneral.     The  Indians  presented  themselves 
[t  every  point,  and  fought   with  the  desperate    bravery    of  rtal 
knatics.    The  well  directed  fire,  however,  of  the  artillery,  add- 
to  the  charge  of  the   bayonet,  soon  forced   them   to   take 
efuge  in  the  out-houi^es,  thickets  and  copses   in  the   rear   of  the 
o\vn ;  many,  it  is  believed,  concealed  themselves  in  caves,  pre- 
liou!<ly  formed  for  the  purpose  of  secure  retreat,  in  the  high  biufT 
If  the  river  which  wax  thickly  covered  with  reed  and  brushwood. 
Jhe  Indians  of  the   friendly  party,  who  accompanied  us  on  the 
[xpeditioD,  were   divided  into  four  companies,  and  placed  under 
he  command  of  leaders  of  their  owr  sv'.  Jtion.     They  were,  by 
Dgagement  entered  into  the  day  previous,  to  have  crossed   the 
tver  above  the  town,  and  been  posted  on  the  opposite  shore  dur- 
Lthe  action,  for  the  purpose  of  firing  upon  such  of  the  enemy 
I  might  attempt  to  escape,  or  keep  in  check  any  reinforcements 
Ifhich  might  probably  be  thrown  in  from  the  neighbouring  towns, 
lit  owing  to  the  difficulty  of  the  ford,  and  coldness  of  the  wea- 
ker, and  the   lateness  of  the  hour,  this  arrangement  failed,  and 
Mir  leaders  were  directed  to  cross  Canlebee  creek  and  occupy 
|iat  flank^  to  prevent  escapes  from  the  Tallisee  town.     Some  time 
Her  the  action  commenced,  our  red  friends  thronged  in  disorder 
I  the  rear  of  our  lines.     The  Coweta  ws,  under  MMntosh,  and 
|ieTookabatchians,  under  Mad  Dog'si-Son,  fell  in  our  flanks,  and 
ught  with  an  intrepidity  worthy  of  any  troops. 
J  "At  nine  o'clock  the  enemy   was  completely  driven  from  the 
laJD,  and  the  houses  of  both  towns  wrapped  in  flames.      As  we 
rere  then  60  miles  from  any  depot  of  provisions,  and  our  5  days' 
pions  pretty  much  reduced,  in  the  heart  of  the  enemy's  country, 
hich  in  a  few  moments  could   have  poured  from  its  numerous 
bwDs  hosts  of  the  fiercest  warriors ;   as  soon  as  the  dead   and 
rounded  were  disposed  of,  I  ordered  the  place  to  be  abandoned 
pd  the  troops  to  commence  their  march  to  Chatahouche. 
" It  is  difficult  to  determine  the   strength  of  the   enemy,  but 
om  the  information  of  some  of  the  chiefs,  which  it   is  s^tid  can 
!  relied  on,  there  were  assembled  at  Autosse,  warriors  fro**!  eight 
bwos  for  ifs  defence,  it  being  their  beloved   ground,  on  which 
m  proclaimed  no  white  man  could  approach  without  inevitable 
pitmction.     It  is  difficult  to  give  a  precise  account  of  the  loss  of 
enemy;  but   from  the  number  which  were  lying  scattered 
ferthe  field,  together  with  those   destroyed  in  the  towns,  and 
temany  slain  on  the  banks  of  the  river,  which  respectable  offi- 
Jtrj  affirm  they  saw  lying  in  heaps  at    the    water's  edge,  where 
py  had  been  precipitat^d  by  their  surviving  friends,  their  loss  in 
filed,  independent  of  their  wounded,  must  have  been  at  least 


1  •-:l 


-  i  -1 


'^'M 


■■   i: 


f  it 


•I 


UA4 


SKETCHES  OF 


200,  (among  whom  ar    the  Autosse  and  Tallioee  khi^ti)  and  from 
the  circunnstance  of  their  making  no  elforts  to  moltst  our  reiuruj 
probably  greater.     The  number  of  buildings  burnt,  some  of  a 
pt  rior  order  for  the  dwelling  of  savages,  and  filled  with  valuable  I 
articles,  is  supposed  to  be  400. 

•'  Adjutant  General  Newman  rendered  important  services  dur. 
ing  the  action,  by  his  cool  and  deliberate  courage.  My  aid,  \laj,| 
Crawford,  discharged  with  promptitude  the  duties  of  a  brave  andl 
meritorious  officer.  Maj.  Pace,  who  acted  as  field  aid,  al80(iii.| 
tinguished  himself;  both  these  gentlemen  had  their  hor8C8  i 
under  them,  and  the  latter  lost  his.  Dr.  Williamson,  ho;pita|| 
surgeon,  and  Dr.  Clopton,  were  prompt  and  attentive  in  diycbargt[ 
of  their  duty  towards  the  wounded  during  the  action. 

"  Maj.  Freeman,  at  the  head  of  Irwin's  troop  of  cavalry'  amjl 
part  of  ^Steele's,  made  a  furious  and  succtrssful  charge  upon  a  body! 
of  Indians,  sabred  several,  and  completely  defeated  them.  CapJ 
Thomas  and  his  company,  Capt.  Adams,  and  Lieut.  Hendon's  rifltl 
companies  killed  a  great  many  Indian^,  and  deserve  particulitl 
praise  Capt.  Barton's  company  were  in  the  hottest  of  the  battleJ 
and  fought  like  soldiers.  Cuptains  Myrick,  Little,  King,  Broad-I 
HRX,  Cleveland,  Cunningham  auct  Lee,  with  their  compauie.-, dJ 
tinguished  themselves.  Brigade  Mejor  Sharklt^ford  was  of  grutl 
service  in  bringing  the  troops  into  action,  and  Adjutant  Broadu 
and  Major  Montgomery,  who  acted  as  assistant  adjutant,  showell 
gr(  at  activity  and  courage.  Major  Booth  used  his  best  endeavori 
in  bringing  his  battalion  to  action,  and  Major  Watson's  battalioa 
acted  with  con^derable  spirit.  Irwin's,  Patterson's,  and  Steeki 
troops  of  cavalry,  whenever  an  opportunity  presented,  chaigd 
-with  success.  Lieut  Strong  had  his  horse  shot  and  narrowly  eil 
caped,  and  quarter  master  Tennal  displayed  the  greatest  heroisnj 
and  miraculously  escaped,  though  badly  wounded,  after  havini 
his  horse  shot  from  under  him.  The  topographical  engineer  m 
vigilant  in  his  endeavours  to  render  service. 

"  The  troops  deserve  the  highest  praise  for  their  fortitude  in  en 
during  hunger,  cold  and  fatigue  without  a  murmur,  having  marcU 
ed  120  miles  in  seven  days. 

"  The  friendly  In^iians  lost  several  killed  and  wounded,  thl 
number  not  exactly  known."    .  *  -  #     -^ .  -n.^-  *-^v?     •  >  • 

Attack  upon  camp  Defiance On  the  27th  January,  GenerJ 

Floyd  was  attacked  by  a  large  body  of  hostile  Creeks  in  his  en 
campment  48  miles  west  of  Colahoochie  ;  but  succeeded  in  reptfl 
ling  them  after  a  very  bloody  conflict  ;  the  detail  of  whic| 
will  be  found  in  the  following  letter  of  the  general  to  1 
General  Pinckney,  dated  on  the  day  of  the  engagement  .*' 


wounded,  tin 


THE  WAR. 


245 


«  This  morninflf  at  20  minutes  past  5  o'clock,  a  very  large  body 
of  hos'ile  Indiana  made  a  d<  speratt  attack  upon  tlit  army  under 
my  command.  They  stolt^  upon  our  centinels,  fired  on  them,  and 
with  great  impetuosity  ru)*h(d  upon  our  line.  In  twenty  minutes 
the  action  became  general,  and  our  front,  right  and  left  flxiiks 
were  closely  pressed,  but  the  brave  and  gallant  conduct  of  the 
field  and  line  officers,  and  the  flrmuess  of  the  men,  repelled  them 
at  every  point. 

**The  stt'ady  firmness  and  incessant  fire  of  Capt.  Thomas'  ar- 
tillpry,  and  Capt.  Adams'  nflt^men,  preserved  our  front  lines ;  both 
of  these  companieis  suffered  greatly.  The  enemy  rushed  within 
30  yards  of  the  artillery,  and  Capt.  Broadnax,  who  commanded 
one  of  the  piqu«'t  guards,  maintained  his  post  with  great  bravery, 
until  the  enemy  gaint-d  his  rear,  and  then  cut  his  way  through 
them  to  the  army.  On  this  occaoion,  Timpooche  Barnard,  a  half 
breed,  at  the  head  of  thi  Uchies,  distinguished  himself,  and  contri- 
butt  d  to  the  retreat  of  the  piquet  guard :  the  other  friendly  In: 
dians  took  refuge  within  our  lines,  and  remained  inactive,  with 
the  exception  of  a  few  who  joined  our  ranks.  As  soor.  as  it  be- 
came light  enough  to  distinguish  objects,  I  ordered  Majors  Wat- 
ton'4  and  Freeman's  battalions  to  wheel  up  at  right  angles  with 
M>ij  >r8  Booth's  and  Cleveland's  battalions,  (who  formed  the  right 
wing,)  to  prepare  for  the  charge.  Capt.  Duke  Hamilton's  cavalry 
(who  had  rvach<  d  me  but  the  day  before)  was  ordered  to  form  in 
the  rear  of  the  right  wing,  to  act  as  circumstances  should  dictate. 
The  order  for  the  charge  was  promptly  obeyed,  and  the  enemy 
fled  in  every  direction  before  the  bayonet.  The  signal  was  given 
for  the  charge  of  the  cavalry,  who  pursued  and  sabred  fifteen  of 
the  enemy,  who  left  i7  dead  on  the  field.  From  the  effusion  of 
blood,  and  the  number  of  head  dresses  and  war  clubs  found  in  va- 
rious directions,  their  loss  must  have  been  considerable,  independ- 
ent of  their  wounded. 

"  I  directed  the  friendly  Indians,  with  Merriwether's  and  Ford's 
rifle  companies,  accompanied  by  Capt.  Hamilton's  troop,  to  pursue 
them  through  Canlebee  swamp,  where  they  were  trailed  by  their 
bloody  but  they  succeeded  in  overtaking  but  one  of  the  wound' 
ed.      V  i^it.  ji  ;ija  Jh  jf  f   -   '■    =1  "  ■   I.    I. 

"Col.  Newman  received  three  balls  in  the  commencement  of  the 
action,  which  deprived  me  of  the  services  of  that  gallant  and 
useful  officer.  The  Assistant  Adjutant  General  Hardin  was  inde- 
fatigable in  the  discharge  of  his  duty,  and  rendered  impoi  tant 
services ;  his  horse  was  wounded  under  him.  The  whole  of  the 
stair  were  prompt,  and  discharged  their  duty  with  courage  and 
fidelity.  Their  vigilance,  the  intrepidity  of  the  officers,  and  the 
firmness  of  the  men,  meet  my  approbation,  and  deserve  the  praise 
of  their  country. 


■< .  ; 


]hil. 


f  )..'m'-M,a 


J..'M 


249 


SKETCHES   OP 


■J'   .;... 

I'llfi'     '  I 

li'l'l' 

K,,,H','' 

T 

Ki''''" 

\ 

k'    '.:•, 

'k: 

U:^        ' 

I 


m 

i! 
•1 


'*  I  have  to  regret  the  death  of  many  of  my  brave  fellows,  who 
have  found  honourable  graves,  iu  the  voluntary  support  of  their 
eountry. 

'*  My  aid-de-camp,  in  executing  my  orders,  had  his  horse  hill. 
cd  under  him ;  Gen.  Lee  and  MaJ.  Pace,  who  acted  as  additionaj 
aids,  rendered  me  essential  services,  with  honour  to  themselves, 
and  usefulness  to  the  cause  in  which  they  have  embarked.  Four 
waggon  horses,  and  several  others,  were  killed,  and  two  of  the 
artillery  horses  wounded.  While  1  deplore  the  loss  sustained  (>n 
this  occasion,  I  have  the  consolation  to  know,  that  the  men  whom 
I  have  the  honour  to  command  have  done  their  duty." 

Expedition  to  the  bend  of  the  Tallapoosa Gen.  Jackson  had 

been  prevented  from  carrying  on  oftVosive  measures  for  a  con?i- 
derable  time,  in  consequence  of  the  term  of  service  of  the  militia 
and  volunteers  having  expired  ;  but  on  the  14th  of  January  he  was 
reinforced  by  about  800  voluL'teers,  when  le  immediately  commen* 
ced  his  march  in  search  of  the  enemy  ipon  the  Tallapoosa  river, 
with  a  view  of  making  a  divtiaion  in  Cen.  Floyd's  favour. 

The  objects  and  particulars  are  full>  disclofied  in  the  following 
letter  from  Gen.  Jackson  to  Maj.  Gen.  Pinckney,  who  was  the 
commander  in  chief  of  the  forces  engaged  against  the  Creeks. 

"  Head  Q,uarterSf  Fort  Strother,  Jan.  29. 

«  SIR — I  had  the  honor  of  inlorming  you  in  a  kttei  of  the  31st 

ult.  forwarded  by  Mr.   M'Candles  [express]  of  an  excursion  1  con- 

templatcd  making  still  further  into  the  enemy's  country,  with  the 

new  raised  voluiiteers    from  Tennessee.      1   had  ordered  those 

troops  to  form  a  junction  with  me  on  the  10th  inst.  but  they  did 

iiot  arrive  until  the  14th.     Their  number,  including  officers,  was 

about  800;  and  on   the  15th  I  marched  them  across  the  river  to 

graze  their  horses.     On  tlie  next  day  I  followed  with  the  remain* 

der  X)f  my  force,  consisting  of  the  artillery  company,  with  one  6 

pounder,  one  company  of  infantry  of  48  men,  two  companies  of 

spies,  commanded  by  Captains  Gordon  and  Russel,  of   about  30 

3Tien  each,  and  a  company  of  volubteer  officers,  headed  by   Gen* 

eral  CoiTee,  who  had  been  abandoned  by  his  men,  and  who  still 

remained  in  the  field   awaiting  the   order  of  the   government; 

making  my  force  exclusive  of  Indians,  930. 

"  The  motives  which  influenced  me  to  penetrate  still  further  in- 
to the  enemy's  country,  with  this  force,  were  many  and  urgent. 
The  term  of  service  of  the  new  raised  volunteers  was  short,  and  a 
considerable  part  of  it  was  expired;  they  were  expensive  to  the 
government,  and  were  full  of  ardor  to  meet  the  enemy.  The  ill 
effects  of  keeping  soldiers  of  this  description  long  stationary  and 
idle,  I  had  been  made  to  feel  but  too  sensibly  already....other  cause? 


TUK  WAR. 


247 


concurred  lo  make  such  q  movement  not  only  justifiable  but  abso 
lulely  ntct'Hsary.  I  Imd  received  n  letter  from  Captain  M'Alpin 
of  the  5th  instant,  who  commanded  at  Fort  Armstrong  in  the  ab- 
sence of  Colonel  Siiodgrasii,  informing  mc  that  14  or  15  towns  of 
the  enemy,  situated  on  the  Tallapoosa,  were  about  uniting  their 
forces  and  attacking  that  place,  which  had  been  left  in  a  very 
feeble  state  of  defence.  You  had  in  your  better  of  the  24th  ult. 
informed  me  that  General  Floyd  was  about  to  make  a  movement 
to  the  Tallapoosa  near  its  junction  with  the  Coosco ;  and  in  the 
same  letter  had  recommended  temporary  excJirsions  against  such 
of  the  enemy's  towns  or  settlements  as  might  be  within  striking 
distance,  as  well  to  prevent  my  men  from  becoming  discontented 
as  to  harrass  the  enemy.  Your  ideas  corresponded  exactly  with 
my  own,  and  I  was  happy  in  the  opportunity  of  keeping  my  men 
engaged,  distresfing  the  enemy,  and  at  the  same  time  making  a 
diversion  to  facilitate  the  operations  of  General  Floyd. 

**  Determined  by  these  and  other  considerations,  I  took  up  the 
line  of  march  on  the  17th  instant,  and  on  the  night  of  the  1 8th  en- 
camped at  Talledega  fort,  where  1  was  joined  by  between  2  and 
300  friendly  Indians  :  65  of  whom  were  Cherokees,  the  balance 
Creeks.  Here  I  received  your  letter  of  the  9th  inst.  stating  that 
General  Floyd  was  expected  to  make  a  movement  from  Cowetau 
the  next  day,  and  that  in  18  days  thereafter  he  would  establish  a 
firm  position  at  Tuckabotchee ;  and  also  a  letter  from  Colonel 
Snodgrass,  who  had  returned  to  Fort  Armstrong,  informing  me 
tliat  an  attack  was  intended  soon  to  be  made  on  that  fort  by  000 
of  the  enemy.  If  I  could  have  hesitated  before,  I  could  now  he«- 
itate  no  longer.  I  resolved  to  lose  no  time  in  meeting  this  force, 
which  was  understood  to  have  been  collected  from  New  Yorcau, 
Oakfuskee  and  Ufauley  towns,  and  were  concentrat»=d  in  the  bend 
of  the  Tallapoosa,  near  the  mouth  ot  the  creek  called  Emucfau, 
on  an  island  below  New  Yorcau. 

"On  the  morning  of  the  29th  your  letter  of  the  10th  instant, 
forwarded  by  Mr.  M'Candles,  reached  me  at  the  Hillabee  Creek, 
and  that  night  1  encamptd  at  Entochapco,  a  simall  Hillabee  village 
about  twelve  miles  from  Emuckfau.  Here  1  began  to  perceive 
very  plainly  how  little  knowledge  my  spies  had  of  the  country,  of 
I  the  situation  of  the  enemy,  or  of  the  distance  I  was  from  them. 
The  insubordination  of  the  new  troops  and  the  want  of  skill  in 
most  of  their  officers,  also  became  more  and  more  apparent.  But 
their  ardor  to  meet  the  enemy  was  not  diminished;  and  I  had  a 
sure  reliance  upon  the  guards :  and  a  company  of  old  volunteer 
officers,  and  upon  the  spies,  in  all  about  125.  My  wishes  and  my 
<luty  remained  united,  and  1  wa.s  determined  to  «ffVct,  if  possible, 
the  objects  for  which  the  excursion  had  been  principally  under- 
taken. 


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('Oil  (he  moniHiK  of  tlic  21M,  I   marched  from  KiiotHcho|i(.c, 
a>  direct  sin   I  copld  for  the  bend  of   the   Tallapoosa,  and  about  2 
o'clock,  P.  M.  my  spies  havinf;  discovered  two  of  the  t-iit-m)',  rn- 
dt'Hvored  to  catch  them   but  failed.     In  the  evening  1  ft  II  in  unon 
a  large  trail,  which  led   to  a    new  road,  much  beaten  and  lutdy 
travellid.     Knowing  that  I  mwt  have    arrived  within  the  n<  i^h- 
borhood  of  a  Htrong   force,  and  it   being  late  in  the  day,  I  d(t<r 
mined  to  encamp,  and  reconnoitre  the  country  in   the    night.    I 
choxe  the  best  scite  the  countiy  would   admit,  encamped  in  a  liol. 
low  square,  sent  out  my  npieK  and    piquets,  doubled  my  centmeli 
and  made  the  necessary  arrangements  before  dark,  fer  a  night  at- 
tack.     About  10  o'clock  at  night,  one  of  the  pickets  fired  at  three 
of  the  enemy  and  killed  one,  but  he  v%as  not  found  until  the  n«xt 
day.     At  11  o'clock^  the  spies  whom  1  had  sent  out  returned  ujth 
the  information,  that   there   was  a  large  encampment  of  Indian! 
at  the  distance  of  about  three  miles,  who  from  their  whooping  niid 
dancing  seemed  to   be  apprized  of  our  approach.     One  of  thisie 
spies,  an  Indian  in  whom  1  had  great  confidence,  assured  me  tl  at 
they  were  carrying  off  their  women    and  children,   and  that  the 
warriors  would  either  make  their  escape,  or  attack  me  before  diy, 
Being    prepared   at   all  pointy  nothing  remained  to  be  done  hut 
twait  their  approach,  if  they  meditated  an  attack,  or  to  be  in  rea- 
diness, if  they  did  not,  to  pursue   and  attack  them  at  day  ligl  t. 
"While  we  were    in  this  state  of  readiness,  the    enemy   about  6 
o'clock  in  the  morning  commenced  a  vigorous  attack  on  my  Itft 
fl^nk,  which  was  vigorously  met ;  the  action  continued  to  rage  on 
mv  left  flank,  and  on  the  left  of  my  rear  for  about  half  an  hour. 
The  brave  General  Coffee,  with  Colonel  Sittler,  the  adjutant  grn- 
eral,  and  Colonel  Carroll,  the  inspector-general,   the  momtnt  the 
firing  commenced,  mounted  their  horses  and  repaired  to  the  liiip, 
encouraging  and  animating  the  men  to  the   performance  ot  their 
duty.     So  soon  as  it  because  liglit  enough  to  pursue,  the  left  wing 
having  sustained  the  heat  of  the  action  and  being  somewhat  vviak- 
ened,  was  reinforcect  by  Captain    Ferrill's   company   of  infantry, 
and  was  ordered  and  led  on  to  the  charge  by  General  Coffie,  who 
was  well  supported  by  Colonel  Higgint*  and  the  inspec tor-gent lal, 
and  by  all  the  officers  and  privates  who  composed  that  line.     The 
enemy  was  compktely  routed  at  every  point,  and  the  triendly  In- 
dians joining  in  the  pursuit,   they  were  chased   about  two  inilcs 
wit!)  great  slaughter. 

"  The  chase  being  over,  I  immediately  detached  General  Cof- 
fee with  400  men  and  all  the  Indian  force  to  burn  their  encatnp- 
nicnt ;  but  it  was  said  by  some  to  be  fortified.  I  ordered  him,  m 
that  event,  not  to  attack  it,  until  the  artillery  could  be  sent  for- 
ward to  reduce  if.  On  viewing  the  encampment  and  its  strength, 
x\\t'  general  thought  it  most  prudent  to  return  to  my  encampriitnt 
aiKl   i^uard  the  artillery  thither.      The   wisdom  of  this  step  was 


'k'HV,   WARk 


a4v 


}ooii  discovered.. ..ill  hnlf  an  Imur  after  his  return  to  camp,  a  con* 
sideiable  force  of  the  cntniy  made  its  »pp»'Hr.mce  on  my  right 
flank,  Hiid  comnuMiced  n  brisit  fire  on  a  party  of  men  \vh«.  !ind 
been  on  picket  guard  the  night  before,  and  were  then  in  8<>a''ch 
of  the  Indians  they  had  find  upon,  jome  of  whom  tht-y  btlifvtd 
bad  been  killed.  General  CofTie  immediately  ri  quested  me  to  let 
bim  take  !^00  men  and  turn  their  left  flank,  which  I  accordinj;ly 
ordered;  but,  through  Home  mi.^take,  which  I  did  not  then  ob> 
jervp,  not  more  than  34  followed  him,  among  whom  were  the 
old  volunteer  otticers.  With  thest ,  however,  he  immedi;)tt!v 
commenced  ai.-  attack  on  the  left  fldiik  of  the  enemy;  at  whicli 
time  1  ordered  200  of  the  fri(Midly  Indians  to  fail  in  upon  the  right 
flank  of  the  enemy,  and  co-operate  with  the  general.  Th'a  order 
wad  promptly  obeyed,  and  in  the  moment  of  its  execution,  what 
I  expected  was  realized.  The  enemy  had  intended  the  attack 
on  the  right  as  a  fcmt,  and, «xpccting  vc*  to  direct  all  my  atten- 
tion thither,  i«>^Hnt  to  at  \ck  me  again,  and  with  their  main  force 
on  the  It'ft  flank,  whick  •  ley  iioped  to  find  weakened  and  in  dis- 
order....but  they  wt-re  disappointed.  1  had  ordered  the  left  flank 
to  remain  fir'n  »o  its  placf,  an  ;  the  miraent  the  alarm  gun  was 
heard  in  thnt  q  tartar  I  repnrej  tiiiiher,  aiic*  ordej  d  Capt.  Ferril, 
vfitli  part  ol'  my  reserve  to  support  it.  T  whole  line  met  the 
appr)ach.?f  the  en-.-m/  with  astonishing   srtr' pidity,  and   having 

given  a  few  fires,  they  forthwith  "ha'ijej   witti   ^    at    vigour 

Tiie  eflf.'ct  was  immediate  and  \r  .vii.  hie.  The  'riemy  fled  with 
pr'cipitalion,  and  vere  pursued  .>  a  considi.rable  distance,  hy  the 
left  tlank  and  the  friendly  Indians,  with  a  galling  and  destri  ctive 
fire.  Col.  Carroll,  who  ordered  the  charge,  led  on  the  pursuit, 
and  Colonel  Higgtns  and  his  regiment  again  distioguislied  them- 
selves. 

"  In  the  mean  time  Gen.  Coffee  was  contending  with  a  supe- 
rior force  of  the  enemy.  The  Indians  whom  I  had  ordered  to 
his  support,  and  who  had  set  out  for  the  purpose,  bearing  the  firing 
on  the  left  had  returned  to  that  quarter,  and  when  the  enemy 
Mete  routed  there  entered  into  the  chase.  That  being  now  over, 
I  forthwith  ordered  Ji  7  Fife,  who  was  one  of  the  principal  com- 
manders of  the  frien«i!;  reeks,  with  100  of  his  warriors,  to  exe- 
cute my  first  order;  so  soon  as  he  reached  Gen.  Coffee,  the  ciiarge 
was  made  and  the  enemy  routed  ;  they  were  pursued  about  three 
miles,  and  45  of  tliem  slain,  who  were  found.  Gen.  Coffee  was 
wounded  in  the  body,  and  his  aid-de-camp,  A.  Donaldson,  killed, 
together  with  three  others.  Having  brought  in  and  buried  the 
dead,  and  dressed  the  wounded,  I  ordered  my  camp  to  be  forti- 
fied, to  b^  the  better  prepared  to  repel  any  attack  which  might  be 
made  in  the  ni:;ht ;  determined  to  commence  a  return  march  to 
fort  Strother  the  following  day.  Many  causes  concurred  to  make 
3uph  a  measure  necessary,  a«  I  had  not  ?et  out  prepared,  or  with 

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a  view  to  make  n  permanent  c«t;ihlislimcnt,  I  considertd  itwois? 
than  useless  to  advance  und  destroy  an  empty  encampment. 

"  I  had  indeed  hoped  to  !iave  met  the  enemy  there,  but  having 
met  and  beaten  them  a  little  sooner,  1  did  not  think  it  neceiipHrj 
or  prudetit  to  proceed  any  further  :  not  necessary,  because  1  hmi 
accomplished  all  I  could  expt-ct  to  effrct  by  marching  to  their  en- 
campment ;  and  because  if  it  was  necessary  to  contend  with  and 
weaken  their  forces  still  farther,  this  object  would  be  more  cer- 
tainly attained   by  commencing  a  return,  which,  having  to  th(;m 

the  appearance  of  a  retreat,  would  inspire  them  to  pursue  me 

Not  prudent,  because  of  the  number  of  my  wounded;  of  the  re- 
inforcements from  below,  which  the  ent.'my  might  be  expected  to 
receive  ;  of  the  starving  condition  of  my  horses,  they  having  had 
neither  corn  nor  cane  for  two  days  and  nights ;  of  the  scarcity  of 
supplies  for  my  men,  the  Indians  who  joined  me  at  Talledaga  ha- 
ving drawn  none,  and  bemg  wholly  destitute;  and  because,  if  the 
enemy  pursued  me,  as  it  was  likt-ly  they  would,  the  diversion  in 
favour  of  Gen.  Floyd  would  be  the  more  complete  and  efft  ";tual. 
Influenced  by  these  considerations,  I  commenced  my  return  mtuch 
at  half  after  ten  on  the  23d,  and  was  fortunate  enough  to  reach 
Eootachopco  before  nigiit,  haviiicj  passed  without  interruption  a 
dangerous  defile,  occasioned  by  a  hurricane.     I  again  fortifie-d  ray 
camp,  and  having  another  dehie  to  pass  in  the  morning,  across  a 
deep  creek,  and  between  two  hills,  which  I  had  viewed  with  at- 
tention as  1  passed  on,  and  where  1  expected  I  might  be  attacked, 
1  determined  to  pass  it  at  another  point,  and  gave  directions  to  my 
guide  and  fatigue  mt-ii  accordingly.     My  expectation  of  an  attack 
in  the  morning  was  iucreascd  by  the  signs  of  the  night,  and  wilb 
it  my  caution.     Before  J  moved   the    wounded   from  the  interior 
of  my  camp,  I  had  my  iVont  and  roar  guards  formed,  as  well  as 
my   right  and  lef:  column?,  and  moved  off  my  centre  in  regular 
order,  leading  down  a  handsome  ridge  to  Enotachopco  creek,  at 
a  point  where   it   was  clc  ar  of  reed,  except  immediately  on  its 
margin.      I  had  previously  issued  a  general  order,  pointing  out 
the  manner  in    which  the  men  should  be  formed  in  the  event  of 
an  attack  on  the  front  or  rear,  or  on  the  flanks,  and  had  particu- 
larly cautioned  the  otHcers  to  halt  and  fori*'  accordingly,  the  in- 
stant the  word  should  be  given. 

"  The  front  guard  had  passed  with  part  of  the  flank  columns, 
the  wounded  were  over,  and  the  artillery  in  the  act  of  entering 
the  creek,  when  an  alarm  gun  was  heard  in  the  rear.  I  heard  it 
without  surprise,  and  even  with  pleasure,  calculating  with  the  ut- 
most confidence  on  the  firmness  of  my  troops,  from  the  manner 
in  which  1  had  seen  them  act  on  the  22d.  I  had  placed  Colonel 
Carroll  at  the  heai!  of  the  centre  column  of  the  rear  guard;  its 
right  column  wis  commanded  by  Colonel  Perkins,  and  its  left  by 
Colonel  Stump.     Moving  chosen  the  ground,  I  expected  thereto 


THK  WAR. 


'261 


ijiive  entirely  cut  off  fhe  enemy  by  whceliiig  tlie  riglit  and  left 
^columns  on  their  pivots,  recrossing  the  creek  above  and  below, 
and  falling  in  upon  their  flfinks  and  rear.  But  to  my  astonish- 
ment and  mortification,  when  the  word  was  given  by  Col.  Carrol 
to  halt  and  form,  and  a  few  guns  had  been  fired,  1  beheld  the 
right  and  left  columns  of  the  rear  guard  precipitately  give  way. 
This  shameful  retreat  was  disas^trous  in  the  extreme  ;  it  drew 
along  with  it  the  greater  part  of  the  centre  column,  leaving  not 
more  than  25  men,  who  being  formed  by  Col.  Carroll,  maintained 
their  ground  as  long  as  it  was  possible  to  maintain  it,  and  it 
brought  consternation  and  confusion  into  the  centre  of  the  army, 
a  cjiisternation  which  was  not  easily  removed,  and  a  confusion 
which  could  not  soon  be  restored  to  order.  There  was  then  left 
to  repulse  the  enemy,  the  few  who  remained  of  the  rear  guard, 

the  artillery  company,  and  Capt.   Russell's  company  of  spies 

They  however  realized  and  exceeded  my  highest  expectations. 
Lieut.  Armstrong,  who  commanded  the  artillery  company  in  the 
absence  of  Capt.  Deadrick,  (confined  by  sickness,)  ordered  them 
to  form  and  advance  to  the  top  of  the  hill,  while  he  and  a  few 
others  dragged  up  the  6  pounder.  Never  was  more  bravery  dis- 
played than  on  this  occasion.  Amid  the  most  galling  fire  from 
the  enemy,  more  than  ten  times  their  number,  they  ascended  the 
hill  and  maintained  their  position  until  their  piece  was  hauled  up, 
when,  having  levelled  it,  they  poured  upon  the  enemy  a  fire  of 
grap&,  reloaded  and  fired  again,  charged  and  repulsed  them. 

**  The  most  deliberate   bravery  was  displayed  by  C^nstantinc 
I^erkins  and  Craven  Jackson  of  the  artillery,  acting  as  gunners.... 
In  the  hurry  of  the  moment,  in  separating  the  gun  from  the  lim- 
bers, the  rammer  and  picker  of  the  cannon  were  left  tied  to  the 
limber.     No  sooner  was  this  discovered,  than  Jackson,  amidst  the 
galling  fire  of  the  enemy,  pulled  out  the  ramrod  of  his  musket 
and  used  it  as  a  picker,  primed  with  a  cartridge  and  fited  the  can- 
non.    Perkins,  having  pulled  off  his  bayonet,  used  his  musket  as 
a  rammer,  drove  down  the  cartridge  ;  and  Jackson,  using  hisfoi- 
mer  plan,  again  discharged  her.     The  brave   Lieut.    Armstrong, 
just  after  the  first  fire  of  the  cannon,  with  Capt.  Hamilton,  of  E. 
Tennev<^see,  Bradford  and  M'Govock,  all  fell,  the   lieutenant   ex- 
claiming as  he  lay,  "  my  brave  Jrlloivs,  some  of  you  may  fall, 
but  you  must  save  the  cannon.^*      About  this  tmie,  a  number 
crossed  the  creek  and  entered  into  the  chace.     The   brave  Capt. 
Gordon,  of  the  spies,  who  had  rushed  from  the  front,  endeavour- 
ed to  turn  the  left  flank  of  the  enemy,  in  which  he  partially  suc- 
ceeded, and  Col.  Carroll,  Col.  Higgins,  and  Captains  Elliot   and 
»?ipkin?  pursued  the  enemy  for  more  than  two  miles,  who  fled   in 
consternation,  throwing  away  their  packs  and  leaving  26  of  their 
warriors  dead  on  the  field.     This  last  deft^at  was  decisive,  and  we 
were  no  more  disturbed  by  their  yells.     I  should  do  injustice  to 


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my  ftclings  if  I  omitlcd  (o  mention  that,  the  vfiicrabie  Judg» 
Cock«',  at  the  age  of  65,  entered  into  the  engagimc-nt,  continued 
the  persuit  of  the  enenriy  with  youthful  ardour,  and  saved  the  life 
of  a  ft  How  soldier  by  killing  his  savage  antagonist. 

"  Our  loss  in  this  affair  was  —  killed  and  wounded  ;  among 
tho"  former  wa?  the  brave  Capt.  Hamilton,  from  East  Tennessee, 
who  had,  with  his  aged  father  and  two  others  of  his  coinpany, 
afu  r  the  period  of  his  engagement  had  expired,  volunteered  his 
sor\ices  for  this  excursion,  and  attached  himself  to  the  artillery 
company.  No  man  ever  fought  more  bravc^ly,  or  died  more  glo- 
Tiously;  and  by  his  side  fell  with  equal  bravery  and  glory.  Bird 
Kvans,  of  the  same  company.  Cfipt.  Quarles,  viho  commanded 
tb«  centie  column  of  the  rear  guard,  preferring  death  to  the 
abandonment  of  his  po?t,  having  taken  a  firm  stand  in  which  he 
was  followed  by  25  of  his  men,  received  a  wound  in  his  head  of 
which  he  has  since  died. 

««  lii  thej-e  sevt^ral  engagements  our  loss  was  20  killed  and  75 
wounded,  4  of  whom  have  since  died.  The  loss  of  the  enemy 
cannot  be  accurately  ascertained  ;  189  of  their  warriors  were 
found  dead  ;  but  this  must  fall  considerably  short  of  the  number 
really  killed.     Their  wounded  can  only  be  guessed  at. 

**  Had  it  not  been  for  the  unfortunate  retreat  of  the  rear  guard 
in  the  aflfair  of  the  24th  inst.  I  think  I  could  safely  have  said  that 
no  army  of  militia  ever  acted  with  more  cool  and  deliberate  bra> 
very  ;  undisciplined  and  inexperienced   as  they  were,  their  con- 
duct in  the  several  engagements  of  the  22d,  could  not  have  been 
surpassed'  by    regulars.     No  men  ever  met  the   approach  of  an 
enemy  with  mi  re  intrepidity,  or  repulsed  them   with  more  ener- 
gy.    On  the  24th,  after  the  retreat  of  the  rear  guard,  they  seem- 
ed to  iiave  lusi  all  their  collectedness,  and  were  more  difficult  to 
be  restored  to  order  than  any  troops  I  have  ever  seen.     But  this 
was  no  doubt  owing  in  a  great  measure,  f^r  altogether,  to  that  ve- 
ry retreat,  and  ought  rather  to  be  ascribed  to   the    wan;   of  con- 
duct in  many  of  their  ofticers,  than  to  any  cowardice  in  the  men, 
who,  on   every   occasion,  have   manifested  a  willingness  to  per- 
form their  duty  so  far  as  they  knew  it. 

"  All  the  effects  which  were  designed  to  be  produced  by  this 
excurj-ion,  it  is  believed  have  been  produced.  Jf  an  attack  was 
meditated  against  fort  Armstrong,  that  has  been  pi  evented,  if 
Gi  I).  Floyd  is  operating  on  the  east  »ide  of  the  Tallapoosa,  as  I 
suppose  him  to  be,  a  most  fortunate  diversion  has  been  made  in 
his  favour.  The  number  of  the  enemy  has  been  diminished,  and 
the  confidence  they  may  have  derived  from  the  delays  1  have 
been  made  to  experience,  has  been  destroyed.  Discontejit  has 
been  kept  out  of  n  y  army,  while  the  troops  who  would  have 
been  exposed  to  it  have  been  beneficially  employed.  The  ene- 
my's country   has  been  explored,  anii  a  road  cut  to  the  point 


i  i:" 


THE  WAR. 


25* 


able  Judj^o 
f  continued 
ved  the  life 

?d  ;  among 
Tennessee, 
coiDpan3r, 
nteered  his 
18  artillery 
I  more  glo- 
glorj'.  Bird 
omrranded 
ath  to  the 
I)  which  he 
his  head  of 

led  and  75 
the  enemy 
riors  were 
he  number 

rear  guard 
te  said  that 
berate  bra* 
their  con- 
have  been 
ach  of  an 
nore  ener- 
hey  seem- 
iiticuit  to 
But  this 
to  that  ve- 
:^  of  ccn« 
the  men, 
|8  to  per- 

by  this 
Itack  was 
iited.     If 
)sa,  as  I 
made  in 
Ihed,  and 
I's  1  have 
tent   lias 
lid    lmv(^ 
fhe   ene- 
le   point 


Lvbere  their  fbrce  will  probably  be  concentrated  when  they  shall 
|be  driven  from  the  country  below.  But  in  a  report  of  this  kind, 
land  to  you  who  will  immediately  perceive  them,  it  is  not  necer 
Lf}'  to  state  the  happy  consequences  which  may  be  expected  to 
Lsult  from  this  excursion.  Unless  I  am  greatly  mistaken,  it  will 
|be  found  t:  v^ave  hastened  the  termination  of  the  Creek  war^ 
Inore  than  ^r>j  measure  I  could  have  taken  with  the  troops  under 
nycoramand."  ,  *r 


CIJAPTEil  XXlf. 


\siiclusion  of  the  Creek  War,„.,BriUtant  and  decisive  victory  ap 
tk  bend  of  the  Tallapoosa.,..  Draft  of  the  scene  of  action .... 

Tfrmination  oj  hostilities  with  the  Creeks Geographical 

description  of  the  Creek  country. 

General  Jackson  being  determined  to  pursue  the  work  of 
itermination  among  the  Creeks,  as  a  just  vengeance  for  their 
itrocioiis  conduct  at  Fort  Mims,  penetrated  into  their  country,  in 
larch,  1814,  as  far  as  the  bend  of  the  Tallapoosa ;  where  a  most 
llendid  and  successful  attack  was  made  on  the  27th,  in  which  a 
]tal  destruction  of  the  nation  was  nearly  accomplished.     While 

I  sigh  of  humanity  will  escape  for  this  profuse  effusion  of  hu~ 
blood,  which  resulted  from  the  savage  principle  of  out  enemy, 
kither  to  give  nor  accept  quarter  ;  yet  justice  will  point  to  the 
|f(Dt,  08  a  necessary  retaliation  for  the  indiscriminate  murder  of 

citizens,  and  as  a  precursor  of  the  future  repose  of  our  fron- 
kr  settlements.  Subjoined  is  General  Jackson^s  official  occount 
[the  brilliant  achievement,  in  a  letter  to  bis  £xcellency  Govern- 
IBlount:       '   •  ' 

Fort  JVilliams,  March  31  flBli. 

|SIR....I  have  just  returned  from  the  expedition  which  I  advised 

liumy  last  1    was  about  to   make    to  the    Tallapoosa  ;    and 

kten  to  acquaint  you  with  the  good  fortune  which  attended  it. 

[Itook  up  the  line  of  march  from  this  place  on  the  morning  of 

i'iltl  inst.  and  having  opened  a  passage  of  fifty  two  and  a  half 

Mover  the  ridges  which  divide  th*:^  waters  of  the  two  rivers,  1 

[ched  the   bend  of  the  Tallapoosa  three  miles  beyond  where  1 

the  engagement  of  the  2Jid  of  January,  and  at  the  southern 

Temity  of  New-Youka,  on  the  morning  cf  the    27th.      Thit 

resembles  in  its  curvature  that  of  a  horse-shoe,  and  is  thenc* 


m 


■■  '■    -  i 


^"e 


I 


* 

f  ^ 


■  ■    ;  ■.  "A 


'      '      '     r  '<i 


K\'- 


..'I 


*i'  :     i 


■I' 


Pt   ! 


234 


SKLTC11KL>   OK 


called  by  that  iiame  anioijg  tlic  wliiics.     Naluio  funiisln-i;  few 
uatlons  so  eligible  for  defence,  and  barbarians  have  never  rcndtrfr' | 
one  more  secure  by  art.     Across  the  neck  of  the  bend  which  Itad. 
into  it  from  tlie  north  they  had  erected  a  bteastwork  of  the  grpai 
est  compactness  and  strength,  from  five  to  eight  feet   high,  and  I 
prepared  with  double  port-holes,  very  artfully  .arranged.     TlictL-r 
ure   of  this  wall  manifested  no  less  skill  in  the    projection  of  it 
than  its  construction  ;  an  army  could  not  approach  it  without  !>«. 
ing  exposed  to  a  double  and  cross  fire  from  the  enemy,  who  laj  in 
perfect  security  behind  it.     The  area  of  this  peninsuh,  thus  bound  [ 
ed  by   the  breastwork,  includes  I  conjecture,  eighty  or  an  huii| 
dred  acres. 

In  this  bend  the  warriors  from  Oakfuska,  Oakehagu,  Nevv-Youl 
ka,  Hillabeea,  the  Fish  Ponds,  and  Eufatua  towns,  apprised  olourl 
approach,  had  collected  their  strength.  Their  exact  number  canj 
not  be  ascertained;  but  it  is  said  by  the  prisoners  we  have  takeQl 
to  have  been  a  thousand.  It  is  certain  they  were  very  numerousJ 
and  that  relying  with  the  utmost  confidence  upon  their  strength] 
their  situation  and  the  assurances  of  their  prophets,  they  conclu] 
ded  on  repulsing  us  with  great  ease. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the   27th,  having  encamped  theprece] 
ding  night  at  the  distance  of  five  miles    from  tbem....l  detaile 
General  Coffee  with   the  mounted   men  and  nearly  the  whole  ol 
the  Indian  force,  to  cross  the  river  at  a  ford  about  three  miles  b;] 
low  their  encampment,  and  to  surround  the  bend  in  such  a  roan 
ner  that  none  of  them  should  escape  by  attempting  to  cross  tb^ 
river.     With  the  remainder  of  the  forces   f   proceeded  along  ihJ 
point  of  land  which  leads  to  the  front  of  their  breastwork ;  andal 
half  past  ten  o'clock  A.  M.  I  had  planted  my  artillery  on  a  snial 
eminence,  distant  from  its  nearest  point  about  80  yards,  and  froi| 
its  farthest  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  ;  from  whence  1  iinmrdl 
ately  opened  a  brisk    fire   upon   its    centre.     With  the  musketrl 
and  rifles  I  kept  up  a  galling  fire    wherever  the    enemy  sliewt 
themselves   behind    their  works,  or  ventured    to  approach  then 
This  was  continued  with  occasional  intermissions    for  about  u\ 
hours,  when  Captain   Russell's  company  of  spies,  and  a  part} 
the  Cherokee   force,  headed   by  their  gallant   chieftaii     Coloiii 
Richard   Brown,  and  conducted   by  the  brave  Colonel  MorgaJ 
crossed  over   to  the  peninsula  in  canoes,  and  set  fire  to  a  few( 
tlieir   buildings   there    situated.     They  then  advanced  with  gri 
gallantry    towards    the   breastwork,  and  commenced  firiugu[': 
the  enemy  who  lay  behind  it. 

Finding  that  this  force,  notwithstanding  the  determinatioii  tM 
displayed,  was  wholly  insufficient  to  dislodge  the  enemy,  and  thj 
General  Coffee  had  secured  the  op[>o»'ite  banks  of  the  river,  I  noj 
determined  on  taking  possession  of  ^heir  works  by  storm.  Nei 
wTre  men  better   disposed   for  surh  an  undertaking  than  tho'e! 


XHK   WAR. 


255 


'    r    < 


v.iiom  it  was  to  be  effected.     They  had  entreated  to  be  led  to  the 
charge  with  the  most  pressing   importunity,  and  received  the  or* 
jer  which  was*  now   given   with  the  strongest  demonstrations  of 
QV.    The  effect   was  such  as  this  temper  of  mind  foretold.     The 
Iregular  troops,  led  on  by  their    intrepid    and   skilful    commander. 
Colonel  Williams,  and  by  the  gallant  Major  Montgomery,  were 
prcjently  in  possession  of  the  nearer  side  of  the  breastwork;  and 
the  militia  accompanied  them  in  the  charge  with  a  vivacity  and 
firmiitss  which  could  not   have   been  exceeded,  and  has  seldom 
been  equalled  by  troops  of  any  description.     A    few  companies  of 
General  Doherty's  brigade  on  the  right,  were  led  on  with  gallant- 
ry by  Colonel  Russell... .the  advance  guard,  by  the  adjutant-gene- 
ral,Colonel  Sisler,    and  the  left  extremity  of  the    line  by  Captain 
Gordon  of  the  spies,  and  Captain   M'Murry  of  General  Johnson's 
brigaflt'  of  Weil  Teiin.'ssce  militia. 

Having  maintained  for  a  few  minutes  a  very  obstinate  contest, 
[musket  to  musktt,  through  the  port  holes,  in  which  many  of  the 
enemy's  balls  were  welded  to  the  bayonets  of  our  musR^ts,  our 
troops  succt^eded  in  gaining  p')sse$sion  of  the  opposite  side  of  the 
works.  The  event  could  no  longer  be  doubtful.  The  enemy,  al- 
though many  of  them  fought  to  the  last,  with  that  kind  of  brave- 
ry which  desperation  inspires,  were  at  length  entirely  routed  and, 
cut  to  pieces.  The  whole  margin  of  the  river  which  surround? 
the  peninsula  was  strewed  with  the  slain.  Five  hundred  and  iif- 
t}  seven  were  found  by  officers  of  great  respectability,  whom  I 
had  ordered  to  count  them;  besides  a  great  number  who  were 
thrown  into  the  river  by  their  surviving  friends,  and  killed  in  at- 
tempiiog  to  pass  it,  by  General  Coffee's  men,  stationed  on  the  op- 
Iposite  banks.  Captain  Hammond!),  who  with  his  company  of 
[spies  occupied  a  favorable  position  opposite  the  upper  extremity  of 
the  briastwork,  did  gr^at  execution. ...and  so  did  Lieutenant  Bean, 
who  had  been  ordered  by  General  Coffee  to  take  possession  of  a 
I  small  island  pointinj;  to  the  lower  extremity. 

Both  officers  and  men,  who  had  the  best  opportunities  of  judg- 
ling,  believe  the  loss  of  the  enemy  in  killed,  not  to  fall  short  of 
eight  hundred;  and  if  their  number  was  as  great  as  it  is  represent- 
ed to  have  been,  by  the  prisoners,  and  as  it  is  believed  to  have 
been  by  Colonel  Carroll  and  others,  who  had  a  fair  view  of  them, 
as  they  advanced  to  the  breastworks,  their  loss  must  even  have 
been  more  considerable... .as  it  is  quite  certain  that  not  more  than 
twenty  can  have  escaped.  Among  the  dead  was  found  their  fa- 
mous Prophet,  Monahell....shot  in  the  mouth  by  a  grape  shot,  as 
if  heaven  designed  to  chastise  his  impostures  by  an  appropriate 
punishment.  Two  other  prophets  were  also  killed.... leaving  no 
others,  as  I  can  learn,  on  the  Tallapoosa.  I  lament  that  two  or 
I  three  women  and  children  were  killed   by   accident,      T   do   not 


*            t 

■<"i 


I- 


■I    !■' 


1 


B'r 

•**. 


11. 


i!FJ  ■ 


-!' 


rt 


'!  \ 


,S.), 


* 


If  I    ". 


■  ' 

r 


it 


*m 


o^ikTCHKs  or 


know  the  exact  number  of  prisoners   tahen,   but  it  must  cxcecc 
three  hundred....all  women  and  children  except  three. 

The  battle  may  be  said  to  have  continued  with  severity  for  I 
about  five  hours ;  but  the  firing  and  slaughter  continued  uutil  it 
was  suspended  by  the  darkness  of  the  night.  The  next  morninJ 
it  was  resumed,  and  sixteen  of  the  enemy  slain,  who  had  conceal- 1 
ed  themselves  under  the  banks.  Our  loss  was  twenty-six  white  | 
men  killed,  and  one  hundred  and  seven  wouoded.  Cherokee: 
eighteen  killed,  and  thirty  six  wounded....triendly  Creeks,  five  kilj 
led  and  eleven  wounded. 

The  loss  of  Colonel  Williams'  regiment  of  regulars,  is  seventeeQl 
killed,  fifty-five  wounded,  three  of  whom  have  since  died.    Among 
the  former  were  Major  Montgomery,  Lieutenant  Sommervilje  and 
Lieutenant  Moulton,  who  fell  in   the  charge  which  was  madton 
the  works.      No  men   ever  acted  more  gallantly,  or  fell  morej 
gloriously. 

Of  t^e  artillery  commanded  by  Captain  Parish,  1 1  were  wound.  I 
«d  ;  one  of  whom,  Samuel  Garner,  has  smce  died.     Lieutenaoti  | 
^lien  and  Ridley  were  both  wounded.     The  whole  company  act- 
«d  with  its  usual  gallantry.     Captain  Bradford  of  the  39th  U.S. I 
mfantry,  who  acted  as  chief  engineer,  and  superintended  the  fir- 
ing of  the  cannon,  has  entitled  himself,  by  his  good  conduct,  to  tn; 
warmest  thanks.     To  say  all  in  a  word,  the  whole  army  who  hat  | 
achieved  this  fortunate  victory,  have  merited   by  their  good  con- 
duct  the   gratitude  of  their  country.'     So  far  as  I  can,  or  could  I 
learn,  there  was  not  an  oiHcer  or  soldier  who  did  not  perform  hit 
duty  with  the  utmost  fidelity.     The  conduct  of  the  militia,  on  tbit 
occasion,  has  gone  far  towards  rtdceniing  the  character  of  thai  | 
description  of  troop«.     They  have  been  as  orderly  in  their  encamp- 
ment, and  on  their  line  of  march,  as  they  have  been  signally  brave  | 
In  the  day  of  battle. 

In  a  few  days  I  shall  take  up  the  line  of  march  for  the  Hickory  I 
ground,  and  have  every  thing  to  hope  from  such  troops. 
Enclosed  I  send  you  General  Coffee's  original  report. 
I  have  the  hoitpr  to  be,  with  great  respect,  your  obedient  hum- 
ble servant,  '  ANDREW  JACKSON,  Maj.  Gen. 

Report  from  General  Coffee,  to  GeneralJackson,  dated  Jprill 

SIR... .Agreeably  to  your  order  of  the  27th  ult.  I  took  up  the  I 
line  of  march  at  half  past  6  o'clock  A.  M.  of  the  same  day  with  a 
detachment  of  seven  hundred  cavalry  and  mounted  gunmen,  and 
about  six  hundred  Indians,  five  hundred  of  which  were  Cherokees 
and  the  balance  friendly  Creeks.  I  crossed  the  Tallapoosa  river 
at  the  little  island  ford,  about  three  miles  below  the  bend,  in  which 
the  enemy  had  concentrated,  and  then  turned  up  the  river  bear- 
ing away  from  its  cliir8....vvhen  within  half  a  mile  of  the  village 
-<he  savage  yell  was  raised  by  the  encmy^  and  '  supposed  he  ha^ 


'■(', 


t  ' 


eUg  WAR* 


259 


uncovered  aud  was  about  to  attack  me.    I  immediAtely  drew  up 
joy  forces  in  line  of  battle  in  an  open  hilly  woodland,  and  in  that 
poiition  moved  on  towards  the  yelling  of  the  enemy  ....previous  to 
this  had  ordered  the  Indian*,  on  our  approach  to  the  bend  of  the 
river,  to  advance  secretly  and  take  possession  of  the  bank  of  the 
riv«>r,  and  prevent  the  enemy  from  crossing  on   the  approach  of 
your  army  in  his  front....when  within   a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  the 
river,  the  firing  of  your  cannon  commenced,  when  the  Indians 
with  me  immediately   rushed  forward   with  great  impetuosity  to 
the  river  bank  .. my  line  was  halted  and   put  in  order  of  battle, 
expecting  an  attack  on  our  rear  from   Oakfuskee  village,   which 
lav  down  the  river  about  eight  miles  below  us.. ..the  firing  of  your 
cannon  and  nmall  arms  in  a  short  time  became  general  and  hea- 
ry,  which  animated  our  Indians,  and  seeing  about  one  hundred  of 
the  warriors  and  all  the  squaws  and  children   of  the  enemy  run^ 
oiug  about  among  the  huts  of  the  village,  which  was  open  to  our 
view,  they  could  no  longer  remain  silent  spectators,  while  some 
k<pt  up  a  fire  ncross  the  river  (which  is  about  I'iO  yards  wide)  to 
prevent  the  enemy'.*  approach  to  the   bank,  others    plunged  uito 
the  water  and  swam  the  river  for  canoes  that  lay    at  the  other 
thore  iu  considerable  numbers,  and  brought   them  over,  in  which 
crafts  a  number  of  them  embarked,  and  landed  on  the  bend  with 
the  enemy.     Colonel  Gideon  Morgan  who  commanded  the  Cher* 
okees,  Captain  Keer,  and  Captain   William  Russell  with  a  part  of 
hi>  company  of  spies  was  among  the  first  that  crossed  the  river; 
they  advanced   into  the  village  and  very   soon    drove  the  enemy 
from  the  huts  up  the  river  bank  to  the  fortified  works  from  which 
they  were  fighting  you....they  pursued   and  continued  to  annoy 
during  your  whole   action.     This  movement  of  my  Indian  forces 
left  the  river  bank  unguarded  and  made  it  necessary  that  I  should 
lend  a  part  of  my  line  to  take  possession  ot  the  river  bank  :  I  ac- 
eordingly  ordered  about  one  third  of  the  men  to  be  posted  around 
the  bend  on  the  river  bank,  while  the  balance  remained  in  line  to 
protect  our  rear.     Captain  Hammond's  company  of  rangers  look 
pott  on  the  river  bank  on  my  right,  and  during  the  whole  engage* 
meDt  kept  up  a  continued  and  destructive  fire  on  those  of  the  en- 
emy that  attempted  to  escape  into  the  river,  and   killed  a  very 
large  proportion  of  those  that  were  found  dead  under  the  bank  ns 
well  as  many  others  sunk  under   water.      I   ordered   Lieutenant 
Bean  to  take  possession  of  the  island   below  with  forty  men,  to 
prevent  the  enemy's  taking  refuge    there,   which   was  executed 
with  promptitude  and  which  had  a  very  happy  eflfect,  as  many  of 
the  enemy  did  attempt  their  escape  to  the  island,  but  not  one  ev- 
er landed....they   were  sunk  by  Lieutenant  Bean's  command  ere 
they  reached  the  bank.     Attempts  to  crosA  the  liver  at  all  points 
of  the  bend  was   made  by  the  enemy,  but  not  one  ever  escaped, 
fery  few  ever  reached  the  bank  and  that  few  was  killed  the  in 

2  K  . 


«:iV 


f « 


r 


if- 


:i . 


:"i7:V 


25B 


oJiKTCHBS  OC 


Stunt  they  landed.  From  the  report  of  my  ofPiccrs  as  well  ai 
from  my  own  observation,  1  feel  warranted  in  saying  that  from 
two  hundred  and  fifty  to  three  hundred  of  the  enemy  was  buried 
under  water  and  was  not  numbered  with  the  dead  that  wen 
found." 


f^\' 


A 


K'f'] 


•  The  following  letter  from  Colonel  Morgan  to  Goveriiftr  Blount, 
dated  at  Fort  Williamo,  contains  many  incidents  of  an  interestiur 
nature,  in  addition  to  the  toregoing : 

**  Ycu  have  been  informed  of  our  departure  from  fort  Strothfr, 
and  ariival  at  this  place  on  the  ?l8t  March.  On  the  24th  Gene- 
ral Jackson  took  up  his  line  of  march  for  Tohopiska,  or  fortified 
town  oa  the  Tallapoosa,  commonly  called  the  Horse  Shoe.  On 
the  evening  of  the  28th,  he  encamped  about  six  miles  ncrth-west 
of  it....the  army  next  morning  was  divided  into  two  divisions. 
The  horse  and  Indians  commanded  by  General  CoflTee,  crossed  the 
river  two  miles  below  the  town,  with  directions  to  line  the  bank  in 
the  whole  extent  of  the  bend,  by  the  Cherokees  and  friendly 
Creeks,  while  the  horse  ncted  as  a  guard  upon  the  high  ground,  to 
defend  our  rear  from  an  attack  from  the  Oakfuskee  Indians,  who 
were  expected  from  below.  This  precaution  was,  however,  unne- 
cessary, as  their  whole  force  had  been  concentrated  the  day  h. 
fore.  General  Coffee  had  arrived  on  the  opposite  shore,  about  half 
a  mile  below  the  town,  when  General  Jackson's  approach  bcturc 
the  fortification  was  announced  by  the  discharge  of  artillery,  and 
in  quick  succession  that  of  a  brigade  of  infantry.  The  Cherokees 
immediately  rushed  to  the  point  assigned  them,  which  they  did  in 
regular  order,  and  in  n  ni.inncr  honorable  to  themselves,  that  is, 
the  bank  was  in  no  place  lett  vacant,  and  those  fugitives  who  had 
taken  to  flight,  fell  an  easy  prey  to  their  vengeance. 

"The  breastwork  was  composed  of  five  large  logs,  with  t^vo 
ranges  of  port-holes  well  put  together ;  artillery  had  no  efTect, 
more  than  to  bore  it  wherever  it  struck ;  nature  had  done  much; 
but  when  completed  by  art,  the  place  was  formidable  indeed :  the 
high  ground  which  extended  about  mid  way  from  the  breast-work 
to  the  river,  was  in  some  manner  open,  but  the  declivity  and  flat 
which  surrounded  it,  was  filled  with  fallen  timber,  the  growth  of 
which  was  very  heavy,  and  had  been  so  arranged,  that  every 
tree  afforded  them  a  breast-work,  forming  a  communication  or 
cover  to  the  uext,and  so  on  to  the  river  bank,  in  which  cavernshad 
been  dug  for  their  security,  and  our  annoyance.  The  breast  work 
in  its  whole  extent  was  lined  by  savages,  made  desperate  from 
their  situation.  The  3&th  was  drawn  up  on  the  left,  in  a  line  ex 
tending  from  the  centre  to  the  river  bank,  the  right  was  occupied 
b>  the  militia.  The  artillery  on  an  eminence  two  hundred  yards 
5q  rear  of  the  breast-work,  on  which  it  kept  up  a  steady  and  well 


V  » 


TilJi  WAR. 


S59 


directed  fire,  though  without  efiect.      In   this  inanuer  the  battle 
bfcame  stationary  for  some  time,  say  one  hour,   when  the   Cher> 
okei>  crossed  the  river  by  swimming,  and  brought  from  the  oppo* 
site  shore  n  nuniDer  of  canoes,  in  which  they  crossed  under  cover 
of  the  towH,  and  their  own  guns;  they  halted  under  cover  of  the 
bauk,  and  the  canoes  were  st'nt  back  for  a  reinforcement.     Under* 
stflnding  General  Jarkaon  was  about  charging  the  breast  workv  in 
its  whole  extent,  I  rode  with  all  possible  dispatch  to  inforno  Major 
Montgomery  who  commanded  the  left  of  the  30th,  on  the  river 
above.     On  my  return,  about  150  or  200  Cherokees  had  crowed^ 
and  were  then  warmly  engaged  with  the  hostile  Creeks.     I  theu 
ciomd  with  Major  Walker  and  30  others,  and  asctnded  the  high 
ground,  which  the   Cherukees   were  then   in   possession  of....we 
were  warmly  assailed  on  every  quarter,  except  our  rear,  where 
we  only  kept  open  by  the  dint  of  hard  fighting.     The  Cherokees 
were  continually  crossing,  and  our  number  increased  in  about  the 
I  proportion  in  which  the  Creeks  were  diminished,  who  laid  prostrate 
in  in  every  quarter....their  numbers  were  vastly  superior  to  ours, 
I  but  were  occupied  in  maintaining  their   breast  work,  which  they 
appeared  dt-termined  never  to  surrender ;  about  one  hour  after  my 
arrival  on  the  aummit,  I  received  a  wound  in  the  right  side  of  my 
head,  which  had  like  to  have  terminated  my  existence....!  howev- 
er io  a  short  time  recovered,  and  heard  the  heavenly  intelligence 
Itbat  the  30th  had  charged,  and  were    then  in  possession  of  the 
Ibreait  works.     This  was  an  arduous  undertaking,  and  the  cool  de- 
liiberate  manner   in  which  it   was   effected,  reflects  the  highest 
[tredit  on  this  bulwark  of  our  army.      <  ^  « 

"The  fight  commenced  17  minutes  after  10,and  continued  with* 
lout  intermission  until  dark ;  the  next  morning  some  were  hilled, 
Iwbo  it  appears  were  determined  never  to  quit  their  enchanted 
||round.  On  counting  their  dead,  557  were  found  on  the  fields 
|iiaoy  I  know  perished  in  crossing,  and  numbers  were  sunk  in  the 
river.  The  whole  loss  in  killed  could  not  be  less  than  7  or  800. 
he  lost  of  the  3eth,  72  killed  and  wounded.  Major  Montgome- 
y,  Lieutenant  Somerville,  and  Lieutenant  Moulton  were  among 
former.  The  loss  of  the  Cherokees,  18  killed  and  35  wound- 
many  badly.  The  Cherokees  have  been  permitted  to  return 
I  their  homes.**  ^  't>  ■>         •     .    .  -   - 

Drqft  of  the  scene  of  action The   following  draft  of  the 

me  of  action  at  the  bend  of  the  Tallapoosa,  was  taken  by  an 

Hcer  on  the  spot.     We  copy  it   with  as  much  accuracy  as  the 

jiature  of  letter  press  printing  will   admit.     It  will  be  found  to 

flow  considerable  light  on  the  official  details.     The  bend  of  the 

jiver  at  this  place  is  circular,  resembling  the  form  of  a  horse-shoe, 

id  the  breastwork  was  thrown  across  the  mouth  or  entrance  ef 

peniiMula.  .      . 


'!« 


(r(ll 


iiil 


?:'■ 


■t  ^ 


■'   Ul 


I 


i 


1 


R  'T^ 

' 

-t 

{■[  ^ 

f 

p:? .;; 

'tt 

^^^^^^^1  * 

Jll 

PLAN  OF  A  BATTLE 

Jt  the  Bend  of  the  Tallapoosa,  March  U7th,  1814. 
GROUND. 


Col.  CopeUntf.        Col.  Cheatham. 
Rear  guard. 


. ? K ;,r itiM  if^'U^t' %r^ f ;.>  ij  '.I?.; 


C'o7w/i  OM  Satvrdatf  n»V/i(i| 
C  mUeaJrum  Jouofaekc 


nK)<EUKMC2S. 


*Mou1tou,         "J 
t'\-onigomerjr,  i  Killed. 
iSomervillc,     J 
—  Kiver  Tallapoosa. 
1  2  Brusli  I'ences. 

^Rjfi{  High  ground  and  trees  above  llic  liver  hauU. 


.    .,       ,i.l  '     '   '. 

T(trmination  of  hostilities  with  the  Creeilf....'.Tbe  dreadful 
oliastitemeiit  inflicted  by  Geo.  Jacktoo,  and  lii<  brave  followeri^ 
upon  the  Creeks,  induced  many  of  the  survivors  of  the  war  party 
to  surrender  themselves  and  sue  for  peace  >  A  few,  however,  just 
befc:e  the  arrival  of  the  general  at  Tallapoosa,  made  their  escape 
across  the  river,  and  fled  in  consternntiou  towards  Pensacola ;  aa 
likewise  a  small  number,  after  the  battle  of  the  27th  March,  who 
fled  in  various  directions.  Many  of  the  negroes,  who  were  taken 
at  fort  Mims,  were  delivered  up,  and  one  white  woman  (Polly 
Jones)  with  her  two  children.  The  Tallapoosa  king  was  arrested 
and  put  in  confinement ;  and  the  Tostahatchee  king  of  the  Hick- 
ory ground  surrendered  himself  a  prisoner.  Peter  M'Quin,  a  dis- 
tinguished chief,  was  taken,  but  escaped ;  and  Hillinbagee,  their 
gieat  prophet,  absconded.  Wetherford,  their  speaker,  had  been, 
through  the  war,  one  of  the  most  active  and  entt^rprising  chiefs. 
Ai  a  partizan  leader,  he  had  frequently  opposed  his  enemy  where 
he  was  little  expected.  Seeing  that  it  was  in  vain  any  longer  to 
resist,  he  voluntarily  came  in  and  delivered  himself  up ;  but  Gen. 
Jackson  declined  confining  him.  In  a  private  interview  with  the 
general,  he  made  the  following  short  though  forcible  and  bold  ad- 
dress: 

"  1  fought  at  fort  Mims....!  fought  the  Georgia  army....I  did 
you  »ll  the  injury  I  oould....had  I  been  supported,  as  1  was  pro- 
ini«ed,  I  would  have  done  you  more.  But  my  warriors  are  all 
'  killed....!  can  fight  you  no  longer.  I  look  back  with  sorrow  that  I 
have  brought  destruction  on  my  nation.  1  am  now  in  your  pow- 
er, do  with  me  as  you  please....!  am  a  soldier.'* 

Wetherford,  although  bold  and  intrepid,  had  previously  been  de- 
feated.    In  December,  1813,  General  Claiborne,   having  under 
hit  command  a  considerable  force,  consisting  of  volunteers  from 
the  southern  part  of  the  Missisiiippi  Territory,  which  had  been  rais- 
ed for  the  purpose  of  resisting  any  attack  which   might  be  made 
by  the  enemy  upon  the  coast,  and  also  for  cutting  off  all  commu- 
aicHtion  between  the  Creeks  and  Spaniards  in  the  Floridas,  march- 
ed against  the  inimical  Creek  towns  on  the  Alabama  river.     On 
the  23d  of  December,  a  detachment  of  his  troops  commanded  by 
Colonel  Carson  came  in  view  cf  a  town  called  Eccanachaca  (or 
holy  ground)  which   was  immc'diately  and  vigorously  attacked  by 
the  enemy,  who  had  been  apprized  of  its  approach,  and  had  chos- 
en their  field  of  action  accordingly.     Wetherford  commanded 
the  Indians,  and  fought  with  bravery.     Colonel  Carson,  however, 
succeeded  in  defeating  him,  before  the    remainder  of  out  troops, 
who  had  been  ordered  to  the  charge,  could  have  time  to  ariive. 
The  enemy  fled   in  every  direction,  many  of  them  casting  away 
their  arms.     Thirty  were  killed  and  mauy  wounded.    The  loss  on 


k 

i 

ffwfr 

t  . 

'l<1»i 


■  I 


V 


!  It '^  '  *  I;- 


k:  V: 

■     'l'  '  ■• 

^\ 

'           ft     "   ' 

V 

^  mA 

202 


»KE'ICHK5  OF 


:*■' 


'f,  t 


■  ii 


1^  I'll 

t!      it    3:  i 


our  part  waa  oue  coiporal  killed,  and  oue  «nrif(ii,  two  fergoantt, 
one  corporal  and  two  privates  wounded.  A  pumuit  was  immedi- 
ately ordered;  but  H  :rn  llic  nature  of  the  country,  nothing  was 
eifcctcd.  The  r/  u  was  nearly  turroundfd  with  swanipK  itnei 
deep  ravines,  whkh  iv!)Oi..ed  the  approach  of  our  troops  ditrictilt, 
and  facilitated  the  v cipe  of  the  enemy.  In  the  town  was  found 
a  larg«  quantity  of  p]Ovi8ion]>  and  immense  property  of  variou? 
hinds,  which  the  enemy,  flying  precipitately,  were  obliged  to  leave 
behind,  and  which,  together  with  200  houses,  were  destroved, 
They  had  barely  time  to  remove  their  women  and  children  across 
the  Alabama,  upon  which  the  town  stood.  The  next  day  wns 
occupied  in  destroying  a  town  consisting  of  sixty  liouseH,  eight 
miles  higher  up  the  river,  and  in  taking  and  destroying  the  ene- 
my's boats.  At  the  town  last  described,three  Indians  of  some  dis- 
tinctlou  were  killed.  The  town  first  destroyed  was  built  after  the 
commencement  of  hostilities,  and  was  established  as  a  place  of  ie> 
curityfor  the  inhabitants  of  several  villages.  The  leader  Wether* 
ford,  and  two  others,  who  were  principal  prophets,  resided  here. 
Three  Shawnese  were  among  the  slain.  A  letter  from  the  Gov- 
ernor of  Pensacola  to  the  Creek  Indians,  was  found  in  the  houie 
of  Wetherford  by  General  Claiborne,  showing  the  friendship  that 
existed  between  the  Creeks  and  Spaniards^  and  the  hostility  of  the 
hitter  towardi  the  Americans. 

In  the  latter  part  of  April  General  Jackson  withdrew  his  forces 
from  the  Creek  country,  after  having  made  known  to  the  nation 
the  terms  upon  which  he  would  make  peace,  and  appointing  com- 
missioners therefor.  In  these  terms,  the  United  States  were  to 
retain  as  much  of  the  conquered  territory  as  might  appear  to  the 
government  to  be  a  just  indemnity  for  the  expences  of  the  war, 
and  as  a  retribution  for  the  injuries  sustained  by  its  citizens  and 
the  friendly  Creek  Indians.  The  United  States  were  likewise  to 
retain  the  right  of  establishing  military  posts  and  trading  houstt, 
and  to  make  and  use  such  roads  as  they  might  think  necessary, 
and  freely  to  navigat?  all  the  rivers  and  water  courses  in  the 
Creek  country.  The  Creeks,  on  their  part,  were  to  surrender 
their  prophets,  and  such  other  instigatoia  of  the  war  as  might  be 
designated  by  the  government  of  the  United  States ;  and  were 
to  agree  to  such  restrictions  upon  their  trade  with  foreign  nations, 
as  should  be  established  by  the  American  government. 

The  TalHssee  king,  who  was  reported  to  have  been  killed  in 
one  of  Gen.  Floyd's  battles  with  the  Creeks,  was  afterwards  ta- 
ken prisoner.  He  remained,  for  a  time,  with  a  detachment  cf 
our  army  stationed  at  fort  Jackson,  (on  the  scito  of  old  fort  Tou- 
louse.) He  had  been  regarded  as  a  great  prophet,  and  was  up- 
wards of  a  hundred  years  of  age  when  taken,  with  a  head  as 
white  as  s.now.     He  was  nn  object  of  peculiar  vengeance  among 


.  i 


THk  WAR. 


»Q3 


lergcantj, 
I  iitiniedi- 
thing  waj 
'anipK  :t:i«i 
s  ditTictilt, 
VM  fuuiid 
of  variou; 
-d  to  Itavo 
destrovtd. 
Inn  acr(i» 

day  wiis 
uses,  eight 
g  the  ene- 
r  sonic  dii- 
It  after  the 
)lace  of  le- 
ir  Wether- 
tided  here. 
m  the  Gov- 

the  houte 
udihip  that 
tility  of  the 


his  forces 
the  uatioD 
nting  com* 
B8  were  to 
lear  to  the 
the  war, 
tizens  and 
likewise  to 
g  houses, 
necessary, 
ies  in  the 
Ifiurrender 
might  bt 
land  were 
|i  nations, 

killed  in 
kvards  ta- 
li me  nt  cf 
Ifort  Tou- 
was  up- 
head  as 
be  among 


jie  tricndly  Creeks ;  and  although  he  was  nearly  bent  double 
with  age,  yet  were  they  anxious  to  destroy  him;  but  Wether- 
ibrd  moved  unmolested  among  them,  and  they  trembled  in  his 
pretence.  .     ,     < 

Geographical  description  q/*  the  Creeic  country The  follow- 

I'og  is  copied,  with  some  varintione,  from  Morse's  Gazeteer : 

<<The  Muskogulgc,  or,  as  they  are  more  commonly  called,  Creek 
lodians,  inhabit  the  eastern  parts  of  the  MiHsissippi  Tf  rritory.  The 
Creek,  or  Muskogulge  language,  which  is  »oft  and  musical,is  spoken 
throughout  the  cunfederncy,  (although  consisting  of  many  na- 
tions, who  have  a  speech  peculiar  to  thvmsrlvcs)  as  also  by  then 
fritfiids  and  allies  the  Natchez.  The  Chicasaw  and  Chactaw  lao- 
gi.sgp,  the  Muskogulges  say,  is  a  dialict  of  theirs.  The  Musko- 
guij^es  eminently  deserve  the  encomium  of  all  uatiouf,  for  their 
wisdom  and  virtue,  in  expelling  the  greatest,  and  even  the  com- 
Dion  enemy  of  mankind,  viz.  spirituous  liquors.  The  first  and 
most  cogent  article  in  all  their  treaties  with  the  white  people  is,  ' 
that  "  there  shall  not  be  any  kind  of  spirituous  liquors  sold  or  . 
I  brought  into  their  towns."  Instances  have  frequently  occur- 
I  red,  on  the  discovery  of  attempts  to  run  kegs  of  spirits  into  their 
I  country,  of  the  Indians  striking  thrm  with  their  tomahawks,  and  i, 

giving  the  liquor  to  thirsty  sand,  not  tasting  a  drop  themselves 

It  is  difficult  to  account  for  their  excellent  policy  in  civil  govern- 
I  mcDt ;  it  cannot  derive  its  efficacy  from  coercive  laws,  for  they   n 
bve  no  such  artificial  system.     Some  of  their  most  favourite 
MDgs  and  dances  they  have  from  their  enemies,  the  Chactaws; 

for  it  seems  that  nation  is  very  eminent  for  poetry  and  music 

[The  Musk  Jgulges  allow  of  polygamy  in  the  utmost  latitude ;  every    i^ 
man  takes  as  many   wives  as  he  pleases,  but  the  first  is  queen^ 
and  the  others  her   handmaids  and  associates.     The  Creek  or    • 
Muskogulge   confederacy  have  55  towns,  besides  many  villages,    ^r 
iThe  powerful  empire  of  the  Muskogulges  established  itself  upon    u 
Ithe  ruin  of  that  of  the  Natchez.     The  Oakmulge  Fields  was  the    nr 
m\  settlement  they  sat  down  upon,  after  their  einigratk>n  from 
jliie  west,  beyond   the   Mississippi,  their  original  native  country. 
[They  gradually  subdued  their  surrounding  enemies,  strengthening 
Ithemselves  by  taking  into  confederacy  the  vanquished  tribes.  Their    ,^t 
mole  number,  some  years  since,  was  17,280,  of  which,  6860   _> 
here  fighting  men.     Later  accounts  say  6000  fighting  men,  and 
|260OO  souls  in  all.     Every  town  and  village  has  one  established 
^hite  trader  in  it,  and  generally  a  family  of  whites,  who  have 
'fd  from  some  part  of  the  frontiers.     They  often,  to  have  re-  ^^^ 
l^enge,  and  to  obtain  plunder  that  may  be  taken,  use  their  influ-    ^  ., 
nee  to  send  out  predatory  parties  against  the  settlements  in  their 
pciuity.    The  Creeks  were  formerly  very  badly  armed,  having  a 


'|<1»', 


f 


M, 


;i 


&04 


SiXETCUES  OV 


11.  ■  ■  •■.' 


few  rifles,  but  mostly  trmed  with  muskets.    For  near  iifty  y»att 
past,  the  Creek  Indians  have  had  little  intercourse  with  any  other 
foreigners  but  those  of  the  English  nation.    Their  prejudice  in  fa. 
vour  of  every  thing  English  has  been  carefully  kept  alive.     Most 
of  their  towns  have  kept  in  their  possession  British  drums  with 
the  arms  of  the  nation   and  other  emblems  painted  on  them; 
and  some  of  their  squaws  preserve  the  remnants  of  British  flags. 
They  still  believe  that  "  the  great  king  over  the  water"  is  able 
to  keep  the  whole  world  in  tiubjection.    The  laud  of  thi:  country 
is  a  common  stock ;  any  individual  may  remove  from  one  part  of 
it  to  another,  and  occupy  vacant  ground  where   he  can  find  it. 
The  country  is  naturally  divided  into  three  districts,  viz.  the  Up. 
per  Creeks,  Low  r  and  Middle  Creeks,  and  Seminoles.      The  up- 
per district  includes  all  the  waters  of  the  Tallapoosa,  Coosahat- 
chee,  and  Alabama  rivers,  and  is  called  the    Abbacoes,    The 
lower  or  middle  district  includes  all  the  waters  of  the  Chattahoo 
see  and  Flint  rivers,  down  to  their  junction,  and  although  occu- 
pied by  a  great  number  of  different  tribes,  the  whole  are  called 
Oowi'taulgas,  or  Coweta  people,  from   the  Cowetan  town  and 
tribe,  the  most  warlike  and  ancient  of  any  in  the  whole  nation. 
The  lower  or  southern  district  takes  in  the  river  Apalachicola,  and 
extends  to  the  point  of  £.  Fbrida,  and  is  called  the  country  of 
the  Seminoles.     Agriculture  »  as  far  advanced  with  the  Indians, 
as  it  can  well  be,  without  the  proper  implements  of  husbandry.... 
A  very  large  majority  of  the  nation  being  devoted  to  hunting  in 
the  winter,  and  to  war  or  idleness  in  summer,  cultivate  but  small 
parcels  of  ground,  barely  sufficient  for  subsistence.     But  many 
individuals  (particularly  on  Flint  river,  and  among  the  Chehs.v<r}, 
who  possess  numbers  of  negroes)  have  fenced  fields,  tcierably 
well  cultivated;  having  no  ploughs,  they  break  up  the  ground 
with  hoes,  and  scatter  the  seed  promiscuously  over  the  ground, 
iii  hills  but  not   in  roivs.     They  raise  horses,  cattle,  fowli;  and 
hogs.     The  only  articles  they  manufacture  are  eartbern  pots  and 
pan?,  baskets,  horse-ropes  or  halters,  smoaked  leather,  black  mar- 
ble pipes,  wooden  spoons,  and  oil  fVom  acrons,  hickory  nuts  and 
cht'snuts.     They  consist  of  the   Appalachies,  Alabamies,  Abecai,  I 
Cawittaws,  Coosas,  Conshacks,  Coosactees,  Chacsihoomas,  Nat- 
chez, Oconies,  Oakmulgies,  Okohoys,  Pakanas,'Taer)sa8;,  Taila- 
pookas,  Weetumkas,  and  some  others.     Their  union  has  rendered 
ihenr  victorious  over  the  Chactaws,  and  formidable  to  all  the  na- 
tions around  them.     They  are  a  well  made,  expert,  hardy,  saga' 
cious,  politic  people,  extremely  jealous  of  their  rights,  and  averse  j 
to  patting  with  their  lands.      They  have  abundance  of  tame  cat 
tie  and  swine,  turkies,  ducks  and  other  poultry ;  they  cultivate  to- 1 
bacco,  rice,  Indian   corn,  potatoes,  beans,  peas,  cabbage,  melons,! 
and   have   plenty  of  peaches,  plums,  grapes,  strawberries,  andj 
other  fruit?.     They  are  faitlrful  friends,  but  ipveterate  euetriCv 


THE  WAR. 


t06 


lospitable  to  8tran&;er8,  and  honest  und  fair  iq  their  rieah'ng?. 
The  countr}'  which  they  claim  ix  bounded  northward  by  about 
the  34th  degree  of  latitude  ;  and  extends  from  the  Tombeckbve^ 
or  Mobile  river,  to  the  Atlantic  ocean,  though  they  have  ceded  a 
part  of  this  tract  on  the  sea  coa<it,  by  different  treaties,  to  the  state 
of  Georgia.  Their  principal  towns  lie  in  lat.  32  and  long.  11  20 
from  Philadelpha.  They  are  settled  in  a  hilly  but  not  mountain* 
«ug  country.  The  soil  ii  fruitful  in  a  high  degree,  and  well  wa- 
tered, abounding  in  creik.s  and  rivulets,  from  whence  they  are 
called  the  Creet /ndian^." 

In  addition  to  the  foregoing,  the  following  is  from  the  MS. 
lourual  of  an  intelligent  traveller : 

« Coosa  river,  and  its  many  branches,  form  the  western  line 
of  settlements  or  villages  of  the  Creeks,  but  their  huntirijr  grounds 
extend  200  miles  beyond,  to  the  Tombigbee,  which  is  iht?  di- 
viding line  between    their  country  and  that  of  the  Chactaw? 

The  smallest  of  their  towns  have  from  twenty  to  thirty  houses  in 
then,  and  some  of  theai  contain  from  150  to  200,  that  are  whol- 
\\  compact.  The  houses  stand  in  clustf-rs  of  four,  five,  .«ix,  eeven 
a.d  eight  together,  irregularly  distributed  up  and  down  the  banks 
of  the  rivers  or  i-mall  streams.  Each  cluster  of  houses  contain  a 
jia!),  or  family  of  relations,  who  eat  and  live  in  common.  Each 
toAii  has  a  public  square,  hot  house  and  yard  near  the  centre  of 
it,  appropriated  to  various  public  uses.  The  following  are  the 
names  of  ti>e  principal  towns  of  the  Upper  and  Lower  Cre-  ks, 
that  have  public  squares ;  beginning  at  tht  head  of  the  Coora  or 
Coosahatcha  river,  viz.  Upper  Ufatas,  Abbacoochees,  Natchez, 
CoojaSj  Oteetoocheenas,  Pine,  Catchas,  Pocuntullahases,  Weeo- 
kee8,  Little  Tailas«ie,  Tuskeegees,  Coosadas,  Alabamas,  Tawasas, 
Pawactas,  Autobas,  Auhoba,  Weelumpkees  Big,  Weelumpkees 
Little,  Wacac6}s,  Wecksny,  Ocliees.  The  following  towns  pre 
in  the  central,  inland  and  high  country,  between  the  Coosa  and 
Tallapoosa  rivers,  in  the  district  called  the  .Hitlabees,  viz.  Hilla- 
beet,  Killeegko,  Oakchoys,  Slak^gulgas,  and  Wacacoys.  On  the 
waters  of  the  Tallapoosa,  from  the  head  of  the  river  downward, 
the  following,  viz.  Tuckabatchee,  Tehassa,Totacaga,  New  Youka, 
Chnlancpauley,  Loguspogiis,  Oakfuskee,  Ufala  Little,  Ufala  Big, 
Sogahatches,  Tuokaabatchees,  Big  Tallassec,  or  half-way-house, 
Cle.vaieys,  Coosahatches,  Coolamies,  Shawanese  or  Savanas, 
Keiihulka,  and  Muckeleses.  The  towns  of  the  Lower  Creeks, 
brginning  on  the  head  waters  of  the  Chattahoosee,  and  so  on 
downwards,  are  Chelu  Ninny,  Chattahoosee,  Hohtatoga,  Cowetas, 
Cuasitas,  Chalagatscor,  Broken  Arrow,  Euchees  several,  Hitcha- 
teeg  several,  Palachuolo,  Chewackala.  Beside  *wenty  towns  and 
villages  of  the  Little  and  Big  Chehaus,  low  down  ort  Flint  and 

2  L 


fm 


ft. 


j, ,  -'  I" 


U06 


SKETCHES  nv 


i,:    ^ 


< 


I? 


.'  ■■% 


U    '. 


Chattaiiuoiiec  rivers.  From  their  roving  and  unsteady  niaiiiict  oi 
living,  it  is  inipostiible  to  determine  with  mucli  pn  ci.siun,  the  nutn. 
ber  of  Indians  that  compose  the  Creek  nation.  Gin.  ^]'Ulllivr^y 
estimates  the  number  of  gun  men  to  be  between  5  and  tiOOO,  i  y;. 
elusive  of  the  Seminoles,  who  are  of  little  or  no  account  in  w^r 
except  as  small  parties  of  marauders,  acting  independent  oi'  the 
general  interest  of  the  others.  The  whole  number  of  inclividuals 
may  be  about  25  oi  26000  souls."  ^    -^  . 

Of  the  manners  and  customs  of  the  Creeks,  in  addition  to  th: 
foregoing,  the  following  extract,  written  by  Benj.  Hawkins,  tit^. 
may  not  be  unamusing :  .    "  * 

«  There  is  a  practice  called  HoithlfikillissowaUt  (or  war  phypir,, 
whicii  is  described  in  the  lollowing  terms  ;.  ..When  young  intn 
arc  going  to  war,  they  go  into  the  "  hot  house"  of  the  town, 
This  is  called  T/i/wcco,  (or  the  rotunda.)  It  is  near  the  gnat  I 
square,  is  of  an  octagonp.l  shape,  30  iert  wide  and  12  Oet  high. 
In  the  middle,  on  a  i^niall  elevation,  Kre  is  kindled  It  iv  tl)e  as- 
sembly-room, where  the  men,  wi  men  and  children  gather  toge- 
ther every  evening  to  recn  ate  themselvi  s  with  singing,  aancing 
and  conversation;  and  in  it,  sonietime.s  in  ver)  cold  \\t  atht  r,  tue 
old  and  naked  sleep.  It  is  walled  and  clayed  up  on  the  out>!df,  I 
and  the  entrance  is  through  a  small  door.  In  the  hot  house  the 
warriors  remain  four  days.  They  drink  the  Micco  hoyotiijuv,ii)i 
the  possau,  and  they  eat  the  souwatchevf  a  very  bittei  root, 
which  has  the  power  of  intoxicating  or  maddening.  On  the 
fourth  day  they  conu-  out,  have  their  knapsack  r(  ady,  and  march, 
This  knapsack  is  an  old  blanket,  containing  some  parched  corn, 
flour,  and  leather  to  patch  moccasins.  They  carry  in  their  yhot- 
bags  a  charm,  like  Ohi,  a  protection  against  all  ills,  called  "  war- 
physic,"  composed  of  Chitto-Yabby  and  Istepeupau,  or  the  bones 
of  the  snake  and  of  the  lion. 

*'  The  tradition  of  this  physic  is,  that  in  old  times  th(;  lion  [u- 
tppaupru]  devoured  the  people.  The}  dug  a  pu,  and  caught  him 
in  it  just  as  he  had  killed  one  of  them.  They  covered  him  with 
light  wood  hnots,  and  burued  him,  but  preserved  his  bones.  The 
snake  was  in  the  water.  The  old  people  sang,  and  he  showed 
himself.  They  sang  again,  and  he  showed  himself  a  little  out  of 
the  water.  The  third  time  he  showed  his  horns,  and  they  cut  off 
one.  Again  he  showed  himself  a  fourth  time^  and  they  cut  uff 
the  oiiicr  horn. 

"  A  piece  of  these  horns,  and  thd;  bones  of  the  lioDj,  is  the  grtat 
tvar  phasic  of  the  Creeks." 


4 


THK  WAR. 


267 


CHAPTER  XX rn. 


II' 


iiavnl..»Lai-(^  Eric. .^.Battle  with   and  capture  of  thf  British 

fifet  ,...lntprf§Hnfr  anecdotes  of  the  batttle Biography  of 

Commodore  Herry, 

Previous  to  a  detail  of  the  aifaird  on  th«  ocean  in  1813,  we 
iitnli  ikotice  8uch  event*  as  fran»(Mred  on  the  respective  lakes  dur- 
m^  that  year,  an  t>^in^  more  immediately  connected  with  the  ope- 
,Mtiiii>s  of  the  land  forces. 

Towaid?  the  jatter  end  of  Msirch,  Csipt.  P^rry  arrived  at  the 
|,;)rt  of  Erie,  to  talte  command  of  the  fleet  there  fitting  out.  The 
Anerican  force  at  that  time  on  the  lake  consiisted  but  of  several 
-mall  vessels;  two  of  the  best  of  which  had  recently  been  cap- 
tared  from  the  enemy  in  a  8;allant  style  by  Capt.  Elliot,  from  un- 
dir  the  very  batteries  of  fort  Erie.  The  British  force  was  greatly 
tuperior,  and  commanded  by  Commodore  Barclay,  an  able  and 
well-tried  officer.  Commodore  Perry  immediately  applied  him- 
lelf  to  increase  his  armament,  and  having  ship  canictuers  from 
th»'  Atlantic  coast,  and  using  extraordinary  exertions,  iwo  brigs  of 
2()i;uns  each  were  soon  launched  at  Erie,  the  American  port  on 
I  \k  lake. 

While  the  vessels  were  constructing,  the  British  squadron  ho- 
Iwed  off  the  harbour,  but  offered  no  molestaticii.  At  '.^ngth, 
hit  vestsel!*  being  equipped  and  manned,  on  tlie  4th  of  August, 
Commodore  Perry  succeeded  in  getting  his  squadron  over  the  bar 
at  the  (Ti^uth  of  the  harbour.  The  water  ou  the  bar  was  but  five 
frrt  deep,  and  the  large  vessels  had  tc  be  buoyed  over  :  this  wa« 
accomplished  in  the  face  of  the  Britiv:'!.  who  fortunately  did  not 
thiuk  proper  to  make  an  attack.  Th  ne.<\  Hfv  tie  fsiled  m  pur- 
niit  of  the  enemy,  but  returned  on  ie  8th,  ^>  ithout  having  en- 
countered him.  Being  reinforcd  'k  *»he  arr '  >i  oJ  the  brave  El- 
lint,  accompanied  by  several  o-i3iis  and  89  -tailor?,  he  was  ena- 
bled completely  to  man  his  aqun  ;irrn>  and  agaiu  "^t  sail  on  the 
I2th,  in  quest  of  the  enemy.  Gn  xw  15th  he  arrved  at  San- 
dtwky  Ba^,  where  the  American  -.  f»iy,  undtr  Gen.  Harrison,  lay 
tncamped.     From  thence  he  cruwed  off  Maiden,  where  the   Bri- 

tiih  .-^quadron  remained  at  anchor,  rnder  the  guns   of  the  fort 

The  appearance  of  Perry's  j<quadron  spread  great  alarm  on 
jliore ;  the  women  and  children  ran  shrieki»g  about  the  place, 
oxpeciing  un  immediate  attack.  T'le  Indiai  ^^,  wl  are  told,  looked 
oil  *vith  dfitonishment,  and  urged  the  British  to  fjo  out  and  fight. 
Finding  the  enemy  not  diHpo««4t  to  vewtMre  a  t»*  ti^'p,  C«sr>nDO(i«re 

"'Try  r"tMrne*t  to  ;saHdM»tkv. 


•  :■  ^H: 


:i 


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..jysii«* 


91 

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P;  ■' 

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^ibTCiiki;  o« 


Mothwig  of  momeut  happened  until  the  morninj^  of  the  loth  oi 
S«^ptember.  The  Americai)  squadron  were,  at  that  tinif,  l}inj?a; 
anchor  in  Put-in  Bay,  and  consisted  of  brigs  La-wrence,  Commo 
d  re  Porry,  20  guns  ;  Niagara,  Capt.  Elliot,  20  do.;  Caledonia 
Purser  M»Grath,  3  do. ;  schooners  ^-^riel,  Lieut.  Packet,  4  do  • 
Scorpion,  Sailing  Master  Champlin,  2  do. ;  Somcr.s,  Almy,.  2  do! 
ai]d  2  swivels ;  Tigress,  Lieut.  Conklin,  1  do. ;  Porcupine,  Mij. 
shipmnn  G.  Seuat,  1  do.;  sloop  Trippe,  Liiut.  Smith,  1  do;  jq 
all  54  guns. 

At  sunrise  they  discovered  the  enemy,  and  immediately  got  un- 
der way  and  stood  for  him  with  a  light  wind  at  southwest.  The 
British  force  consisted  of  ship  Detroit,  i9  guns,  1  on  pirot,  and 2 
hovvifzers;  Queen  Charlotte,  17  do.  I  on  pivot;  schooner  Lady 
Prevost,  Id  do.  1  on  piv-t ;  brig  Hunter,  10  do. ;  sloop  Little 
Betr,  3  do;  sctiuoner  Chippeway,  1  do.  2  swivels;  in  all  03 
guns. 

At  10  A.  M.  the  wind  haled  to  the  southeast  ?.nd  brought  our 
squadron  to  windward.  Commodore  Perry  then  hoisted  his  iinion 
j»(  k,  having  for  a  motto,  the  dying  words  of  the  valiant  Law- 
rence, "  Don't  give  up  the  ship!"  It  was  received  with  repeatfd 
choc  rings  by  the  officers  and  crews.  And  now  having  fcrmvd 
hi«  line  he  bore  for  the  enemy  ;  who  likewise  cleared  for  action, 
and  haled  up  his  courses.  It  is  deeply  interesting  to  picture  t» 
ourielves  the  advances  of  these  gallant  and  well-matched  squad- 
rons to  a  contest,  wh«  re  the  strife  must  be  obstinate  and  «an 
giiinary,  aud  the  event  decisive  of  the  fate  of  almost  an  em- 
pire. 

The  lii^htness  of  the  wind  occasioned  them  to  approach  each 
other  but   slowly,  aud   prolonged    the  awful  interval  of  suspeote 
and  anxiety  tliar  precedes  a  battle.     Thio  is  the  time  when  the 
stoute.«t  heait  beats  quick, "and  the  boldest  holds  his  breath;" it 
if  the  still  moment  of  direful  expectation  ;  of  fearful  looking  out 
for  slaughter  and  drstruction  ;  when  even  the  glow  of  pride  and 
ambition  is  chilled  fur  a  while,  and  nature  shudders  at  the  awful 
jeopardy  of  existence.     The  very  order  and  regularity  of  naval 
discipline  heijj^hteti  the  dreadful  quiet  of  the  momeut.     No  bu»t 
no  noise   prevails  to   distract   the  mind,  except   at  intervals,  the 
shrill  piping  of  the  boatswain's  whistle,  or  a  murmuring  whifiper 
among  the   men,  who,  grouped   around  their  guns,  earnestly  re- 
gard the  moveme-jts  of  the  foe,  now  and   then  stealing  a  wi.xtfu) 
glance  at  the  countenances  of  their  commanders,     in  this  maii- 
Der  did  the  hostile  squadrons  approach  each  other,  in  mute  watch- 
fulness aud  terrible  tranquility  ;  when  suddenly  a  bugle  was  sound- 
ed from  on  board  the  enemy's  ship  Detroit,  and  loud  huzzas'  im- 
mediately burst  fortii  from  all  their  crews. 

No  sooner  did  the  Lawrence  come  within  reach  of  the  cnemv'i 
i^nnr  ijuns,  than  they  opened  a  heavy  tire  upon  her,  which,  from. 


mn  WAA« 


2tf9 


Is ;  in  all  03 


\ta  »hoituci8  ot*  her  f^uns,  she  was  -unable  to  returu.  Commo- 
dore Perry,  without  waiting  for  his  schooners,  kept  on  his  course 
iu  such  gallant  and  determined  style  that  the  enemy  supposed  it 
was  his  intention  to  board.  In  a  lew  minutes,  having  gained  a 
nearer  position,  he  opened  his  fire.  The  length  of  the  enemietP 
guns,  however,  gave  them  vastly  the  advantage,  and  the  Law- 
rence was  excessively  cut  up  without  being  able  to  do  any  great 
dimage  in  return.  Their  shot  pierced  her  sides  in  all  derectioos, 
killing  our  men  on  the  birth  deck  and  in  the  steerage,  where  they 
had  been  taken  down  to  be  dressed.  One  sliot  had  nearly  produ- 
efd  a  fatal  ex^iuNion  ;  passing  through  the  light  room  it  knocked 
the  snuff  of  the  caudle  into  the  magazine  ;  fortunately  the  gun- 
ner happened  to  see  it,  and  had  the  presence  of  mind  to  extin- 
guish  it  immediately  with  his  hand. 

ludeed,  it  seemed  to  be  the  enemy's  plan  to  de^.troy  the  com- 
nodore's  ship,  and  thus  throw  the  squadron  into  confusion.  For 
this  purpose  tneir  heaviest  fire  was  directed  at  the  Lawrence,  and 
kidztd  incessantly  upon  it  from  their  largest  vessels.  Finding  the 
hazard  of  his  situation.  Perry  made  sail,  and  directed  the  other 
vessels  to  follow  for  the  purpose  of  closing  with  the  foe.  Tiie 
tremendous  fire,  how^-ver,  to  which  he  was  exposed,  soon  cut 
sway  every  brace  and  bowline^  and  the  Lawrence  became  ua 
manageable.  ,  „ 

£ven  in  this  disastrous  plight,  she  sustained  the  action  for  up- 
wards  of  two  hours,  within  canister  distance,  though  for  a  great 
part  of  the  time  he  could  not  get  more  than  three  guns  to  bear 
upon  her  antagonists.  It  was  admirable  to  behold  the  perfect  or- 
der and  regularity  that  prevailed  among  her  valiant  and  devoted 
crew,  thioughout  this  scone  of  horror.  No  tripidation,  no  cow- 
iufion  occurred,  even  for  ai)  instant ;  as  fast  as  the  men  wero 
wounded  they  were  carried  below  and  others  stept  into  their  pla 

ces;  the   dead  remuinrd  where  they  ffll  until  after  the  action 

At  this  juncture  the  fortune  of  the  battle  trembled  on  a  point,  and 
{he  < Derny  believed  the  day  thei»  own.  The  Lawrence  was  re- 
duced to  a  mere  wrtck;  her  decks  were  strtaming  with  bloody 
and  covered  with  m;<njjled  Jiiiiba  and  the  bodies  of  the  slain  i 
nearly  the  whole  of  her  crew  was  either  killed  or  wounded;  her 
guns  were  dismounted,  and  the  commodore  and  his  ollicers  help- 
ed to  Work  the  last  that  was  capable  of  service. 

Amidst  all  this  peril  and  disaster,  the  y  >uthful  commander  is 
iaid  to  iiave  remained  perfectly  composed,  maintaining  u  serene 
and  cheerful  countenance,  uttering  no  paf.sionate  or  agitated  ex- 
pression, giving  out  hi.s  orders  with  calmness  and  deliberation, 
aud  inspiriting  every  one  around  him  by  his  magnanimous  de- 
meanour. 

At  this  crisis,  finding  the  Lawrence  was  incapable  of  further 
tfltvicc,  and  seeing   the   hazardons   sittiatioii  of  tnc  conflict,  htr 


■M    ^^ 


'y% 


270 


jaih'rcHKs  o» 


-i 

'  <-t'' 

'^iH 

m 

f 

formed  ihe  lioiu  rcSoiuiion  of  shifting  his  Hag.     Giving  the  sinp 
therefore,  in  chargr    to   Lieut.  Varnall,  who   had    nlread}  dLstin- 
guUhed  hin)Krlt  by  his  bravery,  hf  hnled  down  his  union,  bearing 
the  motto  of  Lawrence,  and  taking  it  under   his  arm,  ordered  to 
be  put  on  board  of  the  Niaj^ara,  which  was  then  in  close  engage- 
ment.    In  leaving  the  Lawrence  he  gave  his  pilot   choice  eitiier 
to  remain  on  board,  or  accompany  him ;  the  faithful  lellow  told 
him   "  he'd  stick   by  him  to  the  last,"  and  jumped  into  the  boat. 
He  went  off  from  the  sMp  in  his  uxual  gallant  manner,  standing 
up  in  the  stern  of  the  boat,  until  tlie  crew  absolutely  pulled  him 
down  among  them.     Broadsidt  s  were  levelled  at  him,  and  annH 
arms  discharged  by  the  enemy,  two  of  whose  vessels  were  with 
in  musket  shot,  and  a  third  one  nearer.     His  brave  shipmates  who 
remained  behind,  stood  watching  him,  in  bf^-athlcss  anxiety ;  the 
balls  struck  a»nund  him  and  flew  over  his  head  in  every  direction; 
but  the  same  special  providince  that  seems  to  have  watched  over 
the  youthful  hero  throughout  this  desperate  battle,  conducted  hitn 
safely  through  a  shower  of  shot,  and  they  beheld  with  transport 
his  inspiring   flag  hoisted  at  the  mast  head  of  the  Niagara.     No 
sooner  was  he  on  bo'ird,  than  Capt.   Elliot  volunteered  to  put  off 
in  a  boat  and  brin^i;   into  action  the   schooners   which   had  bt(n 
kept  astern   by  the   lightne^j:  of  the  wind  ;  the  gallant  offer  war 
accepted,  and  Elliot  left  the  Niagara  to  put  it  in  execution. 

About  this  time  the  commodore  saw,  with  infinite  regret,  the 
flag  ol  the  Lawrence  conie  down.  The  event  was  unavoidable ; 
she  hf*.!  sustained  :iie  whole  fury  of  the  enemy,  and  wr^  render- 
ed ir-.capable  o'i  defejicc  ;  any  further  ?how  of  resistance  would 
but  have  been  most  uselessly  and  cuelly  to  have  provoked  car- 
nage among  the  relics  of  her  brave  and  mangled  crew.  The 
enemy,  however,  were  Jiot  able  to  take  possession  of  her,  aiid 
subsequent  circumytances  enabled  her  again  to  hoist  her  flag. 

Commodore  Perry  now  made  signal  for  close  action,  and  the 
small  vessels  got  out  their  sweeps  and  made  all  sail.  Finding 
that  the  Niagara  was  but  little  injured,  he  determined,  it  possi- 
ble, to  break  the  enemy's  line.  He  accordingly  bore  up  and  pass 
ed  aliead  of  the  two  ships  and  l>rig,  giving  them  a  raking  fire 
from  his  starboard  gui.s,  and  also  to  a  large  schooner  and  sloop 
from  his  larboard  side  at  half  pistol  shot.  Having  passed  the 
whole  squndror,  he  luffed  up  and  laid  his  ship  along  side  the  Bri 
tiph  commodore.  The  smaller  vessels  under  the  direction  of  Capt 
Eiii'.ot,  liaving,  in  the  mean  time,  got  within  grape  and  cannisttr 
distance,  x\v.'  keeping  up  a  well-directed  fire,  the  whole  of  the 
enemy  .'Struck  cxcopting  two  small  vessels  which  attempted  toe? 
cape,  hut  were  taken. 

The  engagement  lasted  about  three  hours,  and  never  was  vie 
tory  more  docitivc  and  complete.     The  c;iptutod  .squadron,  as  liaj 
^nn  "I'own,  «'\-cocded  otirs   in  weight  of  metal  and   number  o' 


TUK   WAU. 


271 


i«  the  sliip, 
fHd}  dLsiin. 
ion,  bearing 
,  ordered  to 
ose  engage- 
hoice  eitiier 
fellow  told 
ito  the  boat, 
er,  standing 
y  pulled  him 
n,  uiid  8ITHI1 
1  were  witli 
ip mates  who 
inxiety ;  the 
\y  direction; 
atched  over 
nducted  him 
ith  transport 
iagara.     No 
cd  to  put  off 
h   had  bicn 
knt  offer  war 
cution. 
?  regret,  the 
inavoidablc ; 
wr*  render- 
ancc  would 
(evoked   car- 
crew.     The 
of  licr,  and 
er  flag. 
Ion,  and  the 
III.     Finding 
led,  it  possi- 
I  up  and  pass 
raking  fire 
and   sluop 
passed  the 
lide  the  Bri 
ion  of  Capt 
pel  cannisltr 
lliole  of  the 
mpttd  to  e} 

|cr  was  vie 
Iron,  as  has 
number  o' 


/uas.  Their  crews  were  also  more  numerous ;  ours  were  a  mot- 
ley collection,  where  there  were  some  good  seamen,  but  eked  out 
with  soldiers,  volunteers  and  bo^8,and  many  were  on  the  sick  list. 
More  prisoners  were  taken  than  we  had  men  to  guard.  ^\e  lost 
on  both  sides  was  severe.     Scarcely  any  ol  the  Lawre.  rew 

escaped  unhurt.     Amor^g  those  slain  was  Lieut.  Brooks  ot  the  ma* 
rinei,  a  gay  and  elegant .  young  ullicer,  full  of  spirit,  of  amiable 
manners,  and  remarkable  for  his  personal  beauty.     Lieut.  Yarnali, 
tbuuj(h  repeatedly  wounded,  refused  to  quit  the  deck  during   the 
whole  of  the  action.     Commodore   Perry,  notwithxtanding   that 
he  was  continually  in  the  most  exposed  situations  of  the  battle,  es- 
caped uninjured  ;  he  wore  an  orclinnr)  sea man'ti  dress,  which,  per- 
haps, prevented  hjni  from  being   picked  off  by  the  enemy's  sharp 
shooters.     He  had  a  youne;er  broth*  r  with  him  on  board  the  Law- 
rence, as  midshipman,  who  was  equally  fortunate  in  receiving  no 
injury,  though  his  shipmates   fell   all   round   him.     Two   Indian 
chiefs  had  been  ^jtationed  in  the  lops   »f  the  Detroit,  to  shoot  down 
our  orticers,  but  when  the  action  became  warm,  so  panic  struck 
were  they  with  the  terrors  of  the   scene,  and  the   strange  perils 
thit  surrounded  them,  that    they  fled   precipitately  to   the  hold  of 
tlie  ship,  uh«re  they  were  found   after  the  brittle  in  a  state  of  ut- 
trr  con.<ternation.     The  bodies  of  sev«  ral   other  Indians  are  said 
:o  have  been  found  tin*  next  day  on   the  shares  ot  the   lake,  sup- 
posed to  have  been  slain  during  the  cngngement  and  thrown  over' 
board. 

The  loss  of  the  British,  in  hilled  and  wounded,  is  estimated  at 
160,  «nd  that  of  the  Americans  at  1?3.  Onboard  the  British 
tliet,  the  captain  and  first  lieutenant  of  the  Queen  Charlotte 
were  killed.  Com.  Barclay,  of  the  Lady  Prevost,  was  severely 
wounded  and  lost  his  hand.  He,  however,  did  himself  honour  by 
ibf  brave  and  obstinate  resi.^tance  which  he  made.  He  is  a  fine 
looking  oAicer,  of  about  36  years  of  age.  He  has  seen  much 
service,  having  been  desperately  wounded  in  the  battle  of  Trafal- 
gar, and  afterwards  losing  an  arm  in  another  engagement  with 
the  Freuch.  In  the  present  battle  he  was  twice  carried  below, 
on  account  of  his  wounds,  and  had  the  misfortune  to  have  bis  re* 
maioing  hand  shot  jway.  While  belo«v  the  second  time,  his  of- 
ficer came  down  and  told  him  that  they  must  strike,  as  the  ships 
were  cut  to  pieces,  and  the  men  could  not  be  kept  to  their  gun?. 
Com.  Barclay  vvas  then  carried  on  deck,  and  after  taking  a  view 
of  their  situation,  and  finding  all  chance  of  success  was  over,  re- 
luctantly gave  orders  to  strike. 

Interesting  anecdotes  of  the  battle  an  lake  S^rie.....It  is  a  trite 
remark,  that  general  descriptions  of  battles  present  no  images  t« 
the  mind.  We  read  with  little  emotion  of  broadsides  discharged, 
%«  cut  to  pieces^  and  number^  kiUvd  and  wounded  ;  hut  when 


mm. 


.  '^ 


>1 


i 


.  m 


z^ 


HKETCHEiJ  OV 


1  i 


It:   Si     J 


particulflri  ate  given  us,  when  (he  imminent  risks,  9r  pWetut  in 
asters  of  individiials  are  detailed,  we  fancy  ourselves  in  their  si- 
tuation, and  in  a  manner  mingle  personally  in  the  conflict.  Iq 
addition  to  the  account  before  given  of  the  engagement  on  lakr 
Erie,  several  circumstances  have  reached  us,  which  give  a  moro 
vivid  idea  of  the  nature  of  the  fight,  and  ehov^  the  incessant  and 
thickening  perils  with  which  the  gallant  Perry  was  surrounded. 

It  was  his  lot  repeatedly  to  see  men  swept  away  from  his  side- 
some  even  while  conversing  with  him.  One  of  these  insiancci 
displays  the  coolness  and  presence  of  mind  that  prevailed  amoiii 
the  officers,  and  indeed  throughout  the  «<hip,  ciiMblnii;  them  even 
to  jest  with  present  dangers.  The  second  lieutenant  of  the  Law- 
rence, while  standing  beside  Commodore  Perry,  was  rtruck  ii 
the  breast  by  a  chain  shot.  The  shot  having  passed  througii  the 
bulwark,  had  no  other  effect  than  to  knock  him  down,  and  Iddge 
in  the  bosom  of  his  waistcoat.     He  All  with  an  exclriination^aiid 

remained  for  a  moment  stunned   by  the  violence  of  the  blow 

Perry  raised  him  up,  and  seeing  no  marks  of  a  wound,  gave  him 
some  cheering  words,  and  told  him  he  could  not  be  hurt.  The 
lieutenant  coming  to  himself,  put  his  hand  into  his  bosom,  pulkd 
out  the  shot  and  exclaiming,  **  No,  no,  but  this  is  my  shot,'*  thrust 
it,  with  great  sang  froid,  into  his  pocket. 

In  the  course  of  the  action  Perry  noticed  a  prime  and  favorite 
sailor,  who  was  captain  of  one  of  the  guns,  very  much  embarraii. 
ed  with  his  piece,  which  in  coniequence  of  the  firelock  being 
broken  was  rather  unmanageable  and  rebounded.  Perry  ap- 
proached him,  and  in  his  usual  encouraging  manner,  asked  him 
what  was  the  matter.  The  honest  tar,  who  had  been  showing 
signs  of  infinite  vexation,  turned  round,  and  as  if  speaking  of  a 
mistress,  exclaimed  reproachfully,  "sir,  my  gun  behaves  shame- 
fully— ahamefully  !"  He  then  levelled,  and  having  taken  aim,  rais- 
ed up  and  squared  himself  in  a  fine  martial  style,  when  suddenly 
a  cannon  ball  struck  him  in  the  breast,  passed  through  him,  and 
he  fell  dead  without  a  groan  ! 

Lieutenant  Yarnail,  of  the  Lawrence,  behavbd  throughout  with 
great  bravery  and  coolness.  He  was  dressed  as  a  common  sea- 
man, a  red  bandana  handherchief  was  tied  round  his  neck,  and 
another  round  his  head,  to  stanch  two  wounds  which  he  had  re- 
ceived. From  these  the  blood  trickled  down  his  face,  and  a  splin- 
ter having  passed  through  his  nose  it  had  swelled  to  a  hideous 
magnitude.  In  this  frightful  plight,  looking  like  the  very  genius 
of  carnage  and  ill  luck,  he  came  up  to  Perry,  in  the  hottest  and 
bloodiest  of  the  fight,  and  announced  to  him  that  all  the  officers  of 
his  division  werr-  killed.  Perry  ordered  others  in  their  place. 
Shortly  aftor,  Y.irnalt  relu  Tied  with  a  repetition  of  the  dismal  ti- 
dings that  an  thf  rflRrrrt  wern  shot  down  ?    Then  sir,  said  Pert}^ 


THE   WAIU 


873 


( 


Wi 


,ou  must  endeavor  to  make  out  by  yourself,  I  have  no  more  to 
fuinisli  you. 

Oii«  circumstance  which  Pt-rry  relates,  destrves  particular  nieu- 
tioti.  It  has  in  it  tJomething  of  sentiment  timt  is  ab-jve  cocmnun 
life,  and  absolutely  bjfjongs  to  potiry.  Wlien  in  the  sweeping 
havoc  that  was  sometimes  made,  a  number  of  men  were  sliot 
away  from  around  a  gun,  th"  survivo.s  looked  silmtly  round  to 
P/'rry.... and  then  stepped  into  their  places.  Whenever  he  hoked 
at  the  poor  fellows  that  lay  wouniud  and  weltering  on  tin*  derk, 
he  always  found  th'ir  faces  turned  towards  him,  and  their  ryes 
fixed  on  his  count  nance.  It  is  itnposMble  for  words  to  ht-ighten 
the  simple  and  HUVctinp;  elocjinnce  of  this  anecdote.  It  rpeuks 
volumes  in  praise  of  the  heroism  of  the  coninuinder,  and  the  loyal 
affection  of  his  fullowt-rs. 

When  Perry  went  off  from  the  Lawrence  to  sh'ft  his  flag  to 
the  Niagara,  he  stood  up  in  the  boat  galianlly  waving  his  sword, 
and  was  heard  cheeringly  to  exclaim,  *pult  nxvay  my  brave  boys!* 
Sj  earnest  was  he,  that  though  tin  balls  whistled  around  him,  he 
could  scarcely  be  made  to  take  a  seat,  and  au  old  »a<lor,  who  had 
been  in  both  battles  of  the  Constitiiti  n,  absjlutel\  held  him  down. 

Just  after  he  had  got  ot\  bonid  Vv  Niagara,  and  was  on  the 
quarter  deck,  a  j-ailor  who  cominimdtd  one  of  the  guns,  seeing 
all  his  men  shot  down,  turned  with  tagtrnt  ss  to  Perry,  and  lay- 
ing both  hands  upon  his  shoulders,  extiaimid,  *  for  God's  saki  ,sir, 
gii/e  me  some  more  men  !'  Such  v\;is  the  vivid  animation  tliit  pre- 
vailed among  all  ranks,  they  had  lost  nil  sense  ofptrsonal  danger, 
and  thought  of  nothing  but  vict  >ry. 

When  the  Niagara  dashed  thnnigh  the  enemy's  line,  as  she 
passed  the  Lady  Prcvost,  Lieutminit  Buchan,  the  omnnnder  of 
that  vessel,  was  shot  through  tUe  lace  b}  a  mu«ket  ball..  .The  ves- 
jeU  were  then  within  half  pstol  shot  so  that  every  tiling  could  be 
jeen  distinctly  from  one  f)  the  other.  Tne  crew  of  the  Lady 
Prcvost,  unable  in  their  cripplid  state  to  stand  thf  fire  of  the  Nia- 
gara, ran  below  ;  but  th»  ir  unfortunate  commander  remained  on 
deck,  and  Perry  saw  him  leaning  on  the  companion  way,  with 
his  face  on  his  hand,  looking  xvith  tixeJ  stare  at  his  enemies.  Per- 
ry immediately  silenct  d  the  marines  on  the  qu;iiter  deck,  Hud 
running  forward  ordered  the  ni'  ii  to  ctast  fiiin«{.  He  afterwards 
learnt  that  the  strange  conduct  of  Lieutt  naut  Uuchan  was  owmg 
to  sudden  derangement,  caused  by  his  wvjuiid.  He  was  a  brave 
jfliccr,  and  had  distinguished  himself  in  the  battle  of  the  Nile. 
While  Perry  was  engaged  at  close  quarters  iu  t'lC  Niagara, 
Lieutenant  Turner,  a  tine  brave  young  !-ailor,  who  co.ninanded 
the  brig  Caledonia  of  three  guns,  spreading  every  sail,  endeavor- 
ed to  get  into  the  action.  His  foresail  interfered  between  him 
and  the  enemy,  but  ratiier  than  t.^ke  in  an  uich  of  canvass,  he 
sri'^red  his  mm  tn  fire  through  it.     Seeing  th»^  «»'#tum')(loic  enga- 

•2  M 


y.m 


"'      :     ".   i 


?'ll|l 


>S 


..»»' 


V  M 


274 


SKETCHES  Of 


ged  in  the  thickcRl  of  the  tiglit,  he  propose 'I  to  tlif  connnandor  oi 
aiiotlier  nmall  vr*  vl,  to  board  the  Dt-ttoit  ;  the  other  hov\tvtr 
pru<l«  ntly  decliniO  tho  'ash,  hut  galluiii  proposal. 

It  lias  hPt'ii  mentioned  that  two  Indians  were  on  board  the  Dt 
troit,  stationed  in  the  topx,  to  pick  oft' our  ollicir«  with  their  riflij. 
No  80(<n«r  however  did  the  ship«  come  into  close  HCtioii,  than  tliey 
were  dismayed  by  this  new  and  trcnu  jidous  bpecies  ol  buttle,  and 
slunk  into  the  hold.  When  the  chip  was  taken  they  nnticipaud 
cruel  treatment,  if  their  ftation  was  discovered,  and  •'borrowtd 
«Bilor8  clothes  that  th*f\  might  pafs  fur  KngliMimen.  Thu«  disguij. 
ed,  they  lay  in  chm-  ''onct aline  it  fv)r  two  c'ay?,  when  word  wai 
brought  to  commodore  Perry,  tli.it  two  Indians  were  concealed 
below  who  had  not  taatt  d  food  for  eight  and  forty  hours.  He  hiid 
them  brought  up  on  deck,  v\here  tht  y  made  a  most  uncouth  and 
ludicrous  appearance,  with  their  borrowed  garments  bigfi[ing 
about  thf  m  They  expected  nothing  less  than  to  be  butchered  and 
scalped;  but  notwithstanding,  preserved  the  most  taciturn  inf)»x- 
ibility  of  muscle.  Perry  however  after  putting  a  few  good  hu- 
mored questions  to  them,  ordered  them  to  bt  taken  aw  a)  and 
fed;  a  degree  of  lenity  which  seemed  to  strike  them  with  more 
8ui  prise  than  their  stoic  natures  are  apt  to  evince. 

The  only  time  that  the  coolness  and  sell  command  of  Perry  ex- 
perienced any  thing  of  a  shock,  was  on  seeing  his  young  bn  ther 
knocked  down  by  a  hammock,  which  had  been  driven  in  by  a 
ball.  In  the  momentary  agony  of  mind  he  gave  him  lip  as  slain, 
but  had  the  delight  to  see  him  rise  up  perfectly  unhurt. 

We  shall  close  these  few  particulars  of  this  gallant  and  roman* 
tic  affair,  with  the  affecting  fate  of  Lieutenant  Brookes  of  the 
jPiirines.  H  present*  an  awful  picture  of  the  scenes  which  the 
vanior  witnesses  in  battle....his  favorite  companions  suddenly  cut 
dryxn  before  his  eyes... .those  dreadful  transitions  from  the  flush  of 
health  and  the  vivacity  of  youth,  to  the  ghastliness  of  agonizing 
death.. ..from  the  cheering  and  the  smile,  to  the  shriek  and  the 
convulsion.  " 

Brookes  was  a  gay,  animated  young  officer,  remarkable  for 
h's  p'  rsonal  bj^auty.  In  the  midst  of  the  engagement  he  accosted 
Perry  in  a  spirit*  d  tone  with  a  smile  on  his  countenance,  and  wai 
making  s«ime  observations  about  the  enemy,  when  a  cannon  ball 
striiek  tum  in  the  thigh,  and  dashed  him  to  the  opposite  side  of 
ihe  deck.  The  blow  shattered  him  dreadfully,  and  the  sudden 
aneuish,  forced  from  him  the  most  thrilling  exclamations.  He 
implored  P(  r»y  to  shoot  him  and  put  an  end  to  his  torture....the 
latter  directed  some  of  the  mariners  to  carry  him  below  and  con- 
sign him  to  the  surgeon.  The  scene  was  rendered  more  affect- 
ing, by  the  conduct  of  a  little  mulatto  boy  of  twtlve  years  of  age, 
a  favorite  of  Brooke.*. ...He  carried  cartridges  to  one  of  the  guns, 
but  on  scehig  his  matter  fallj  he  threw  bimself  upou  the  deck. 


■:  ■  ii 


THE  WAR. 


275 


■i  nS 


With  the  mofit  frantic  gesticulations  and  piercing  cries,  exclaiming 
tiiat  his  miiMter  was  killed  ;  nor  could  he  be  uppia^t  d  until  orotis 
wi'D  given  to  t  iko  him  below  ;  when  he  inunediately  returutd 
to  cairvmg  ca'tridges. 

Mr.  Hanilton,  the  pur:>er,  who  had  worked  at  a  gun  like  « 
sonmon  sailor,  being  woiuidid,  w.m  cairicd  below  and  iHid  on 
the  oame  mrftrHSs,  with  Bi  cites.  The  wound  of  the  latter  wai 
jt;<nched,  and  he  lay  coinposid,  calmly  awaitui^  his  approitclniig 
diuth.  Hamilton  obmrves,  ihat  he  n^-ver  looked  so  perfectly 
beHUtiful  as  at  this  moment,  when  the  anc;iiiiih  of  his  wound  had 
impart)  d  a  feverish  fluKh  over  his  usually  blooniing  countenance. 
He  -tsked  with  great  solicitude  after  Perry,  andr  hosv  the  battle 
went.  He  gHve  a  fi'W  directions  about  his  own  aiTairs,  and 
while  his  voice  was  growing  weaker  and  wi-aker,  recommended 
his  little  mulatto  to  kindness  aiiJ  protection,  directing  iuto  \>  hni'c« 
huudi*  he  «houid  be  piaoed.  While  he  was  yet  talking^  il<tm  l> 
ton's  attention  wii-  suddenly  attracted  by  some  circumstance 
which  occasioned  '  to  look  anotlu  r  way  for  a  moment  ;  the 
voice  of  his  coni^  ,11011  died  away  upon  his  ear,  and  when  he 
turned  his  I'lce  again,  poor  Brookes  had  expired. 

Biography  of  Commodore  Perry Olivkr  Hazard  Ph-RRY 

utile  eldest  son  if  Christopher  Raymond  P«  rry,  E^q  of  the  U. 
Sti>'8'  navv.  H''  wh»  bom  at  N'wport,  (l\.  1.)  in  August,  1785, 
an  I  t)i  illy  early  destined  for  the  navy,  he  entered  the  service  in 
17  )S,  as  inidiihipman,  o  ;  board  the  sloop  of  war  Ueiieral  Gieen, 
t'ltn  commanded  by  his  fathtr.  When  that  ship  went  out  of 
commission  he  was  transferred  to  a  squadron  destined  to  the  Me- 
diterranean, where  he  st'rved  during  tl»e  Tripolitan  war.  His  ex- 
treme youth  prevented  his  having  an  opportunity  of  distinguishing 
hinself;  but  the  faithfulness  and  intelligence  with  which  he  dis- 
charged the  duties  of  his  station,  recommended  him  greatly  to 
the  favour  of  his  superior  officers ;  while  his  private  virtues,  and 
the  manly  dignity  of  his  deportment,  commanded  the  fiiendship 
and  respect  of  his  associates. 

On  returning  from  the  Mediterranean  he  conthmed  seduously 
attentive  to  his  profession,  and  though  the  reduction  of  the  navy, 
and  the  neglect  iuto  which  it  fell  during  an  interval  oi  peacf ,  dis- 
heartened many  of  the  otlicers,  and  occasioned  several  to  resi^^n, 
yet  he  determined  to  adhere  to  its  fortunes,  confident  that  it  must 
at  some  future  period  rise  to  importance.  It  would  be  little  inte* 
resting  to  enumerate  the  different  vessels  in  which  he  served,  or 
to  trace  his  advances  through  the  regular  grades.  In  1810,  we 
find  he  was  ordered  to  the  U.  S.  schooner  Revenge,  as  lieutenant 
commandant.  This  vessel  was  attached  to  the  squadron  of  Com- 
modore Rodgcrs,  at  Newlondon,  and  employed  in  cruising  iu  the 
Sound,  to  enforce  the  embargo  act.     In  the  following  spring  he 


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SKETCHES  OF 


bad  the  misfortune  to  lose  the  Revenge  on  Wafch  Hill  Reef,  of». 
posite  Stoney  Town.  He  had  sailed  from  Newport,  late  in  the 
evening,  for  Newlondon,  with  an  «asterly  wind,  accoonppnitd  by 
a  fog.  In  the  morning  he  found  himself  envvloped  in  a  thick 
mii^t,  with  a  coniderable  swell  going,  la  this,  situation,  without 
any  possibility  of  ascertaining  where  he  was,  or  of  guarding 
against  surrounding  danger?,  the  vessel  was  carried  on  the  reef, 
and  soon  went  to  pieces.  On  this  occasion  Perry  gave  proofs  of 
that  admirable  coolness  and  presence  of  mind  for  which  he  is  re- 
markable. He  used  every  piecaution  to  save  the  guns  and  prO' 
perty,  and  was  in  a  great  measure  successful.  He  got  off  all  the 
crew  in  perfect  satet\,and  was  himself  the  last  to  leave  the 
wreck.  His  conduct  in  respect  to  this  disaster  underwent  exami- 
nation by  a  court  of  inquiry,  at  his  own  n  quest,  and  he  was  not 
merely  acquitted  of  all  blame,  but  highly  applauded  for  the  judg- 
ment, intrepidity  and  perseverance  he  had  displayed.  The  secre- 
tary of  the  navy,  Mr.  Hamilton,  also  wiote  him  a  very  compii- 
roentarv  letter  on  the  occasion. 

Shortly  after  this  event  he  returned  to  Newport,  being  pecu- 
liarly attracted  thither  by  a  tender  attachment  for  Miss  Mason, 
daughter  of  Dr.  Mason,  and  niece  of  the  Honourable  Christopher 
Chainpiin  of  the  United  States'  senate ;  a  lovely  and  interesting 
young  lady,  whom  he  soon  after  married. 

At  the  beginning  of  1812  he  was  promot^  to  the  rank  of  mas- 
ter and  commander,  and  ordered  to  the  command  of  the  flotilla 
of  gun-boats  stationed  at  the  harbour  of  Newyork.  He  remained 
on  this  station  about  a  year  ;  during  which  time  he  employed 
himself  diligently  in  disciplining  his  crew  to  serve  either  as  lauds- 
men  or  mariners ;  atd  brought  his  flotilla  into  ao  admirable  state 
of  preparation  for  active  operations. 

The  gun-boat  service,  however,  is  at  best  but  an  irksome  em- 
ploy. Nothing  can  be  more  dispiriting  for  ardent  and  daring 
minds  than  to  be  obliged  to  skulk  about  harbours  and  rivers, 
cramped  up  in  these  diminutive  vessels,  without  the  hope  of  ex- 
ploit to  atone  for  present  inconvenience.  Perry  soon  grew  tired 
of  this  inglorious  service,  and  applied  to  the  secretary  of  the  navy 
to  be  ordered  to  a  more  active  station,  and  mentioned  the  lakes 
as  the  one  he  should  prefer.  His  request  was  immediately  com- 
plied with,  and  he  received  orders  to  repair  to  Sacket's  Hnrbour, 
lake  Ontario,  with  a  body  of  mariners  to  reinforce  the  squadron 
under  Commodore  Chauncey.  So  popular  was  he  among  the 
honest  tars  under  his  command,  that  no  sooner  was  the  order 
known  than  nearly  the  whole  gf  the  crews  volunteered  to  ac- 
company him. 

In  a  few  days  he  was  ready  to  depart,  and  tearing  himself 
fromthe  comforts  of  home,  and  the  endearments  of  a  young  and 
beautiful  wife  and  blooming  child^  he  set  off  at  the  h«ad  of  fi 


*i 


THE  WAR. 


877 


large  number  of  chosen  seamen,  on  his  expedition  to  the  wilder^ 
ne«8.  The  rivers  being  completely  frozen  over,  they  were  oblig- 
ed to  perform  the  journey  by  land,  in  the  depth  of  winter.  The 
greatest  order  and  good  humour,  however,  prevailed  throughout 
the  little    band   of  adventurers,  to  whom  the   whole  expedition 

'seemed  a  kind  of  frolic,  and  who  were  delighted  with  what  they 
termed  a  land  cruise. 

Not  long  after  the  arrival  of  Perry  at  Sacket's  Harbour,  Com* 
nodore  Chauncey,  who  entertained  a  proper  opinion  of  his  me- 
rits,  detached  him  to  lake  Erie,  to  take  command  of  the  squadron 
00  that  station,  and  to  superintend  the  building  of  additional  ves* 
teis. 

The  manner  of  his  executing  this  trust,  and  the  distinguished 
part  he  took  in  the  battle  of  the  1 0th  of  September,  1813,  will 
be  found  in  the  preceding  pages. 

Id  this  battle,  we  trust,  incontrovertible  proof  is  given,  if  such 
proof  were  really  wanted,  that  the  success  of  our  navy  does  not 
arise  from  chance,  or  superijrity  of  force;  but  from  the  cool,  de- 
liberate courage,  the  intelligent  minds  and  naval  skill  of  our  offi- 
cers, the  spirit  of  our  seamen,  and  the  excellent  discipline  of  our 
ships;  from  principles,  in  short,  which  must  insure  a  frequency  of 
prosperous  results,  and  give  permanency  to  the  reputation  we 
have  acquired.  We  have  been  rapidly  adding  trophy  to  trophy^ 
and  successively  driving  the  enemy  from  every  excuse  in  which 
besought  to  shelter  himself  from  the  humiliation  of  defeat;  and 
after  having  perfectly  established  our  capability  of  fighting  and 
conquering  in  single  ships,  we  have  now  gone  further  and  shown 
that  it  is  possible  for  us  to  face  the  foe  in  squadron,  and  vanquish 
him  even  though  superior  in  force. 

In  casting  our  eye  over  the  details  of  this  engagement,  we  are 
itruck  with  the  prominent  part  which  the  commander  takes.in  the 
contest.  We  realize  in  his  dauntless  exposure  and  individual 
prowess,  what  we  have  read  in  heroic  story,  of  the  warrior^ 
streaming  like  a  meteor  through  the  fight,  and  working  wonders 
with  his  single  arm.  The  fate  of  the  combat  seemed  to  rest  upon 
his  sword;  he  was  the  master  spirit  that  directed  the  storm  of 
battle,  moving  amid  flames,  and  smoke,  and  death,  and  mingling 
wherever  the  struggle  was  most  desperate  and  deadly.  After 
suitaining  in  the  Lawrence  the  whole  blaze  of  the  enemy's  can* 
Donry;  after  fighting  until  all   around  him   was  wreck  and  car- 

I  nage ;  we  behold  him  looking  forth  from  his  shattered  deck,  with 
unniffled  countenance,  on  the  direful  perils  that  environed  him, ' 
calculating  with  wary  eye  the  chances  of  the  battle,  and  suddenly  ^ 

I  launching  forth  on  the   bosom  of  Ihe   deep,  to  shift  his  flag  on ' 
>§rd  another  ship,  then  in  the  hottest  of  the  action.     This  was 

JQ&e  of  those  master  strokes  by  which  great  events  are  achieved,  ' 
ind  great  characters  stamped,  as  it  were,  at  a  single  blow.,.. which 


■<  'i^ 


'm 


r-k   fl-'IBi 

S'  Ml 


■    4  h 


i278 


8KBix;hes  ov 


."■-'lit '''■'* 


f''x«ii 


r. 

r'i\| 

I   ■' 

ll;^i 

11    * 

Hi*  ^m 

«■  Hf, 

1 

1 

bespeak  the  rare  combination  of  the  genius  to  conceive,  the 
promptness  to  decide,  and  the  boldness  to  execute.  Most  com^ 
mandera  have  such  glorious  chance»  for  renown,  some  time  or 
.another,  within  their  reach  ;  but  it  requires  the  nerve  of  a  hero 
to  grasp  the  perilous  opportunity.  We  behold  Perry  following  up 
bis  daring  movement  with  sustained  energy....dashing  into  the ' 
squadron  of  the  enemy....breaking  their  line....raking  Htarboard 
^nd  larboard....and  in  this  brilliant  style  achieving  a  consummate 
victory. 

But  if  we  admire  his  presence  of  mind  and  dauntless  valour  io 
the  hour  of  danger,  we  are  no  less  delighted  with  his  modesty 
and  self  command  amidst  the  flush  of  triumph.  A  courageous 
heart  may  carry  a  man  stoutly  through  the  battle,  but  it  arguej 
some  strong  qnalities  of  head,  to  drain  unmoved  the  intoxicating 
cup  of  victory.  The  first  care  of  Perry  was  to  attend  to  the 
oomfort  of  the  suffering  crews  of  both  squadrons.  The  sick  and 
wounded  were  landed  as  scon  as  possible,  and  every  means  taken 
to  alleviate  the  miseries  of  their  situation.  The  officers  who  had 
fallen,  on  both  sides,  were  buried  on  Sunday  morning,  on  an  island 
In  the  lake,  with  the  honours  of  war.  To  the  surviving  officers 
he  advanced  a  loan  of  one  thousand  dollars,  out  of  his  own  limit* 
ed  purse.-.buf^  in  short,  his  behaviour  in  this  respect  is  b<st  ex- 
pressed in  the  words  of  Commodore  Barclay,  who,  with  generous 
warmth  and  frankness,  has  declared,  that  **  the  conduct  of  Perry 
towards  the  captive  officers  and  men,  was  sufficient^  of  itself,  to 
immortalize  him  !^ 

The  letters  which  he  wrote,  announcing  the  intelligence,  were 
remarkably  simple  and  laconic.  To  the  secretary  of  the  navy  he 
observes,  "  It  has  pleased  the  Almighty  to  give  to  the  arms  of  the 

United  States  a  signal  victory  over  their  enemies  on  this  lake 

The  British  squadron,  consisting  of  two  ships,  two  brigs,  one 
schooner,  and  one  sloop,  have  this  moment  surrendered  to  the 
force  under  my  command,  after  a  sharp  conflict.*'  This  has  been 
called  an  imitation  of  Nelson's  letter  after  the  battle  of  the  Nile; 
but  it  was  choosing  a  noble  precedent,  and  the  important  national 
results  of  the  victory  justified  the  language.  Independent  of  the 
vast  accession  of  glory  to  our  flag,  this  conquest  insured  the  cap- 
ture of  Detroit  and  the  British  army  upon  the  Thames.  Well 
might  he  say,  "  it  had  pleased  the  Almighty,"  when,  by  this 
achievement,  he  beheld  immediate  tranquillity  restored  to  an  im- 
mense extent  of  country.  Mothers  no  longer  shrunk  aghast,  and 
clasped  their  infants  to  their  breasts,  when  they  heard  the  shaking 
of  the  forest  or  the  howling  of  the  blast ;  the  aged  sire  no 
longer  dreaded  the  shades  of  night,  lest  ruin  should  burst  upon 
him  in  the  hour  of  repose,  and  his  cottage  be  laid  desolate  by 
the  fire-brand  and  the  scalping  knife  ;  Michigan  was  rescued  frooi 


THE  WAR. 


27» 


iceive,  \ht 
Most  coil), 
ne  time  or 
J  of  a  hero 
bllowingup  I 
ig  into  the^ 
g  iitarboard 
:oDSummate 

ess  valour  is 
his  modesty 
i  courageous 
but  it  argueg 

intoxicating 
ittend  to  the 
fhe  sick  and 
means  taken 
:ers  who  had 
y  on  an  island 
iving  officers 
lis  own  limit' 
:t  is  b(  St  tx« 
[vitb  generous 
iuct  of  Perry 

,  of  itself|  to 


the  dominion  of  the  sword,  and  quiet  and  security  once  raiorc  set- 
tled on  the  harassfd  frontiers,  from  Huron  to  Niagara. 

But  we  are  particularly  pleased  with  his  subsequent  letter,  giv- 
ing the  particulars  of  the  battle.  It  is  to  chasttf,  so  moderate  and 
perspicuous ;  equally  free  from  vaunting  exultation  and  affected 
modesty  ;  neither  obtruding  himself  upon  notice,  nor  pretending 
to  keep  out  of  sight.  His  own  individual  services  may  be  gath- 
ered from  the  letter,  though  not  exprcaely  mentioned  ;  indeed,  ; 
where  the  fortune  of  the  day  depended  so  materially  upon  him- 
self, it  was  impossible  to  give  a  faithful  narrative  without  render- 
ing himself  conspicuous. 

We  are  led  to  notice  these  letters  thus  particularly,  becauw 
that  we  find  the  art  of  letter  writing  is  an  accomplishment  a» 
rare  as  it  is  important  among  our  military  gentlemen.  We  are 
tired  of  the  valour  of  the  pen  and  the  victories  of  the  inkhorn.... 
There  is  a  common  French  proverb,  **  Grand  parleur,  mauvais 
combatant,"  which  we  could  wish  to  see  introduced  into  our 
eouQtry,  and  engraven  on  the  swords  of  our  officers.  We  wish  ^ 
1  to  see  them  confine  themselves,  in  their  letters,  to  simple  facts,^ 
jDeither  swaggering  before  battle,  nor  vaunting  afterwards.  It  is 
unwise  to  boast  before,  for  the  event  may  prove  disastrQus....and 
it  is  superfluous  to  boast  afterwards,  for  the  event  speaks  for  it- 
self. He  who  promises  nothing,  may  with  safety  perform  no- 
thing, and  will  receive  praise  if  he  perform  but  little;  but  he 
who  promises  much  will  receive  small  credit  unless  he  perform 
miracles.  If  a  commander  have  done  well,  he  may  be  sure  the 
public  will  find  it  out,  and  their  gratitude  will  be  in  proportion  to 
Ills  modesty.  Admiration  is  a  coin,  which,  if  left  to  ourselves,, 
we  lavish  profusely,  but  we  always  close  the  hand  when  dunned 
I  for  it. 

Commodore  Perry,  lite  most  of  oar  naval  officers,  is  yet  in  the 
[prime  of  youth.  He  is  of  a  manly  and  prepossessing  appearance;.: 
mild  and  unassuming  in  his  address,  amiable  in  his  disposition, 
and  of  great  firmness  and  decision.  ThougTi  early  launched 
among  the  familiar  scenes  of  naval  life,  (and  nowhere  is  fami- 
liarity more  apt  to  be  licentious  and  encroaching,)  yet  the  native 
gentility  and  sober  dignity  of  his  deportment,  always  chastened,^ 
without  restraining  the  freedom  of  intimacy.  It  is  pleasing  thus 
to  find  public  services  accompanied  by  private  virtues;  to  dis- 
eover  no  drawbacks  on  our  esteem;  no  base  alloy  in  the  man 
we  are  disposed  to  admire  ;  but  a  character  full  of  moral  excel- 
lence, of  high-minded  courtesy,  and  pure  unsullied  honour.  '^ 

Were  any  thing  wanting  to  perpetuate  the  fame  of  this  victory, 

lit  would  be  sufficiently  memorable   from  the  scene  where  it  was 

ibught.     This   war   has  been   distinguished  by  new  and  peculiar 

characteristics.     Naval  warfare  has  been  carried  into  the  interior 

of  a  continent,  and  navies^  as  if  by  magic,  launched  from  among 


I 


Sfi.  -i'- 


t^H 


MM 


t 


m 


200 


^KETCKKS,  kii. 


L^' 


!l 


the  depths  of  the  forest.  The  bosoms  of  peaceful  lakes,  whicii 
but  a  short  time  since,  were  scarcely  navigated  by  man,  except 
to  be  shimmed  by  the  light  canoe  of  the  savage,  have  all  at  once 
been  ploughed  by  hostile  ships.  The  vast  silence  that  had  reign. 
ed  for  ages  on  those  mighty  waters,  was  broken  ii>y  the  thunder 
of  artillery,  and  the  affiighttd  savage  stared  with  amazennent 
from  his  covert,  at  the  sudden  apparition  of  a  sea  fight  amid  the 
solitudes  of  the  wilderness. 

The  peal  of  war  has  once  sounded  on  that  lake,  but  probably 
will  never  sound  again.  The  last  roar  of  cannonry  that  dieid 
along  her  shores,  was  the  expiring  note  of  British  domination .... 
Those  vast  internal  seas  will,  perhaps,  never  again  be  the  sepa- 
rating space  between  contending  nations  ;  but  will  be  embosomed 
within  a  mighty  empire  ;  and  this  victory,  which  decided  their 
fate,  will  stand  unrivalled  and  alone,  deriving  lustre  and  petpe^ 
tuity  from  its  singleness. 

In  future  times,  when  the  shores  of  Erie  shall  hum  with  busy 
population ;  when  towns  and  cities  shall  brighten  where  now  ex- 
tend the  dark  and  tangled  forest ;  when  ports  shall  spread  their 
arms,  and  lofty  barks  shall  ride  where  now  the  canoe  is  fa>tene(l 
to  the  stake ;  when  the  present  age  shall  have  grown  into  vene- 
rable antiquity,  and  the  mists  of  fable  begin  to  gather  round  its 
history ;  then  will  the  inhabitants  of  Canada  look  back  to  this 
battle  we  record,  as  one  of  the  romantic  achievements  of  the 
days  of  yore.  It  will  stand  first  on  the  page  of  their  local  le- 
gends, and  in  the  marvellous  tales  of  the  borders.  The  fisiher-' 
man,  as  he  loiters  along  the  beach,  will  point  to  some  half  buried 
cannon,  corroded  with  the  rust  of  time,  and  will  speak  of  ocean 
warriors  that  came  from  the  shores  of  the  Atlantic... whik  the 
boatman,  as  he  trims  his  sail  to  the  breeze,  will  chaunt  in  rude 
ditties  the  name  of  Perry....the  early  hero  of  lake  Erie.* 

•  For  tlie  rorsgoing  chapter  wc  are  indebted,  cbielly,  to  the  Auultvtie  Magazine. 


t^-^1.} 


'■'\. 


iMftiA;!.- 


.i' 


SKETCHES 


"•*v(<*K 


THE  WA 


1  < 


VoLUMR    I ...... XUMBBH    6. 


im  with  busy 
tiere  now  ex- 
spread  their 
te  is  fa>tened 
vn  into  vene- 
ther  round  its 
back  to  thi« 
tnents  of  tiie 
leir   local  le- 
The   fishep 
ne  half  buried 
)eak  of  ocean 
ic....vvhik  the 
haunt  in  rude 
rie.* 

viAgazine. 


a> 


if 


CHVPTER  XXIV. 

kakp  Ontario,. .Comparative  vi^w  of  the  American  and  British 
forces  in  IHY'^  ...Co-op'^ ration  of  the  Am"rican  fleet  in  the 
captures  of  York  and  fort  George....Commodore  Chauncey*^ 
first  cruise..  .Loss  of  the  Growler  and  Julia....i  hauncey*s  se- 
cond and  third  cruise.... His  fourth  cruise,. ..Capture  of  Jive 
British  transports. ...Lake  Champlain....Loss  of  the  Growler 
and  Eagle....D*'scent  of  the  enemy  on  Plattsburgh....Ameri- 
can  naval  Jorce  on  the  lake,  ^c. 

Lake  Ontario lo  the  spring  of  the  year  1813,  the  Ameri- 
cans had  the  foUowina^  vessels  equipped  on  lake  Ontario.  Ship 
Madison,  24  guns;  Brig  Oneida,  18  do.;  schooner  Governor 
Tompkins,  6  do.;  Hamilton,  9  do.:  Julia, '2  do. ;  Elizr«beth,  2 
do. ;  Lady  of  the  Lake,  3  do. ;  Conquest,  •»  do, ;  Growit  r,  5  do.  ; 
Pert,  3  do.  ;  Fair  American,  4  do. ;  Ontario,  1  do.;  Scourge,  8 
do. ;  in  all  93  guns....Also,  the  Mary,  bomb  vessel.  During  the 
summer,  the  General  Pike^  of  thirty-two  guns,  was  added  to  the 
fleet. 

The  British  fleet  in  the  spring  consisted  of  the  following  ves- 
sels. Frigate  General  Wolfe,  36  guns  ;  ship  Royal  George,  22 
do.;  Prince  Regent,  i6  do.;  brig  Earl  Moira,  12  do.;  sevcB 
schooners  of  from  four  to  eight  guns  each. 

Co-operof ton  of  the  fleet  in  the  captures  of  York  and  fort 

(ireor^e On  the  2Sth  of  April   the  Amfricai?  fleet  under  Con  »•. 

Chauncey,  left  Sacket's  Harbour  for  the  purpose  of  convey- 
ing the  troops  under  the  of  command  Gen.  Dearborn,  against  the 
British  post  at  York.  At  this  pi  .le  the  flt'et  arrived  ou  the  27th, 
Th^  landing  ef  the  troops  was  covered  ia  a  nm8terlj,r  mauaer  by 

rr.,      .  .V     :      -       2   N  ■     -\. 


:t  M 


■k'\ 


;rf*;i 


282 


SKETCHES  0» 


y. 


the  commodore.  The  Americans  xuccerded  in  their  aHacit  upon 
the  town.  A  midshipman  and  some  seamen  of  the  fleet  v.ere 
killed. 

Commodore  Chauncey,  after  having  returned  to  Saclu  t's  Har- 
bour from  York,  again  sailed,  on  the  22d  of  May,  for  tiie  pur- 
pose of  cooperating  in  the  reduction  of  the  Britisli  fort  CJitorge. 
This  place  was  attacked  on  the  28th.  The  vessels  of  the  Ain»ri- 
can  squadron  were  judiciously  stationed  to  cover  the  landing  of 
the  troops,  and  to  silence  the  land  batterifs  of  the  Britich  ;  ii)  the 
latter  they  soon  succeeded  ;  when  a  landing  was  efftcted,  and 
tht'  fort  taken  by  the  Americans. 

Capt.  Perry  had  come  down  from  lake  Erie,  and  was  in  this 
engagement.  He  rendered  particular  service  to  the  comrnodorp, 
by  assisting  in  arranging  and  superintending  the  debarkatiou  of 
the  troops.  On  board  the  fleet  only  one  man  was  killed  and  U\o 
wounded. 

On  the  2Sth  of  May,  during  th(i  absence  of  the  American  fleet, 
the  British  fleet,  consisting  of  the  General  Wolfe,  Royal  Gtorge, 
Prince  Regent,  Earl  Moira,  two  armed  schooners,  aud  a  nuoiber 
of  gun  boats,  with  a  detachment  of  the  British  arm},  from  King- 
ston, attacked  Sacket's  Harbour ;  the}  were,  however,  gallauily 
repulsed  by  the  troops  under  the  command  of  Brigadier  General 
Blown.  A  few  days  after  this  affair  the  American  fleet  returned 
to  Sacket's  Harbour. 


IV  irm 


Commodore  Chavncey^s  Jirst  cruise In  the   latter  part  of 

July,  Commodore  Chauncey  left  Sacket's  Harbour  with  his  fleet, 
and  on  the  27th  of  the  same  month  arrived  off  Niagara.  Hav- 
uig  there  taken  about  250  infantry  on  board,  he  set  sail.  It  had 
been  resolved  to  attack  an  encampment  of  the  British  ;  but  tne 
latter  being  in  greater  force  than  had  been  supposed,  the  attempt 
was  abandoned  ;  and  the  fleet  proceeded  to  York,  where  the  ma- 
rines and  soldiers  were  landed  under  Col.  Scott.  '  A  very  conside- 
rable quantity  of  British  stores  were  either  destroyed  or  conveyed 
on  board  the  fleet.  The  barracks  and  public  store  houses  were 
burnt.     The  fleet  then  returned  to  Niagara- 

On  the  7th  of  August,  at  daylight,  the  British  fleet,  consisting 
of  two  8hip8,  two  brigs,  and  two  large  schooners,  were  discover- 
ed bearing  W.  N.  W.  They  were  about  5  or  6  miles  distant, 
and  the  wind  at  west.  Commodore  Chauncey,  having  passed  the 
leeward  of  the  British  line,  and  abreast  of  their  van  ship,  the 
Wolfe,  hoi&ted  American  coloursj  and  fired  aifew  guns  to  ascer-l 
tain  whether  the  British  vessels  could  be  reached  by  his  shot... 
But  discovering  that  they  fell  short,  he  wore  and  haled  upon  a  I 
wind  on  the  starboard  tack.  The  rearmpit  of  the  American 
schooners  was  then  about  six  miles  astern.     The   British  wore  in 


IV< 


'SHE  WAR. 


28d 


sut^Cftfiion,  and    haled  upon  a  wind  on  the  same  tack ;   but   per- 
ceivi'ig  tilt  Americans    would  be   enabl'  d  to  weather    them  upon 
tht'  next  tack,  they  tacked   and  made   all  sail    to  the  northward. 
A"*  soon  as  the  rt-ar  vessels  of  tht-  American  squadron  could  reach 
the  wake  of  the  British,  they  tacked    and  made   all  sail  in  chuce. 
Iij  the  afternoon  the  wind  became  very  light,  and  towards  night 
a  falm   succeeded.     The   American  schooners   used  their  swetps 
all  the    afternoon,  in    endeavours   to   close  with   the    British,  but 
without  success.      Late    in  the    afternoon  Commodore   Chauncey 
made  the  sijjnal  of  recall,  and  formtd  in  closie  order.     During;  the 
ni^ht  the  wind  was  from  ?he  we8t>#.ard,  and  after  midnight  squal- 
ly.    All  hands  in  the  American   squadron  were    kept  at  quarters, 
and  the  vessels  b^at  to  wmdwarfl,  in  expectation  of  gaining  the 
wnd  of  the    Uritish,     During;  the   iiijjht  the  two   best   American 
sc't  mn-^rs  were  upser,  tn  a  htavy  squall  of  wind,  and  sunk.    Only 
Id  p<  r^ons    wfre  saved    from  them;  all  the  r^st    perished.     The 
nnrii-'s  of  the  schoou'TS  were  the  Hamilton  and  Scourge,  mount- 
iiij;  together  19  i?uos.     This  accident   gave  the  British  a  decided 
superiority.     Comiuodoie   Chauncey  expected   the    British  would 
take  the  advant^jjt  of  this  superiority;  and  the  more  so,  as  by  a 
change    of     wind    they    vv*re   brought    to    windward   of    him. 
He  ace  >rdingly  fanued  his  line  upon  the  larboard  tack,  and  hove 
to.     Soon  after,  the  British  bore   up  and  set  studding  sails,  appa- 
rently with    the  intention   of  bringing   the    Americans  to   action. 
When  they  had  approached  within  four  miles,  they  brought  to  on 
the  starboard  tack.     The    Americans  then  wore  and   brought    to 
on  the  sane  tack      Commodore  Chauncey,  perceiving  the  British 
did  not  intend  bringinj^  htm  to  action,  edged   away  towards  the 
shore,  in  order  to  take  advantage  of  the  land  breeze  in  the  after- 
noon     It  soon  after  became  calm,  when  the  commodore direct<^d 
his  schooners  to  sweep  up  and  engage  the  British.     About  noon  a 
light  breeze  blew  from  the  eastward.     The  commodore  then  took 
the   Oneida   in  tow,  and   made  sail  towards  the  British.     When 
the  van  of  the  American  schooners  was  within  one  and  a  half  or 
two  miles  of  the  rear  of  the  British,  the  wind  shifted  to  the  west- 
ward, which  again  brought  the  latter  to  windward  ;  when  they 
bare  up  to  the  American  schooners,  in  order  to  cut  them  off  be- 
fore they  could  be  rejoined  by   Commodore  Chauncey.     But   the 
schooners  succeeded  in  returning  to  their  station.     The  British  be- 
ing thus  foiled   in  their  attempt  upon  the  schooners,  haled  their 
wind  and  hove  to.     The  weather  becoming  very  squally^  Chaun- 
cey resolved  to  run  in  towards  Niagara.  The  crews  of  the  squad- 
ron were  nearly  forty-eight  hours  at  quarters.     A  detachment  of 
UO  soldiers   were  received  on  board  the  American  fleet,  from 
Niagara,  to  act  as  marines. 

'  On  the  following   morning  the   British  fleet  was  discovered 
bearing  north.    The  American  commodore  immediately  weighed 


.■■■.if'-  : 

'    i      ,  ■  '■     ■  fc  ■  1      w '  ^ 


UM 


aKETCHRS  Of 


4  -lyMJt,,  v«  '  rWr 


1  •    f  J    '  i'   'c^" 

r  ■ '  '■  I 


.;ti 


;i«': 


l-'-l  ?4i••'•■ 
;f  Hi':- 


i^t-^.:j 


llpli^^ 


\i 


anchor  ond  utood  for  tlipm  The  winds  were  lifl;ht  und  vHriablc, 
and  by  12  o'clock  aere  quite  cairt).  At  5  a  frfgh  breez*-  bl. w 
frorn  the  north,  the  Britisi)  fleet  then  bearing  north,  about  4  <.r  $ 
Itai^uea  distant.  The  vessels  of  the  American  fleet  wore  in  sue- 
c<  8»ion,  and  hah  d  upon  a  wind  on  the  larboard  tack.  At  sunset 
the  British  bore  N.  W.  by  N.  on  the  starboaVd  tack.  The  'vind 
changing  towards  the  westward,  the  American  commodore  stood 
to  the  northward  all  night,  in  order  to  gain  the  north  shore.  At 
daybreak  he  tacked  to  the  wt-stward,  the  wind  having  then  chan- 
ged to  N.  N.  W, ;  soon  after  which  he  discovered  the  British 
fleet,  bearing  S.  W.  The  commodore  made  all  sail  in  chase, 
with  the  Asp,  Madison  and  Fair  American  in  tow.  To  his  great 
di.<Hppointmtnt,  the  wind,  about  12  o'clock  changed  to  W.  S.  W. 
which  again  brought  the  British  to  windward.  The  commodore 
forked  to  the  northward ;  but  at  3  o'clock,  the  wind  inclining  to 
the  north,  he  wore  to  south  and  west,  and  made  signal  for  ttie 
fleet  to  make  all  sail.  At  4  the  British  bore  S.  S.  W. ;  the  Ame- 
ricans steered  after  them.  At  5  the  former  were  becalmed  un- 
der the  land,  while  the  latter  neared  them  very  fast,  with  a  fine 
brf  Hze  from  N.  N.  W.  At  6  the  Americans  formed  in  line  with- 
in 4  miles  of  the  British,  the  wind  being  then  very  light.  At  7 
the  wind  changed  to  S.  W.  and  blew  a  fresh  bieeze.  This  pla- 
ced the  British  to  windward.  The  American  commodore  then 
tacked  and  haled  upon  a  wind  on  the  larboard  tack,  under  easy 
sail,  the  British  standing  after  him.  At  9  in  the  evening  the  Bri- 
tish were  within  double  gun  shot  of  the  rear  of  the  Americans. 
They  then  wore  to  the  southward.  The  American  commodore 
stood  to  the  north  under  easy  sail,  with  his  fleet  formed  in  two 
lines ;  a  part  of  the  schooners  formed  the  weather  line.  They 
were  ordered  to  commence  the  fire  upon  the  British,  as  soon  as 
the  shot  of  the  latter  should  take  effect ;  and,  as  they  approach- 
ed, to  edge  down  upon  the  American  line  to  leeward,  pass  thro' 
the  intervals  and  form  to  leeward.  At  half  past  10  the  British 
tacked  and  stood  for  the  Americans.  At  1 1  o'clock  the  rear  of 
the  American  line  opened  a  brisk  fire  upon  the  British,  and  in  the 
course  of  fifteen  minutes,  the  fire  became  general  along  the  wea- 
ther line  of  the  Americans.  At  half  past  1 1  this  line  bore  up, 
and  passed  to  leeward,  except  the  Growler  and  Julia.  These  two 
vessels  tacked  to  the  south,  which  brought  the  British  between 
them  and  their  commodore.  The  latter  filled  his  main-topsail, 
and  edged  away  two  points,  to  lead  the  British  down  ;  this  he 
did  in  order  to  engage  them  to  greater  advantage,  and  to  lead 
them  from  the  Growler  and  Julia.  They  however  kept  their 
wind  until  they  separated  these  two  last  mentioned  vessels  from 
the  rest  of  the  American  squadron.     As  they  passed  the  General 

Pike  a  few  shots    were  exchanged   without  doing  any  injury 

While  the  British  were  in  chase  of  the  two  scboooers^i  the  com* 


VHE  WAE. 


88S 


ao^'^r^  tnehed  and  stood  aftei  them  until  mid'^ight,  when  he  wai 
tofCfd  to  give  over  the  pursuit  to  rejoin  his  squndrou,  then  to  lee- 
vi^rd.  Their  line  was  now  formed  on  the  starb  ard  tacit.  The 
fi  inj»  continued  between  the  two  American  schooners  anJ  the 
B  tish  fit  et  until  one  o'clock,  when  the  former  were  captured. 
Sdvin  after  this,  the  American  fleet,  being  neaily  destitute  ot  pro- 
vuions,  returned  to  Sacket's  Hnrbour. 

Commodore  Chauno^y^s  second  cruise During  a  cruise  in  the 

[early  part   of  Septembei,  Commodore  Chauncey  fell   in  with  the 

B'itish  fl(  et,  and  chased  them  all  round  the  lake,  when  they  put 

into  Amherst  bay,  after  having  received  considerable  injury  from 

tht  fire  of  the  Americans.     This  bay  wns  so  litcle   known  to  the 

|a  'crican   pilots,  that  they   were  unwilling  to  take  the  fleet  in. 

Sir  James  Yeo,  commander  of  the  British  fleet,  h-id  a  superiority 

liver  the  American  commodore,  both  in  guujn  and  men.     His  ves> 

Isdsalso  sailed  better  than  the  American. 

Commodore  Chauncey  blockaded  the  British  fleet  in  Am- 
hrrsl  bay  for  4  days,  wnen  the  wind  Rowing  heavy  from  the 
|wt!itvvard,  the^  succeeded  in  gettinfi;  into  Kingston;  upon  which 

commodore  returned  t  >  Sacket's  Harbour,  where  he  remained 
Itiiy  a  few  hours,  and  on  the  18th  of  ^September  sailed  for  Nia-> 
bn M,  where  he  arrived  on  the  24th. 

Commodore  Chauncey*s  third  cruise Commodore  Chauncey 

having  ascertained  that  the   British  squadron  was  in   York   bay, 

Iniled  from  Niagara.     On  the  27tl),  in  the  evening,  owing  to  the 

Itxtreme  darkness  of  the  night,  a  part  of  his  .squadron  separated, 

[and  did  not  join  him  until  next  morning.     On  the  same  day,  the 

British  flfct  was  discovered  under  way  in  York  bay.     The  Ame- 

^can  squadron   sailed  for   them,  with   three   schooners   in  tow* 

But  on  the  British  perceiving  the  design  of  the  Americans  to  en* 

nge  them,  they  tacked   and  stood  out   of  the  bay,  the    wind  be* 

Dg  then  at  east.     The  American  commodore  formed  his  line,  and 

an  down  for  their  centre.     As  soon,  however,  as  he   had  ap* 

|iroached   within  3  miles,  they  made   alt  sail   to  the   southward. 

he  vessels  of  the    American   squadron   wore   in  succession,  and 

|tood  on  the  same  tack  with  the  British,  and  edged  down  gradu* 

i  in  order  to  close.  At  10,  P.  M.  the  British  perceiving  the 
jiinericans  closing  fast  with  them,  and  that  they  must  either  risk 
|n  action,  or  suffer  their  two  rear  vessels  to  be  cut  off,  they  tack- 

lin  succession,  beginning  at  the  van,  hoisted  their  colours,  and 
ominenced  a  well  directed  fire  at  the  Pike.  This  they  did  with 
I  view  to  cover  their  rear  :  and,  while  passing  to  leeward,  to  at- 
pck  the  rear  of  the  Americans.  This  commodore  Chauncey 
wtrated,  by  bearing  up  in  succession,  with  the  line   preserved, 

the  centre  of  the  British,  as  soon  as  their  leading  ship,  the 


's  '• 


i:^< 


\  h<'^''^^1 


28G 


SKKTCHK8  OP 


Wolfe,  had  paused  the  centre  of  her  line,  and  w««  abeam  of  tlit 
American.     This  manaMivri'  not  only  covered  the  American  nar 
but  alxo  threw  the  British  into  confusion.     They  immediHtcl)  b;)re 
away ;  but  the  Americana  had   cloved  so  near  as  tu  be  en.ibkd  to 
bring  their  guns  to  bear  with  t-fTect,  and  in  '20  minutes  aH(  r,  tnc 
main  and  mizen  topmnsts  and  the  main  yard  of  the  British  fiiga'u 
"^'olff  were  shot  away.     This  vestiei    immedintoiy  put  biforo  ilic 
wind,  with  all  jiail  pet  upon  her   foremast.     The   American  cam 
modore  made  signal  for  the  fleet  to  crowd  all  sail  in  purnuit :  but 
as    the    Wolfe    kept    before   the  wind,  she  was  enabled  to  out- 
•ail  the  American  squadron,  and  experienced  no  retardment  fruir 
the  losp  of  her  main  and  miztn  topmasts.     The  y^mericans  conti- 
nued  the  chase  until  near  3  o'clock.     The    Pike,  with  the  Afp  ;n 
tow,  kept  within  point  blank  shot  of  the  British  duiing  the  chaM,  I 
and  sustained  the  whole  of  their  fire.     Prudence  forbade  arij  Hr- 
ther  pursuit  on  the  part  of  the   Americans.     The  Pike  was  much  I 
injured,  owing  to   her  being  so  long   exposed   to  the  fireofihej 
whole   British  fleet.     The  most  serious  injury,  however,  *lie  re- 
ceived from  the  bursting  of  a  gun,  v  hich  killed  and  wounded  22 1 
men.     The  Governor  Tompkins   lost  her  foremast.     The  Ameri- 
can fleet  returned  to  Niagara.  ■, 


11     ;:•! 


Commodore  Chauncey^s  fourth  cruisp On  the  2d  of  OctobfrJ 

Commodore  Chauncey  again   proceeded  in    quest  of  the   Briinili[ 
fleet.     He   discovered  them   steering  a  course  for    Niagara,  withl 
studding  sails,  and  all  sails  set,  the  wind  being  from  the  south  and! 
westward.     The  commodore  made  all  sail  in  chase,  but  as  soonj 
as  his  vessels  were   discovered  by  the  British,  they  took   in  s 
ding  sails  and  haled  upon  a  wind  to  the  westward,  and  madt^  alll 
sail  from  the  Americans.     The  wind  being  light  all  day,  little  prO'| 
gress  was  made  against  the   curre.nt.     B}  sundown  the  British 
were  off  Twenty  Mile  Creek,  and   had  ^ot  considerable  distancel 
from  the  Americans.     At  da}  light  the  British  weie  perceived  atl 
anchor ;  but  as  soon  as  they  saw  the  American   squadron,  then 
weighed   and  made  all  sail   to  the   west.     The  wind   was  fron 
south  to  southwest  and  squally.     The  American  commodore  mad^ 
all  sail  in  chase,  and   continued  it  the   whole  day.     At  sundown 
the  British  could  scarcely  be  perceived  from  the  mast  head  of  thd 
American  vessels,  ^  ^  .     ►  . 

On  the  following  morning  the  British  fleet  was  out  of  sightl 
Commodore  Chauncey  then  steered  for  the  Ducks,  with  a  view 
of  intercepting  the  British  fleet  on  its  return,  should  it  have  goiij 
down  the  lake.  The  wind  increased  to  a  strong  gale  fron 
the  northward  and  westward,  and  continued  during  the  wholj 
dav. 


.»■■ 


THK  WAR. 


267 


b<'am  of  \\\i 
nerican  uar, 
ediatcly  bnre 
oe  t'DiibU'd  to 
itcs  Hlttr,  tiic 
rtritisii  fi'.giiti: 
jut  b»-forc'  the 
mericati  com 
I  purnuit :  but 
nnbled  to  out- 
ardimnt  from 
ntricans  coiiti- 
ith  thf  A^p  in 
ling  the  chase, I 
iirbadt-  an}  fct- 
?ikc  was  much 
the  firt  of  ihej 
wever,  fbe  ro- 
id  wounded  m 
t.     The  Amtri- 


c  2d  of  Octobrr, 
of  the   Britisli 
Niagara,  with 
m  the  south  and' 
ase,  but  as  soon 
y  took   in  stud' 
d,  and  mad»^  all 
I  day,  little  pro- 
iwn  the   BritisI 
[derable  distant 
16  perceived  al 
squadron,  thejj 
[wind   was  fror 
mmodore  madi 
At  sundow 
last  head  ofthi 

|a>  out  of  sight] 

8,  with  a  viev'j 

iild  it  have  gon^ 

rong  gale  fror 

iring  the  wholj 


Capturf  ofjivt  trnnsports At  3  o'clock   in  the  afternoon  of 

the  Sth  Oct.  i^-vcn  iiail  were  di»covtT«d    near  the   False   Ducki, 
S^jl  was  immediately  made  in  chase  by  the  American  commodon-, 
who  took  them    fur  the  British  fleet.        But  in  the    course  of  an 
hour  he  ascertained  them  to  be  sloupii  and  schooners.     Signal  was 
made  by  the  commodore  for  the  S}lph   and   Lady  of  the  Ijake  to 
cawt  ofT  the  veaselsi  they  had  in  tow,  and  chase  N.  K.     Soon  after 
ihij,  the    British  were   perceived   «» parating   on   difftrent   tackt. 
The  (Jovernor  Tompkins  was  now  cast  ofF  by  the  Pike,  and  the 
commodore  made  all  xail  in  chase  with  her,  having  left  the  Ame- 
ileal)  squadron  in  charge  of  Capf.  Crane.     At  5  o'clock  in  the  af- 
ttriiooo,  the   British  set  Hre   to  one   of  their  gun  vessels  that  did 
not  sail  well,  after   having  taken    out  her  crew.       At  sundown, 
and  opposite  the  Keal  Duckit,  the  Hamilton,  Conflance,*  and  Ma« 
ryAiui,  struck  to  the  Americans.     The  Sylph  soon  after  captured 
the  Drummond.     The   Lady  Gore  ran   into  the    Ducks,  but   the 
Sviph  being  left  to  watch   her,  she  was   captured  early  the  next 
morning.     The   only  British  vessel   that  escaped,  was  the  Knter- 
prize,  a  small   schooner.     The  British  vessels  captured  were  gun 
vewels,  mounting   from   one   to  three   guns  earh.     They   were 
tiaiisporting  troops  to  Kingston.  The  number  of  prisoners  amount- 
ed to  to  264,  of  whom  ?22  were  soldiers.     The  American  fleet, 
innnediately  after  this  affair,  returned  to  Sacket's  Harbour. 

Lake  Champlain During  the  summer  of  the  year  1812,  pre- 

Iparations  were  made  on  lake  Champlain,  to  oppose  the  naval 
force  that  might  be  sent  by  the  British  from  Isle  au  Noix.  No> 
thing  very  interesting   occuried,  however,  until  the   3d  of  June^ 

11813. 

Loss  of  the  Groivlcr  and  Eagle In   consequence  of  some 

[British  gun  boats  having  appeared  on  the  American  sidt  of  tiie 
line,  the  Growler  and  Eagle  sailed  from  Plattsburgh  on  the  2d  of 
IJune,  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant  Smith,  with  the  inteu- 
Itioi)  of  attacking  them.  At  dark  on  the  same  day,  they  arrived 
Iwithin  a  mile  of  the  boundary  liiie.  On  the  following  morniner, 
lat  daybreak,  three  British  gun  boats  vvere  discovered,  to  which 
Ithe  American  vessels  immediatel)  gave  chase.  Hut  the  wind  be- 
liflg  south,  they  unfortunately  ran  so  tar  into  the  narrow  channel, 
Ithat  they  found  it  difficult  to  return.  The  Eagle  not  being  sutli* 
Iclently  strong  for  her  weight  of  metal,  became  unmanageable, 
land  sunk  in  shoal  water :  her  crew,  however,  vvere  saved.  The 
IGrowler  continued  engaged  with  a  number  of  British  gun  boats 
Inntil  the  Eagle  went  down,  when  she  was  compelled  to  yield  to 

_  *  I'lj;  Hamilton  and  Coiil'wncr  had  not  l(>n)»  lioeii  caiitiircd  iVoin  iln'  Aintricani,  u  alrcaily  it- 
lUeil,  aikl  liaii  Imcii,  in  the  American  tei'vkb,«:allL-«l  the  Gnjwieraiul  .liiliu. 


;UI 


268 


SKETCHES  09 


Mm 

If/  Id  iSti   .«ViLif5  t"; 


'■f'P 
Mm 


'f:'  ^f 


a  superior  force ;  the  action  coDtiuued  above  four  hours.  The 
shoTes  were  lined  with  British  kolditrM,  who,  froiii  the  nariovvuttf 
of  the  channel,  were  enabled  to  do  constderablv  execution. 

Descent  on  Plattslmi'gh..,.On  the  30th  of  July,  the  Biitish,  In 
two  large  sloops  of  war,  three  gun  boats,  and  about  40  batttaux 
loaded  with  troops,  sailors  and  marines,  about  1400  in  all,  croxad 
the  line  at  Chanr^plain,  and  on  the  day  tollowing  landed  at  Plattt* 
burijh ;  where  they  ininpiediasel^  begun  the  work  of  desiruction. 
On  the  first  information  of  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  an  or- 
der was  issued  by  General  Mooers,  for  calling  cut  the  militia; 
and  when  the  enemy  arrived,  about  3uO  from  Plattsbuigh  and  the 
neighboring  towns  had  collected.  This  force,  however,  bf\ug 
considered  incompetent  to  oppose  the  enemy,  retired  a  few  n.ii.s 
from  the  town,  where  it  was  afterwards"  joined  by  the  residue  of 
the  regiment  to  which  it  belonged,  and  a  regiment  from  the  coun- 
ty of  Essex ;  but  at  too  late  a  period  to  prevent  the  depredatiom 
committed  by  the  invader. 

Although  the  oflker  who  had  command  of  the  expedition^  as- 
sured the  civil  authority  of  Plattsburgh,  that  private  property 
should  be  respected,  and  that  citizens  not  found  in  aims  should 
remain  unmolested;  yet  these  pnmises  were  no  sooner  niaje 
than  violated.  The  enemy  not  beuig  satisfied  with  destroying 
the  public  building?,  such  as  the  block  house,  arsenal,  armoiy,  iios- 
pital,  and  military  cantonment,  wantonly  burnt  two  store  houses, 
belonging  to  Peter  Sailly,  Et^q,  and  one  belonging  to  Major  Z.  N. 
Piatt;  and  took  and  carried  off  several  thousand  dollars  wortli  of| 
hard  ware,  which  had  been  stored  with  Mr.  Saill>.  The  destruC' 
tion  of  private  property  was  not  limited  to  such  as  they  could  eatj 
drink,  or  carry  away;  but  furniture,  which  could  have  beenof  no 
use  to  the  plunderers,  was  wantonly  destroyed. 

The  dwelling  houses  of  Peter  SaiUy,  Henry  Delord,  and  Johnj 
Palmer,  Doctors  Miller   and  Davidson,  Henry  Powers,  and  Mr!.j 
Peabody,  a  poor  woman,  with  a  large  family  of  children,  and  im 
ny  others,  were  stripped  of  every  thing  valuable,  which  could  be| 
carried  away  or  destroyed.     A  gentleman   .J.   Griffith,  esq.)  re 
moved  hi.«  furnituri.  about  a    mile  out  of  the   village  to  his  iatm 
house  ;  where  the  enem}  sent    a    piquet   guard,   and  conipelie 
him,  with  his  two  children,  to  take  refuge  in  the  woods....8catter' 
cd  his  property  about  in  different  directions,  and  committed  mat 
other  atrocious    acts.     The  citizens  of  Plattsburgh  were  conip* 
led  to  procure  horses,  carts,  &c.  to  carry   off  the  spoil  of  the  inva 
der,  uud  to  suffer  other  indignities  alike  humiliating.    The  Mason 
ic  hall  was  robbed  of  its   records,   refreshments,  and  jewels,  (thi 
latter  of  which  were  returned.) 


i>recij 

iiind  t 

their  i 

but  re 

The 

burgh 

barracl 

and  ha 

Nav 

pirn'n  c( 

Com.  P 

gun boa 

pounder 

III  the 

Buriingt 

rpfused. 

On  th 

the  lakcj 

of  400  n 

bringing 

ken  in  | 

of  his  apn 

ant  Cassi 

were  dire 

l)le  the 

out  effect 

I  gone  into 

I  nis  visit. 


^aval  eve 
of  the  [ 
-'Appoint 
Chesapi 
psahe..., 
o/  Lttiv) 

M  K  not 
!3in  Bainbr 
and  oi' the 

'-Witutioi 


The  foregoing,  together  with  many  other  outrages  having  beeiB^^f  H  day 
perpetrated,  the  enem^  embarkeu  on  the   Ist  of  August;  and  •^^i 


itojenjio, 
%fho  2-1 1 1 


iiariowuttf 


THE  WAll. 


289 


wecipitate  was  their  retreat,  that  they  left  their  picket  guards  be- 
iiind  them,  twenty  one  of  whom  were  made  prisoners.  After 
their  retreat,  they  proceeded  to  Burlington,  and  fired  a  few  shot ; 
but  retired  as  soon  as  our  cannon  began  to  play  upon  them. 

The  whole  of  the  public  stores  had  been  removed  from  Platts- 
burgh  to  Burlington  previous  to  the  descent  of  the  enemy.  The 
barracks  destroyed  were  computed  to  be  worth  28,000  dollars, 
and  had  been  built  by  the  soldiers.  ,     .  , 

Naval  forccy  ^c The  American  naval  force  on  Lake  Cham- 
plain  consisted,  on  the  20th  of  August,  of  the  President,  12  guns  ; 
Com.  Preble,  11  do;  Montgomery,  11  do;  Frances,  6  do;  two 
gunboats,  of  one  18  pounder  each ;  and  six  scows  of  one  12 
pounder  each  ;  amounting  in  all  to  48  guns. 

hi  the  month  of  September,  Captain  Macdonough  sailed  from 
Burlington  to  the  lines,  and  offered  the  British  battle ;  this  they 
refused,  and  sailed  out  of  the  lake  to  the  northward. 

On  the  4th  of  December,  the  enemy  made  his  appearance  ou 
the  lake,  with  six  heavy  gallies,  manned  apparently  with  upwards 
of  400  men,  following  close  after  our  look  out  boat,  which  was 
bringing  the  intelligence.  He  set  fire  to  a  small  shed  which  had 
been  in  public  use,  the  smoke  of  which  gave  the  first  intimation 
of  his  approach.  It  being  calm,  four  of  our  gallies,  under  Lieuten- 
ant Cassin,  weighed,  and  were  ordered  in  pursuit  of  him.  They 
were  directed  to  bring  him  to  action  if  possible,  and  thereby  ena- 
ble the  sloops  to  get  up.  The  chase  continued  three  hours  with- 
out effect.  It  is  presumed  the  enemy  expected  our  forces  had 
gone  into  winter  quarters,  and  that  Plattsburgh  was  the  object  of 
nis visit.  -,  ,,.,„'    ,-,     ■  i  ■..,•'     ?.,'    ,. 


CIIAPTESI  XXV*    /-•■r.^  ,;  '. 

l^aval  events  on  the  Ocean....Cruise  of  the  Hornet  and  capture 
of  the  Peacock.,..Keturn  of  the  Hornet  to  the  United  States.... 
Appointment  of  Captain  Laurence  to  the  command  of  the 
Chesapeake.,..  Action  with  the  Shannon  and  loss  of  the  Chesa- 
peake...,Biography  of  Captain  Lawrence*,. .Funeral  obsequies 
of  Latvrence  and  Ludlow. 

We  noticed  in  page  123,  the  sailing  of  the  Constitution,  Cap- 
llain  Bainbridgc,  accompanied  by  the  Hornet,  Captain  Lawrence, 
land  of  the  cruise  of  the  former  along  the  Brazil  coast.  After  the 
IConstitution  parted  with  the  Hornet,  Captain  Lawrence  continued 
|for  14  dnys  otf  the  harbour  of  St.  Salvadore,  blockading  the  Bonne 
jCiloyenne,  without  being  able  to  bring  her  to  an  engagement. 
|Onthe  21th  Januarv,  he  was  obliged  to  shift  his  cruising  ground. 


;■   /  .'4 


'^\-'  ^ 


'■$■#' 


m 


M-aiil 


:i9i) 


a' 


SKETCllKS   OH 


h'-'y 


by  thf  aiiival  of  the  Montague  74,  wliicli  had  sailtfd  from  KioJa 
jiciro  for  the  express  purpose  of  reheving  the  Bonne  Cituyenne, 
and  a  35rltish  packet  of  12  guns,  which  likewise  lay  at  St.  Saiva- 
(lore.  He  therefore  haled  by  the  s\  ind  to  the  westward,  with  the 
intention  of  cruising  olf  Pcrnambuco. 

On  the  lOlh  of  February  he  captured  the  English  brig  Resolu- 
tion,  of  10  gun?,  bound  to  Maranham,  from  Rio  Janeiro,  laden 
with  colTee,  jerked  beef,  flour,  fustic,  butter,  and  about  25,000 
dollars  in  specie.  As  this  vessel  sailed  dull,  and  as  Capt.  Lawrence 
ro\ild  not  spare  hands  to  man  her,  he  took  out  the  money  and  set 
licr  en  fire.  ■■-       '        =    ••  :   ,      - 

He  then  ran  down  the  coast  for  Maranham,  and  cruised  there 
ior  a  t-hort  time.  Thence  he  ran  off  Surinam.  After  cruizing 
yif  that  coast  from  the  16th  to  the  23d  of  February,  without 
meeting  with  a  vessel,  he  stood  for  Demarara  ;  and  intended^ 
iiiould  he  not  be  fortunate  on  that  station,  to  run  through  the 
West  Indies  on  his  way  to  the  United  States. 

Capture  of  the  Peacock On  the  24th  of  Oct.  in  the  morning, 

t'aptain  Lavi-rence  discovered  a  brig  to  leeward ;  to  which  he 
immediately  gave  chase.  Not  having  a  pilot  on  board,  he  was 
obliged  to  h^ul  oflf  The  fort  at  the  entrance  of  Demarara  river 
bore  southwest,  distant  about  two  and  a  half  leagues.  Previous 
to  giving  up  the  chase,  Capt.  Lawrence'  discovered  a  vessel  at 
anchor  without  the  bar,  with  Eiiglish  colours  flying.  She  appear- 
ed to  be  a  brig  of  war.  In  beating  round  Carobana  bank,  in  or- 
der to  get  to  her,  at  half  past  3,  P.  M.  he  discovered  anothei 
sail  on  his  weather  quarter,  edging  down  for  him.  At  20  minutes 
jjast  4,  she  hoisted  English  colours.  She  was  now  discovered  to 
be  a  large  man  of  war  brig.  '.    . 

Capt.  Lawrence  immediately  ordered  his  men  to  quarters,  and 
!iad  the  ship  cleared  for  action.  He  kept  close  by  the  vvhid,  in 
order,  if  possible,  to  get  the  weather  gage  of  the  approaching 
vessel.  At  10  minutes  past  5,  finding  he  could  weather  the 
enemy,  he  hoisted  Ameiican  colours  and  tackjed.  About  a  quar- 
ter of  an  hour  after  this,  the  ships  passed  each  other,  and  ex- 
changed broadsides  within  half  pistol  shot.  Captain  Lawrence, 
observijig  the  enemy  in  the  act  of  wearing,  bore  up,  received 
his  starboard  broadside,  and  ran  him  close  on  board  on  the  star- 
board quarter.  From  that  position  he  kept  up  a  most  severe  and 
well  directed  fire.  So  great  was  its  effect,  that,  in  less  than  15 
minutes,  the  British  vessel  struck.  She  was  almost  cut  to  pieces, 
and  hoisted  ^n  ensign,  union  down,  from  her  fore  rigging  as  a 
.signal  of  distress.  Shortly  after,  her  mainmast  went  by  the| 
board. 

Lieutenant  Shubrick  was  despatched  on  board.  He  soon  re- 
turned with  her  first  lieutenant,  who  leported  her   to  be  hi?  l^t'-j 


THE  WAR. 


291 


(aiiiiic  majesty's  brig  Peacock,  commanded  by  Captain  William 
Peake,  vviio  fell  in  the  action  ;  that  a  number  of  her  crew  were 
killed  and  wounded  ;  and  that  she  was  sinking  very  fast,  having 
then  six  feet  water  in  her  hold.  The  boats  of  the  Hornet  were 
immediately  despatched  for  the  wounded.  Both  vessels  were 
brought  to  anchor.  The  shot  holes  in  the  Peacock,  that  could  be 
got  at,  were  then  plugged,  and  her  guns  thrown  overboard.  Ev- 
ery exertion  was  used  to  keep  her  afloat,  until  the  prisoners  could 
be  removed,  by  pumping  and  bailing,  but  without  effect.  She 
unfortunately  sunk  in  five  and  a  half  fathoms  water,  with  thirteen 
of  her  own  crew  and  three  of  the  Hornet's.  Lieutenant  Connor, 
Midshipman  Cooper,  anJ  the  remainder  of  the  men  employed  in 
removing  the  prisoners,  with  difficulty  saved  themselves  by  jump- 
ing into  a  boat  that  was  lying  on  the  booms,  as  the  vessel  went 
down.  Four  men,  of  the  Peacock's  crew,  who  were  on  board 
when  she  went  down,  and  were  so  fortunate  as  to  gain  the  fore- 
top,  were  afterwards  taken  off  by  the  Hornet's  boats.  Previous 
to  the  Peacock's  sinking,  four  of  her  men  took  to  her  stern  boat, 
which  had  been  much  damaged  during  the  action.  There  was 
little  or  no  prospect  of  their  reaching  the  land.  They,  however, 
arrived  safe  at  Demarara.  "  ' 

Captain  Lawrence  could  not  ascertain  from  the  officers  of  the 
Peacock,  the  exact  number  of  killed.  Captain  Peake  and  four 
men  were  found  dead  on  board.  The  master,  one  midshipman, 
carpenter,  captain's  clerk,  and  twenty  nine  seamen  of  the  Pea' 
cock,  were  wounded  ;  most  of  them  severely... .three'died  after 
being  removed....nine  were  drowned. 

The  Hornet  had  only  one  man  killed,  and  two  slightly  wound- 
ed. Two  men  were  also  severely  burnt  by  the  explosion  of  a 
cartridge,  one  of  whom  died  a  few  days  after.  The  rigging  and 
sails  of  the  Hornet  were  much  cut.  A  shot  passed  through  the 
foremast  j  the  bowsprit  was  slightly  injured ;  but  her  hull  receiv- 
ed very  little  injury. 

At  the  time  Captain  Lawrence  brought  the  Peacock  to  action, 
the  Espiegle,  the  brig  mentioned  as  being  at  anchor,  lay  within 
six  miles  of  the  Hornet,  between  her  and  the  shore,  and  could 
plainly  see  the  whole  of  the  action.  She  mounted  eighteen  guns. 
Supposing  that  she  would  beat  out  to  the  assistance  of  her  con- 
sort, great  exertions  were  used  by  the  officers  and  crew  of  the 
Hornet,  to  repair  her  damages.  By  9  o'clock  her  boats  were 
stowed,  a  new  set  of  sails  bent,  and  the  ship  completely  ready 
for  action. 

At  2  o'clock,  A.  M.  the  Hornet  got  under  way,  and  stood  by 
the  wind  to  the  northward  and  westward,  under  easy  sail.  On 
mustering,  next  morning,  270  souls  were  found  to  be  on  board 
Jthe  Hornet.     As  the   crew  of  the  latter  had  been  for  some  time 


>,»  ,t  '  .-'"tf• 
--t.  '  ^   .■■■  '  Vt. 


■-  111 


•fit 

■MM 


Ui)2 


SKETCHES  Oy 


Ill' 11 /■•?•*]  {"• 


♦?■!  ■  f 


i<'t;t 


on  short  allowance.  Captain  Lawrence  resolved  to  make  the  beiit 
of  his  way  to  the  United  States. 

The  Peacock  was  deservedly  styled  one  of  the  finest  vessels 
of  her  class  in  the  British  navy.  She  was  about  the  tonnage  of 
the  Hornet.  Her  beam  was  greater  by  five  inches  :  but  her  ex- 
treme length  not  so  great  by  four  feet.  She  mounted  sixteen  24 
pound  carronades,  2  long  nines,  a  12  pound  carronade  on  her  top 
gallant  forecastle  as  a  shifting  gun,  and  a  four  or  six  pounder, 
and  two  swivels  aft.  By  her  quarter-bill,  her  crew  consisted  of 
134  men,  four  of  whom  were  absent  in  a  prize,  besides  four  men 
and  a  boy,  who  were  not  on  her  quarter  bill. 

Of  the  Hornet's  crew,  the  sailing-master  and  seven  men 
were  absent  in  a  prize;  and  Lieut.  Stewart  and  six  men  on  the 
sick  list. 

The  conduct  of  Captain  Lawrence  towards  his  prisoners,  was 
such  as  deserved  the  highest  applause.  So  sensibly  affected  were 
the  officers  of  the  Peacock  by  the  treatment  they  rectived,  that 
on  their  arrival  at  Newyork,  they  made  a  grateful  acknowledg- 
ment in  the  public  papers.  To  use  their  own  expressive  phrase, 
"  they  ceased  to  consider  themselves  prisoners."  Nor  must  we 
omit  to  mention  a  circumstance  highly  to  the  honour  of  the 
brave  tars  of  the  Hornet.  Finding  that  the  crew  of  the  Peacock 
had  lost  all  their  clothing,  by  the  sudden  sinking  of  the  vessel, 
they  made  a  subscription,  and  from  their  own  wardrobes  supplied 
each  man  with  two  shirts  and  a  blue  jacket  and  trowsers.  Such 
may  rough  sailors  be  made,  when  they  have  before  them  the  ex 
ample  of  high-minded  men.  They  are  beings  of  but  little  reflec- 
tion, open  to  the  impulse  and  excitement  of  the  moment ;  and  it 
depends,  in  a  great  measure,  upon  their  officers,  whether,  under 
a  Lawrence,  they  shall  ennoble  themselves  by  generous  actions; 
or,  under  a  Cockburn,  be  hurried  away  into  scenes  of  unpreme- 
ditated atrocity.  -[t,  ••,; 

On  the  return  of  Captain  Lawrence  to  the  United  States,  he 
was  received  with  great  distinction  and  applause;  and  various 
public  bodies  conferred  on  him  peculiar  tokens  of  approba- 
tion. .  ^.^. 


n; 


■vrviiKJ%i  >i'»rjt**4fe.*i^U  »Ui  o*f  ^^ri    :-9S"i  .jOmS  ' 


Appointment  of  Captain  Laxvrence  to  the  command  of  the 
Chesapeake...Short\y  after  he  arrived  at  Newyork,  Captain  Law- 
rence was  appointed  to  command  the  Chesapeake  frigate.  It 
was  with  reluctance  he  accepted  the  command  of  this  vessel,  for 
she  was  considered  the  worst  ship  in  the  navy.  The  Chesapeake 
then  lay  at  Boston,  whither  Captain  Lawrence  repaired.  When 
nearly  ready  for  sea,  the  British  frigate  Shannon  appeared 
off  the  harbour,  and  made  signals  expressive  of  a  challenge. 
A  written    challenge  is   also  stated  to  have  been   sent  by  Cap 


'.  ■■  (.hi  i 


THE  WAR. 


uy5 


..  •■  /i-  ■-■ ' 


ke  the  betit 

lest  vess(;ls 
tonnage  of 
but  her  ex- 
sixteen  24 
f  on  her  top 
K.  pounder, 
consisted  of 
L's  four  mtj) 

seven  men 
nen  on  the 

soncrs,  was 
Fected  were 
;tived,  that 
icknow'ledg- 
ssive  phrase, 
or  must  we 
nour  of  the 
the  Peacock 
the  vessel, 
bes  supplied 
'sers.     Such 
em  the  ex 
little  reflec- 
ent ;  and  it 
ther,  under 
us  actions; 
f  unpremc- 

States,  he 
Ind  various 
k    approba- 


ind  of  the 

Iptain  Law- 

Trigate.     It 

vessel,  for 

'hesapeake 

When 

appeared 

challenge. 

It  by   Cap 


1^,0  Broke,  the  comu,  iider  of  the  Shannon,  but   which  Cap- 
Ijin    Lawrence    never    received.        Favourable    circumslancejt, 
and  superiority  of  force,  were  on  the  side  of  the  Shannon.     The 
Chesapeake,  on  the  contrary,  laboured  under  particular  dis.idvan- 
Itage*.    Her   commander   was  very  slightly  acquainted   v  ith  his 
Iciew;  the  greater   part   of  whom  were    new  recruits.     She,  as 
been  already  observed,  was  but  an  indifferent  vessel ;  and,  at 
Ithe  moment   the   Shannon  appeared,  was  not  in  complete  ordei 
|ior  an  engagement.     But   Lawrence   had   himself  challenged  a 
iBritish  vessel ;  the   sight  of  one   riding  in  defiance   before  him, 
Iwastoo  much  for  his  pride  to  bear.       He,  in  consequence,  put  to 
Lea  on  the  first  of  June,  having  hoisted  a  white  flag  with  "  Free 
mie  and  sailor^s  right.**     He  addressed  his  men  in  a  short  dis- 
Itourse,  but  it  was  received  with  no   marks  of  approbation.     Dis- 
Icouteiit  was  apparent  among  a  part  of  the  crew,  and  complaints 
Lere  muttered  of  not    having   received  their  prize  money.     Tlie 
leoittswain,  a  Portuguese,  was  the  principal   instigator  of  this  dis- 
iifection.     Lawrence,  unacquainted    with   his  crew,  resolved   to 
Move  the   cause  of  their  complaint.     He  ordered  the  purser  to 
live  prize  checks  to  those  who  had  received  none.     On  perceiv- 
ing the  Chesapeake  coming  out,  the  Shannon   bore   away.     The 
piiesapeake   followed  until  4  o'clock  in  the    afternoon,  when  she 
lauled  up  and  fired  a  gun.     On  this  the  Shannon  hove  to.     The 
m  vessels  continued  manoeuvring  in  silence  until  6,  when  they 
|«ere  within  pistol  shot  of  each   other.     The   action  then  com- 
snced  by  a  tremendous  and   destructive   broadside  from  each 
[esse!,  which,  on  board  the  Chesapeake,  killed  the  sailing  master, 
llr.  White,  and    mortally   wounded   the  fourth  lieutenant,  Mr. 
illard.     A.  musket  ball  struck  Captain  Lawrence  in  his  leg,  and 
Joflicted  a  painful  wound.     He,  however,  leaned  on  the  compa- 
lioa  way,  and   continued  to  command  and  encourage*his  crew. 
[second  and  third  destructive  broadside   was  discharged  from 
kchship,  in  which  the  Chesapeake  had  evidently  the  advantage  ; 
nt  unfortunately    her  first  lieutenant,  Ludlow,    was  severely 
lounded  and  carried  below.     Three  men,  in  the  course  of  12 
fiflutes,  had  been  successively  shot  down  from  her  helm.    A  shot 
b  disabled  her  foresail,  and  she  could  no  longer  answer  her 
lelm.    In  this  state,  her  anchor  caught  in  one  of  the  after  ports 
[the  Shannon.     Thus  was  the  Chesapeake  thrown  into  a  posi- 
JOD  in  which  her  guns  could  not  be  brought   to  bear,  while  the 
annou  vyas  enabled  to  rake  her  upper  decks,  by  which  numbers 
'the  crew  of  the  Chesapeake   were  killed  and  wounded,     A 
lind  grenade,  thrown  on  the  quarter  deck,  caused  a  great  explo- 
pa,  and  set  fire  to  some  musket  cartridges,  but  did  no  other  in- 
jry.  ^As  soon  as  Captain   Lawrence   perceived  that  the   Chesa- 
was  falling  to  leeward,  and  that  by  the  Shannon's  filling 


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she  would  fall  on  board,  he  called  to  the  boarders,  aud  wag  ,„ 
the  act  of  giving  orders  respecting  the  foresail,  when  he  received 
a  nnusket  ball  in  his  body.  At  the  call  for  boarders.  Lieutenant 
Coxe,  who  commanded  the  second  division,  ran  on  deck ;  but  ar 
rived  just  in  time  to  receive  his  falling  commander,  whom  he  jm 
mediately  carried  below. 

The  bugleman,  who  should  have  called  the  boardess,  as  order 
cd  by  Captain  Lawrence,  did  not  do  his  duty.  The  Shannon  liai 
sustained  so  much  injury  that  her  commander.  Commodore  Broke 
was  preparing  to  repel  any  attempt  of  boarding  from  the  Chesa 
peake.  But  at  this  moment.  Broke,  perceiving  the  havoc  his  fir 
had  occasioned  on  the  deck  of  the  Chesapeake,  jumped  on  boar 
her  with  about  20  men.  They  would  «oon  have  been  drivei 
back,  but  ail  the  officers  on  deck  were  either  killed  or  woiindei 
The  second  lieutenant,  Budd,  who  commanded  Uie  first  dlvisjoi 
below,  led  up  the  boarders  ;  but  only  fifteen  or  twenty  men  fo| 
lowed  him.  With  these  he  defended  the  ship  until  diMabkd  b) 
wound.  Lieutenant  Ludlow,  though  wounded,  hurried  on  dec 
where  he  soon  received  a  mortal  sabre  wound.  Sixty  additiooi 
men  being  thrown  on  board  from  the  Shannon,  the  crew  of  thi 
Chesapeake,  who  now  had  no  officer  to  direct  and  rally  the 
were  overpowered.  The  Chesapeake,  however,  was  not  surrei 
dered  by  an  act  of  submission,  but  was  taken  possession  of  by 
force  that  overwhelmed  all  opposition. 

As  Captain   Lawrence  was  conveyed  below,  he  perceived  f 
disabled  state  of  the  Chesapeake ;  but  exclaimed,  **  Don't  gi 
up  the  ship."     He  lay  in  the  ward  room  in  the  most  excruciatii 
pain.     When  the  noise   and   bustle  of  combat  ceased  above, 
ordered  the  surgeon  to  go  on  deck  and   tell  the  officers  to  iigj 
on  to  the  last,  and  never  to  strike  the  colours.     "  They  shal 
said  he,  f*  wave  as  long  as  I  live."     But  the  struggle  had  cease 
and  the  British  were  in  possession  of  the  ship.     Captain  La 
rence  lingered  in  great  pain  for  four  days,  when  he  expired. 
^    The  Chesapeake  had  47  men  killed  and  93   wounded.    Tl 
British  acknowledged  that  the  killed  and  wounded  of  the  Sii 
non  amounted  to  88  men,  among  the  latter  of  whom  was  Coi 
modore  Broke.     The  greater  part  of  the   Americans  were  itillj 
and  wounded  by  the  British  boarders.     The  loss  of  the  Shannj 
was  principally  occasioned  by  the  cannon  of  the  Chesapeai 
The  latter  received  little  injury  in  her  hull ;  whereas  the  fori 
had  several  shots  between  wind  and  water ;  and  had  her  cri 
been  repelled  in  the  attempt  to  board,  she  would  in  all  probal 
ty  have  been  captured. 

The  Shannon  mounted  fifty-three  guns ;  the  Chesapeake  fo 
nine. 

The  treatment  of  the  Americans,  ih  the  present  instance,  M 
nearly  the  reverse  of  that  humanity  and  generosity  they  had 


Biogr 

temperat 
gloriouslj 
difficult  t 
valour,  ai 
gratitude 
thing  but 
into  a  dej 
edged  at 
siouate  ej 
We  fe( 
the  memo 
are  still  v 
cited,  in  < 
men.    In 
iotiansiei 
Scarce  hi 
called  to  < 
|Uar,just 
'tifhis  brig 
Captair 
178  i,  at 
jouugest 
law  of  thi 
died,  and 
ever  shov\ 
ofhis  infai 
which  he 
alTectiona 
and  enga 
when  he 
his  father 
profession 
fjuiesce. 
a  gramnii 
and'satisf^ 
'ather  pre' 


THE  WAR. 


29? 


}11  simitar  occasions  shown   to  the  British.     Even  the  private 
I  stores  of  Captain  Lavirrence  were  taken  from  him. 

His  remains  were  interred  at  Halifax,  with  great  solemnity. 
Iltfr.  Crowinshield,  of  Salem,  some  time  after,  obtained  a  flag  of 
I  truce  for  the  purpose   of  conveying  to  the  United  States  the  bo- 

?8  of  Lawrence  and  Ludlow,  which  he  perfomed.     They  were 
liflterred  m  Newyork  with  all  the  honours  due   to  brave  men,  sa- 
crificed in  the  heroic  defence  of  their  country. 


Biography  of  Captain  Laxvrence.,..To  speak  feelingly,  yet 
I  temperately,  of  the  merits  of  those  who  have  bravely  fought  and 
gloriously  fallen  in  the  service  of  their  country,  is  one  of  the  most 
difficult  tasks  of  the  biographer.  Filled  with  admiration  of  their 
valour,  and  sorrow  for  their  fate,  we  feel  the  impotency  of  our 
gratitude,  in  being  able  to  reward  such  great  sacrifices  with  no- 
thing but  empty  applause.  We  are  .apt,  therefore,  to  be  hurried 
into  a  degree  of  eulogium,  which,  however  sincere  and  acknowl- 
edged at  the  time,  may  be  regarded  as  extravagant  by  the  dispas- 
I  siojiate  eye  of  after  years. 

We  feel  more  particularly  this  difficulty,  in  undertaking  to  give 
[the  memoirs  of  one,  whose  excellent  qualities  and  gallant  deeds 
]are  still  vivid  in  our  recollection,  and  whose  untimely  end  has  ex- 
cited, in  an  extraordinary  degree,  the  sympathies  of  his  country- 
loien.  Indeed,  the  popular  career  of  this  youthful  hero  has  been 
|iotiansient,yet  dazzling,  as  almost  to  prevent  sober  investigation. 
I  Scarce  had  we  ceased  to  rejoice  in  his  victory,  before  we  were 
Icalled  to  deplore  his  loss.  He  passed  before  the  public  eye  like  a 
htarjust  beaming  on  it  for  a  moment,  and  falling  in  the  midst 
[tfbis  brightness. 

Captain  James  Lawrence  was   born  on  the   1st  of   October^ 

1 1781,  at  Burlington,  in  the  state  of  New- Jersey.     He  was  the 

youngest  son  of  John  Lawrence,  Esq.  an  eminent  counsellor   at 

Maw  of  that  place.     Within  a  few  weeks  after  his  birth  his  mother 

died,  and  the  charge  of  him  devolved  on  his  sisters,  to  whom  he 

ever  showed  the  warmest  gratitude  for  the  tender  care  they  took 

[of  his  infant  years.     He  early  evinced  that  excellence  of  heart  by 

which  he  was  characterized  through  life  ;   he  was  a  dutiful  and 

affectionate  child,  mild  in  his  disposition,  and  of  the  most  gentle 

and  engaging  manners.     He  was   scarce   twelve  years   of  age 

I  when  he  expressed  a  decided  partiality   for  a  seafaring  life  ;  but 

his  father  disapproving  of  it,    and  wishing  him  \o  prepare  for  the 

[profession  of  the  law,  his  strong  sense  of  duty  induced  him  to  ac- 

huiesce.     He  went  through  the  common  branches  of  education,  at 

a  grammar  school,  at  Burlington,  with  much   credit    to  himself^ 

and'satisfaction   to  his  tutors.     The  pecuniary    misfortunes  of  his 

Kather  prevented  his  receiving  a  finished  education,  and  between 


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the  age  of  lliirttcn   and  foiirtetn  he  conimcnctj   the  hliid)i  ofu, 

law  with  his  brother,  the  late  John  Lawrence,  Eif|.  who  then  rt 

sided  !it  Woodbury.     He  remsiined  for  two  years  in  this  situation 

vainly  striving  to  nccommodatc  liimself  to;,iirsiiit3  wholly  rtpuir 

ijiint  to  his  taste  and  inclinations.     The  dry  studies  of  statutes  am! 

reporter?,  the  technical  rubbish,  and  dull  routine  of  a  lawyer's  of 

fice,  were  little  calculated  to  please  an  imagination  teeming  wiili 

the  adventures,  the  wonders,  and  variety  of  the  seas.     At  lenelh 

his  father  being  dead,  and  his  strong  predilection  for  the  roviuf; 

life  of  a  sailor  being  increased  by  every  attempt  to  curb    it,  lijj 

brother  yielded  to  his  solicitations,  and  placed  him  under  the  cart 

of  Mr.  Griscomb,  at  Burlin?,ton,  to  acquiie  the  principles  ofnavl- 

Ration  and  naval  tactics.    lie  remained  with  him  for  three  month? 

when,  his  intention  of  applying  for  .a  situation  in   the  navy  beiii'' 

geneially  I<nown,  se;4'eral  of  the  most  distinguished    gentlemen  oi 

the  state  interested  themselves  in  his  behalf,  and  wrote  to  the  naw 

department.     The  succeeding   mail  brought  him  a   midshipman's 

warrant ;  and  between  the  age  of  sixteen  and  seventeen  he  enter 

ed  the  service  of  his  country. 

His  first  cruise  was  to  the  West  Indies  in  t!ie  ship  Ganges, 
commanded  by  Captain  Thomas  Tingey.  In  tliis  and  several  sub- 
sequent cruises,  no  opportunity  occurred  to  ea!)  forth  particular 
services;  but  the  attention  and  intelligence  which  he  uniformly 
displayed  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties,  the  correctness  of  his  de- 
portment, and  the  suavity  of  his  manners,  gained  him  the  appro- 
bation of  his  commanders,  and  rendered  him  a  favourite  with  his 
associates  and  inferiors. 

W^hen  the  war  was  declared  against  Tripoli,  he  was  promoted 
to  a  lieutenancy,  and  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  schooner 
Enterprise.  "W^hile  in  this  command  he  volunteered  his  services 
in  the  hazardous  exploit  of  destroying  the  frigate  PhiladeJphiti, 
and  accompanied  Decatur  as  his  first  lieutenant.  The  brilliant 
success  of  that  enterprise  is  well  known  ;  and  for  the  gallantry 
and  skill  displayed  on  the  occasion,  Decatur  was  made  post  cap- 
tain, while  Lawrence,  in  common  with  the  other  officers  and 
crew,  were  voted  by  congress  two  months'  extra  pay... .a  sordid 
and  paltry  reward,  which  he  imntediately  declined. 

The  harbour  of  Tripoli  appears  to  have  been  the  school  of  cir 
naval  heroes.  In  tracing  the  histories  of  those  who  have  lately 
distinguished  themselves,  we  are  always  led  to  the  coast  of  Barb?' 
ry  as  the  field  of  Iheir  first  experience  and  young  achievement. 
The  concentration  of  our  little  navy  at  this  point,  soon  after  iu 
formation,  has  had  a  happy  eifect  upon  its  character  and  fortune?. 
The  officers  were  most  of  them  young  in  years,  and  young  iu 
arms,  full  of  life,  and  spirits,  and  enthusiasm.  Such  is  the  time  to 
form  gencroi'?  in'pressions  and  strong  attachmrnts.     It  wastlxt^re 


taot,  to  lei 
!  The  rep 
ing>thatif 
there  wou 
of  the  flag 
to  cut  a  mi 
l>een  prove 

Where 

mosUdelica 

"^^ose  com 


%'IIE  WAK. 


297 


e  slud)/  of  It, 
who  then  It 
this  situation, 
.vhollj'  rt'putf 
f  statutes  and 
i  lawyer's  ol 
teeming  wiihl 
8.     At  length, 
for  the  roving 
:)  curb    it,  his  | 
nd(  r  the  can 
iciples  of  iiavi- 
three  month?,  I 
iie  nav}'  bcin;; ! 

gentlemen  oi 
le  to  the  navy 

midshipman's] 
itecii  he  enter 

ship  Ganges,  I 
id  several  sub- 
jrlh  particular] 
1  he  uniformly 
less  of  his  de- 
lim  the  appro- 
ourite  with  his  ] 

was  promoted  I 
the  schooner 

d  his  services 
Philadelphio,] 
The    brilliant 
the  gallantry] 

ade  post  cap- 
oflficers  and 
jay.. ..a  sordid] 

1  school  ofo'ir] 
10  have  lately 
)ast  of  Barb?- 
I  achievement. 
loon    after  its  ] 
and  fortune;-. 
hd    \cung  in 
[is  the  time  to  | 
It  wnstiurc 


iticy  grew  together  in  habits  of  mutual  confidence  and  friendship ; 
and  to  the  noble  enulation  of  so  many  young  minds  newly  en- 
tering upon  an  adver.'iurous  profession,  may  he  attributed  that  en- 
terprising spirit  and  defiance  of  danger  that  has  ever  since  distin- 
giii^hed  our  navy. 

After  continuing  in  the  Mediterranean  about  three  years  and  a 
half,  Lawrence  returned  to  the  United  States  with  Commodore 
Preble,  and  was  again  sent  out  on  that  station,  as  commander  of 
Gun  boat  No.  0,  in  which  he  remained  for  sixteen  months.  Since 
that  time  he  has  acted  as  first  lieutenant  of  the  Constitution,  and 
as  commander  of  the  Vixen,  Wasp,  Argus  and  Hornet.  In  1808 
hp  was  married  to  a  daughter  of  Mr.  Montaudevert,  a  respectable 
merchant  of  New- York,  to  whom  he  made  one  of  the  kindest  and 
most  a^ectionate  of  husbands. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  present  war  he  sailed  in  the  Hor- 
net sloop  of  war,  as  part  of  the  squadron  that  cruised  under  Com- 
modore Rodgers.  While  absent  on  this  cruise  Lieutenant  Morris 
was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  post  captain,  for  his  bravery  and 
ikill  as  first  lieutenant  of  the  Constitution  in  her  action  with  the 
Guerriere.  This  appointment,  as  it  raised  him  two  grades,  and 
placed  him  over  the  heads  of  older  officers,  gave  great  ofTence  to 
many  of  the  navy,  who  could  not  brook  that  the  regular  rules  of 
the  service  should  be  infringed.     It  was  thought   particularly  un- 

I  jiut,  as  giving  him  rank  above  Lawrence,  who  had  equally  distin- 
guished himself  as  first  lieutenant  of  Decatur,  in  the  destruction 
fif  the  frigate  Philadelphia,  and  who,  at  present,  was  but  master 
and  commander. 
On  returning  from  his  cruise.  Captain  Lawrence,  after  consult- 

]iDg  with  Commodores  Rodgers  and  Bainbridge,  and  with  other 
experienced  gentlemen  of  the  navy,  addressed  a  memorial  to  the 
senate,  and  a  letter  to  the  secretary  of  the  navy,  wherein,  after 
thp  fullest  acknowledgments  of  the  great  merits  and  services  of 
Captain  Morris,  he  remonstrated  in  the  most  temperate  and  re- 
ipectful,  but  firm  and  manly  language,  on  the  impropriety  of  his 
promotion,  as  being  contrary  to  the  rules  of  naval  precedence,and 
particularly  bard  as  it  respected  himself.  At  the  same  time,  he 
frankly   mentioned  that  he   should   be  compelled,  however  reluc- 

|tant,  to  leave  the  service,  if  thus  improperly  outranked. 
The  reply  of  the  secretary  was  singularly  brief;  barely  observ- 

jing,that  if  he  thought  proper  to  leave  the  service  without  a  cause, 
there  would  still  remain  heroes  and  patriots  to  support  the  honour 

I  of  the  flag.     There  w  as  a  laconic  severity  in  this  reply  calculated 

I  to  cut  a  man  of  feeling  to  the  heart,  and  which  ought  not  to  have 

|l)een  provoked  by  the  fair  and  candid  remonstrance  of  Lawrence. 
Where  men  are  fighting  for  honour  rather  than  profit,  the  ut- 

|inost»deIicacy  should  be  observed  towards  their  high-toned  feelings. 

IThose  complaints  which  {spring  from  wounded  pride,  and  the  jeal-' 

2  P 


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ousy  of  station,  should  never  be  regarded  lightly.  The  best  so,- 
diers  are  ever  most  tenacious  of  their  rank  ;  for  it  cannot  be  ex- 
pected that  he  who  hazards  every  thing  for  distinction,  will  be 
careless  of  it  after  it  is  attained.  Fortunately,  Lawrence  had 
again  departed  on  a  cruise  before  this  letter  arrived,  which  oth- 
erwise mi(;ht  have  driven  from  the  service  one  of  our  most  mer- 
itorious officers. 

This  second  cruise  was  iii  company  with  Captain  Bainbridge, 
who  commanded  the  Constitution  ;  and  terminated  in  the  capture 
of  the  Peacock,  by  Lawrencc....which  is  detailed  in  the  preceding 
pages. 

On  the  return  of  Captain  Lawrence  to  his  native  country,  eve- 
ry mark  of  attention  and  applause  which  a  grateful  people  could 
bestow,  were  conferred  on  him.  While  absent,  the  rank  ct 
post  captain  had  been  given  him,  and  shortly  after  his  return  lie 
received  a  letter  from  the  secretary  of  the  navy,  offering  him  the 
command  of  the  frigate  Constitution,  provided  neither  Captaias 
Porter  or  Evans  applied  for  it,  they  being  older  officers.  Captain 
Lawrence  respectfully  declined  this  conditional  appointment,  for 
satisfactory  reasons  which  he  stated  to  the  secretary.  He  then 
received  an  unconditional  appointment  to  that  frigate,  and  direc- 
tions to  superintend  the  navy  yard  in  New  York  in  the  absence 
of  Captain  Ludlow.  The  next  day  to  his  great  surprise  and  cha- 
grin, he  received  counter-orders,  with  instructions  to  take  com- 
mand of  the  frigate  Chesapeake,  then  lying  in  Bosto;),  nearly 
ready  for  sea.  This  appointment  was  particularly  disagreeable  to 
him.  He  was  prejudiced  against  the  Chesapeake,  both  from  her 
being  considered  the  worst  ship  in  our  navy,  and  from  having 
been  in  a  manner  disgraced  in  the  affair  with  the  Leopard.  The 
last  circumstance  had  acquired  her  the  character  of  an  unlucky  { 
ship....the  worst  of  stigmas  among  sailors,  who  are  devout  belie- 
vers in  good  and  bad  luck;  and  so  detrimental  was  it  to  this  ves- 
sel, that  it  has  been  found  difficult  to  recruit  crews  for  her. 

The  extreme  repugnance  Captain  Lawrence  felt  at  this  appoint- 
ment, induced  him  to  write  to  the  secretary  of  the  navy,  request! 
ing  to  be  continued  in  the  command  t)f  the  Hornet.  Besides  it 
was  his  wish  to  remain  some  short  time  in  port,  and  enjoy  a  littlel 
repose  in  the  bosom  of  his  family  ;  particularly  as  his  wife  was  inl 
that  d^icate  situation  that  most  calls  forth  the  tenderness  and  toF 
licitude  of  an  aflfectionate  husband.  But  though  he  wrote  four! 
letters  to  the  secretary,  he  never  received  an  answer,  and  was| 
obliged  reluctantly  to  acquiesce. 

While  laying  in  Boston  roads,  nearly  ready  for  sea,  the  Britislil 

frigate  Shannon   appeared  off  the  harbour,  and  made  signals  exj 

/  pressive  of  a  challenge.     The  brave  Lawrence  immediately  deter-l 

mined  on  accepting  it,  though  conscious  at  the  time  of  the  great| 

disparity  of  the  two  ships. 


i  I 


1   '  ' 


I'HI  WAR. 


UQ9 


The  mofit  earnest  endeavours  were  used  by  Commodore  Bain* 
bridge  and  otiter  gentlemen  of  nice  honour  and  sound  experience, 
to  dissuade  Captain  Lawrence  from  what  was  considered  a  rash 
and  unnecessary  exposure.  He  felt  and  acknowledged  the  force 
of  their  reasons,  but  persisted  in  his  determination.  He  was  pe- 
culiarly situated  :  he  had  formerly  challenged  the  Bonne  Citoyen- 
ue,  and  should  he  decline  a  similar  challenge,  it  might  subject 
him  to  sneers  and  misrepresentations.  Among  the  other  unfortu- 
nate circumstances  that  attended  this  ill-starred  battle,  was  the 
delay  of  a  written  challenge  from  Captain  Broke,  which  did  not 
arrive  until  after  Captain  Lawrence  had  sailed.  It  was  couched 
in  the  most  frank  and  courteous  language ;  minutely  delineating 
the  force  of  his  ship ;  and  offermg,  if  the  Chesapeake  should  not 
be  completely  prepared,  to  cruise  off  and  on,  until  such  time  as 
she  made  a  specified  signal  of  being  ready  for  the  conflict.  It  is 
to  be  deeply  regretted  that  Captain  Lawrence  did  not  receive  this 
gallant  challenge,  as  it  would  have  given  him  time  to  put  his 
ship  in  proper  order,  and  spared  him  the  necessity  of  hurrying  out 
jQ  his  unprepared  condition,  to  so  formidable  and  momentous  an 
encounetr. 

It  was  on  the  morning  of  the  first  of  June  that  the  Chesapeake 
put  to  sea.  The  Shannon  on  seeing  her  came  out,  bore  away, 
and  the  other  followed.  Shortly  after  an  engagement  of  the 
most  destructive  nature  took  place  ;  which  ended  in  the  loss  of 
the  Chesapeake  and  the  death  of  her  gallant  commander,  as  more 
minutely  given  in  the  preceding  pages. 

Thus  terminated  one  of  the  most  remarkable  combats  on  naval 
record.  From  the  peculiar  accidents  that  attended  it,  the  battle 
was  short,  desperate  and  bloody.  So  long  as  the  cannonading 
continued,  the  Chesapeake  is  said  to. have  clearly  had  the  advan- 
tage ;  and  had  the  ships  not  ran  foul,  it  is  probable  she  would 
have  captured  the  Shannon.  Though  considerably  damaged  in 
her  upper  works,  and  pierced  with  some  shot-holes  in  her  hull,  yet 
.she  had  sustained  no  injury  to  affect  her  safety ;  whereas  the 
Shannon  had  received  several  shots  between  wind  and  water^ 
and,  consequently,  could  not  have  sustained  the  action  long.  The 
havoc  on  both  sides  was  dreadful ;  but  to  the  singular  circum- 
titance  of  having  every  officer  on  the  upper  deck  either  killed  or 
wounded,  early  in  the  action,  may  chiefly  be  attributed  the  loss 
of  the  Chesapeake. 

The  two  ships  presented  dismal  spectacles  after  the  battle. 
Crowded  with  the  wounded  and  the  dying,  they  resembled  float- 
ing hospitals  sending  forth  groans  at  every  roll.  The  brave  Broke 
lay  delirious  from  a  wound  in  the  head,  which  he  is  said  lo  have 
received  while  endeavouring  to  prevent  the  slaughter  of  some  of 
our  men  who  had  surrendered.  In  his  rational  intervals  he  al- 
ways spoke  in  the  highest  terms  of  the  courage  and  skill  of  Llw- 


•  V, 


<^  V 


V.  mm 


Vkfk 


300 


iKKicuEs  oy 


.'n'' 


rencc,  and  of "  tlie  gallant  and  musterly  st^le*'  in  vvUicIi  he  brougli'. 
the  Chesaptfukc  into  action. 

The  wounds  of  Captain  Lawrence  rendered  it  iniputsiblc  to  re 
move  him  after  the  battle,  and  hi«  cabin  being  \ery  much  .shat- 
tered, he  remained  in  the  waidroom.  Here  he  la^',  attendtU  by 
his  own  turgeon,  and  surrounded  by  his  brave  and  suiTeriug  oth'- 
ccm.  He  made  no  comment  on  the  battle,  nur  indeed  wa«  iuHrd 
iM  utter  n  word,  except  to  make  8uch  simple  request*  ai  hid  mcei- 
sities  required.  In  this  \Kay  he  lingered  through  four  days,  imx- 
treme  bodily  pain,  and  the  silent  melancholy  of  a  proud  and  noble 
heart,  and  then  expired.  His  body  was  wrapped  in  the  coluui;,  ol 
Ills  ship  and  laid  on  the  quarter-deck  of  the  Chtsapeake,  to  be 
conveyed  to  Halifax, for  internniit. 

At  the   time  of  his  death    he  was  but  thirty-two  years  of  age, 
nearly  sixteen  of  which  had  bteii  honourabi}  expended  in  the  ser- 
vice of  his  country.     He  was  a  disciplinarian  of  the  highest  order, 
producing  perfect  obedience  and  subordination   without  sevi  nty. 
llis  nten  became  zealously  devoted  to  him,  and  ready  to  do  tluo* 
aftection  what  severity   would   never  have  compt  lied.     He    was 
scrupulously  correct  in  his  principles,  delicate  in  his  sense  of  liun- 
our ;  and  to  his  extreme  jealousy  of  reputation  he  fell  a  victim, 
in  daring  and  ill-matched  encounter,  which  prudence  would  have 
justified  him  in  declining.     In  battle,  where   his  lofty   and   com- 
manding person    made  him  conspicuous,  the  calm  collected  cour- 
age, and  elevated  tranquility,  which  he  maintained  in  the  midst  of 
peril,  imparted  a  confidence  to  every  bosom.     In  the  hour  of  vic- 
tory he  was  moderate  and  unassuming ;  towards  the  vanquished  he 
was  gentle,  generous  and  humane.     But  it  is  on  the  amiable  qual- 
ities that  adorned  his  private  character,  that  his  friends  will  hang 
with  the  fondest  remembrance....that  bland  philanthropy  that  ema- 
nated from  every  look,  that  breathed  forth  in  every  accent,  that 
gave  u   grace  to  every  action.     His  was 'a  general  benevolence, 
that,  like  a  lambent  flame,  shed  its  cheering   rays  through  the 
sphere  of  his  influence,  warming  and  gladdening  every  heart,  and 
lighting  up  every  countenance  into  smiles.     But  there   is  one  lit- 
tle circle  on  whose  sacred  sorrows  even  the  eye  of  sympathy  dares 
not  intrude.     His  brother  being  dead,  he  was  the  last  male  branch 
of  a  family,  who  looked  up  to  him  as  its  ornament   and    pride. 
His  fraternal  tenderness  was  the  prop  and  consolation  of  two  wid- 
owed sisters,  and  in  him  their  helpless  offspring  found  a  father. 
He  left,  also,  a  wife  and  two  young  childaen   to  whom  he  was 
fervently  attached.     The   critical  situation  of  the  former  was  one 
of  those  cares  which  preyed  upon  his  mind  at  the  time  he  went 
forth  to  battle.     The  utmost  precautions  had  been  taken  by  her 
relatives,  to  keep  from  her  the  knowledge  of  her  husband's  fate. 
Their  anxiety   has  been  relieved  by  the  birth  of  a  son,  who,  wc 
trust,,  will  inherit  the  virtues,  and  emulate  the  actions  of  his  father. 


* 

^x-. 


ars  of  ugc, 
i  in  the  ser- 
jrliesl  order, 
ut  sevi  niy. 
to  do  tliro' 
.     He    was 
?nse  oi  liun- 
U  a  victim, 
would  iiuve 
and   com- 
lected  cour- 
he  midst  of 
Ihour  of  vic- 
nquished  he 
liable  qual- 
s  will  hang 
that  ema- 
cceDtj  that 
levolencey 
rough  the 
heart,  and 
is  one  lit- 
lathy  dares 
lale  brancb 
,nd   pride. 
two  wid- 
a  father, 
he  was 
Ir  was  one- 
he  went 
en  by  her 
nd's  fate, 
who,  we 
is  father. 


•VHU,  \VA«. 


JO  I 


Th«re  !«  a  touching  pathos  about  the  death  of  this  eatinroblo  of- 
iccTt  that  endf  an   him  more  to  us  than  if  he  had  been  Ducceisful. 
fhi*  prosperous  conqueror  is  an  object  of  iidmiration,  but  in  some 
Ltaiure  of  envy  :  whatever  gratitude  we  il   I  for  his  services,  we 
jre  apt  to  think  them  repaid  by  the  plaudits  hu  enjoys.       But   he 
I  who  f<<il*  a    martyr   to  his  country's  cauRc  excites  tlir  fulness  of 
lie  sympathy.     Envy  cannot  repine   at   i'luu  Is  so  deatiy  pur- 
Ichised,  and  gratitude  feels  that  he  is  be  vend  the  rea  t)  of  it.s  le- 
wards.     The  lust   sad  scene   of  his  life  liaUuvvs   his  memory  ;  it 
remain!)  Kjcrcd  by  misfortune,  and  honoured,  not  by  the  acclama- 
tioiin,  but  the   tears  of  his  countrymen.     The  idea  of  Lawrence, 
hutdown  in  the  prime  of  his  days,  stretched  upon  his  deck,  vvr:ip- 
Ld  il)  the  flag  of  his  country....that   flag  which  he  hnd  contribut- 
ledto  ennoble,  and  had  died  to   defend,  is  a  picture   that  will  re- 
Lain  treasured  up  in  the  dearest  recollections  of  every  American. 
JHii  will  form  one  of  those  talismanic  names   which  every  nation 
iTdcrves  as  watchwords  for  patriotism  and  valour. 
Detply,  therefore,  as   every  bosom    must  lament  the  fall  of  so 
Hunt  and   amiable  an  officer,  there  are  some  reflections  consol- 
11}  10  the  pride  of  friendship,  and  which  may  sooth,  though  they 
jcaiiiiot  prevent,  the  bitter  tear  of  aifection.       He  fell    before   hi.s 
iigwas  struck.     His  fall  was  the  cause,  not  the  consequence,  of 
Keat.     He  fell  covered  with  glory,  in  the  flower  of  his  days,  in 
jjie  perfection  of  mental  and  personal  endowment,  and  the  fresh- 
Kss  of  reputation  ;  thus  leaving  in  every  mind  the  full    and  per- 
|itt  image  of  a  hero.     However  we    may   deplore  the  stroke  oi 
Mil,  his   visits   are  occasionally  well   timed  for  his  victim :  he 
ttsa  seal  upon  the  fame  of  the    illustrious,  fixing  it  beyond  thf- 
hcii  of  accident  or  change.     And  where   is  the  son  of  honour, 
inting  for  distinction,  who  would  not  rather,  like  Lawrence,  be 
katched  away  in  the  brightness  of  youth  and  glory,  than  to  dvvin^ 
!(lown  to  what  is  termed  a  good  old   age,  wear  his  reputation 
tik:  shreds,  and  leave   behind   him  nothing  but  the   remem- 

»nce  of  decripitude  and  imbecility.  t , 

I  With  feelings  that  swell  our  hearts  do  we  notice  the  honours 
Mto  the  remains  of  the  brav«  Lawrence  at   Halifax.     Whei; 
ships  arrived   in  port,  a  generous  concern  was  expressed  foi 
ifate.     The   recollection  of  his  humanity  towards  the  crew  oi 
Peacock  was  still  fresh  in  every  mind.     His  funeral  obsequies 
|tre  celebrated  with   appropriate   ceremoniab,  and   an  ailVcting 
lemnity.     His  pall  was   supported  by  the  oldest  captains  in  the 
litish service  that  were  in  Halifax;  and  the  naval  oiliccrs  crowd 
|to  yield  the  last  sad  honours  to  a  ninii  who  was  late  their  foe. 
Inow  their  foe  no  longer.     There  is  a  syaipalhy  between  gal- 
|t  soi^ls  that  knows   no  distinction   oi'  clime  or  nation.     They 

flour  iu  each  other  what   they  feel  proud  of  i:i   themsL-lves 

igrcup  that  gj^tbered   round  the  grave  cf  Lawrence  presfnl- 


■  i  ^1»' 


4ri 


'.  f 


I: 


'  / 
i 


;■■  ^.  I 


vH 


3Q2 


SKETCHES  OF 


W'   t 


[si  f  M  •  ,f 

I 


ed  a  scene  worthy  of  the  heroic  days  of  chivalry.  It  was  ^ 
complete'  ti  iumph  of  the  nobler  feelings  over  the  savage  passions 
of  war.  We  know  not  where  most  to  bestow  our  admiraiion.... 
on  the  living,  who  showed  such  generous  sensibility  to  departed 
virtue,  or  on  the  dead,  in  being  worthy  of  such  obsequies  from 
such  spirits.  It  is  by  deeds  Jike  these  that  we  really  feel  our- 
selves  subdued.  The  conflict  of  arms  is  ferocious,  and  ti  iumph 
does  but  engender  more  deadly  hostility  ;  but  the  contest  of  mag. 
nanimity  calls  forth  the  better  feelings,  and  the  comjuest  is  over 
the  affections.  ♦■.?*>.»,'•...., 

As  to  the  event  of  this  battle,  deeply  as  we  mourn  the  lost  of 
so  many  valuable  lives,  we  feel  no  further  cause  of  lamentation, 
Brilliant  as  the  victory  undoubtedly  was  to  the  conquerors,  our 
nation  lost  nothing  of  honour  in  the  conflict.  The  ship  was  gal 
lantly  and  bloodily  defended  to  the  last;  and  was  lost,  not  thro 
want  of  good  conduct  or. determined  bravery,  but  from  the  una! 
voidable  chances  of  battle.  It  was  a  victory  "  over  which  the 
conqueror  mourned....80  many  suffered."* 

Funeral  obsequies.,..A  short  time  after  the.  interment  of  Capf, 
Lawrence  and  Lieutenant  Ludlow  in  Halifax,  Captain  Crownin 
shield,  of  Salem,  originated  the  idea  of  bringing  their  bodies  t 
their  own  country.  He  obtained  a  cartel  of  the  president  of  thi 
United  States,  fitted  out  a  vessel  for  the  purpose,  and  proceede 
to  Halifax  at  his  own  expense.  He  was  politely  treated  b)'  tin 
British,  and  had  no  difSculty  in  eflTecting  the  object  of  his  vo}| 
age.^  On  his  return  to  Salem,  the  remains  of  the  departed  he 
roes  were  conveyed,  with  the  most  impressive  ceremonies,  fro 
the  cartel  to  the  shore. 

From  the  time  the   boats  left   the  brig,  until   the  bodies  werj 
landed,  minute  guns  were  fired  from  vessels  in  the  harbour.    Oi 
their  being  placed  upon  the  hearses,  they  were  covered  with  tl 
colours  which  they  had  so  lately  and  so  signally  honoured,  ani 
conveyed  at  a  suitable  distance  for  the  procession  to  form  ;  whicj 
moved   to  slow    and  solemn   music  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Spaulding' 
meeting-house ;  where  the  corpses  were  taken  from  the  funeri 
cars,  and  placed  in  the  centre  of  the  church,  by  the  seamen  w 
rowed  them  on  shore,  and  who  stood,  during  the  whole  of  tli 
performance,  leaning  upon   them   in  an  attitude  of  mouniiiii 
The  church  was  most  tastefully  hung  with  cypress  and  evergrec 
The  names  of  **  Lawrence"  and  "  Ludloxv"  appeared  in  letfe 
of  gold,  encircled  by  festoons  of  evergreen,  immediately  on  t 
front  of  the  desk.     The  rites  of  sepulchre  were  performed  wi 
great   solemnity.     An   eulogy,  pronounced   by   the  Hon.  Jud 
Story,  was  such  an  one  as  made   veterans  weep.     After  the 
formanccs  were  concluded  in  the  meeting-house,  tlu'  f.iithinl 


On 

prize, 

from  Po] 

a  brig  w 

tenant 

ensigns, 

diately 

prepared 

log  up  fr 

latter, 

der  to  tr 

shortenec 

then  ran 

When  th 

the  Briti! 

ky  a  disc 

the.  like 

neral. 


*  Anal-r'ii-  M»«ra7.<in'. 


■■-•'!■  I 


mV.  WAR. 


SOiJ 


v'  .  .  ■      f 


men  conveyed  the  remains  into  the  quiet  tomb,  and  the  masonic 
locieties  and  military  corps  paid  the  last  ritual  homage  to  the  im- 
mortal Lawrence  and  Ludlow. 

The  bodies  of  the  decea^sed,  at  the  request  of  their  relatives, 
were  afterwards  carried  to  Newyork  by  land,  (the  commander 
of  the  British  squadron  oiT  Newtondon  having  hesitated  to  grant 
theo)  a/passage  by  water  from  Salero,y  and  there  finally  interred 
with  all  the  honours  due  to  valiant  countrymen.  On  no  similar 
occasion  had  been  vvitnes^sed  a  testimonial  of  respect  so  universal 
and  sincere.  It  was  indeed  a  day  of  mourning.  The  hearts  of 
hoary  patriots  and  youthful  heroes,  beat  in  solemn  unison,  and 
the  bright  eye  of  beauty  glistened  with  a  tributary  tear. 

It  would  fill  a  volume  to  insert  an  account  of  all  the  civic,  mi- 
litary and  masonic  honours  in  memory  ot  Lawrence  and  Ludlow. 
Tbey  extended  from  Maine  to  Georgia.  An  universal  sympathy 
I  for  the  fate  of  the  youthful  warriors,  appeared  manifest  in  the 
conduct  of  every   citizen.     Short,  indeed,   was  their  career  of 

glory ;  but  while  it  existed  it  shone  with  unrivalled  splendour 

[Their  memories  will  long  be  cherished;  and  when  the  present 
generation  shall  have  passed  away,  posterity  will  delight  to  read 
Ihe story  of  their  valiant  deeds.  *   .,  >  ^'  ,   ,    -,   ,..'5 


:)    ■:. 


-lip' 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 


*-  ^^.  ^    , 


Cruise  of  the  Enterprise Capture  of  the  Boxer. ^...Biography 

of  Lieutenant  Burrows, 


•>*,:■>■  :il-t>' 


On  the  1st  of  September,  1813,  the  U.  S.  schooner  Enter- 
prize,  of  12  guns,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Burrows,  sailed 
from  Portsmouth  on  a  cruise.  Early  in  the  morning  of  the  5th, 
a  brig  was  discovered  in  shore  getting  under  way.  While  Lieu- 
tenant Burrows  was  reconnoitring  her,  she  hoisted  three  British 
ensigns,  and  fired  a  shot  as  a  challenge.  The  Enterprize  imme- 
I  diately  haled  upon  a  wind,  stood  out  of  the  bay  she  was  in,  and 
prepared  for  action.  A  calm  then  prevailed  ;  but  a  breeze  spring- 
ing up  from  S.  W.  gave  the  Enterprize  the  weather  gage.  The 
latter,  after  manoeuvring  for  some  time  to  windward,  in  or« 
der  to  try  her  sailing  with  the  enemy,  and  to  ascertain  her  firce, 
shortened  sail  and  hoisted  three  ensigns,  fired  a  gun,  tacked,  and 
then  ran  down,  with  the  design  of  closing  with  her  antagonist. 
When  the  Enterprize  had  got  within  half  pistol  shot,  the  crew  of 
the  British  vessel  gave  three  cheers,  and  commenced  the  action 
by  a  discharge  of  her  starboard  broadside,  which  was  returned  in 
the.  like  manner  by  the  Enterprize.  The  action  then  became  ge- 
neral.    About  five  roinutes  after  its  commencement,  the  gallant 


.  *  I'" 


' 


I       >  ■.  ■■■  ♦ 


if* 


-]:^ 


■  iilili 


' ',  *  ■ 


¥■: ' 


\0A 


SKETCHES  Of 


'-•■v. 


Burrows  received  a  tnu«ket  ball  in  his  body,  and  fcii :  l)ut  hr 
refused  to  be  carried  below.  The  active  part  of  the  command 
then  devolved  upon  Lieutenant  M'Call,  who  conducted  himself  | 
with  great  skill  and  self-possession.  The  British  vessel  was  out- 
iTianflcuuredj  and  cut  up ;  her  main  topmast  and  topsail  yarii 
were  cut  away.  The  Enterprize  having  gained  a  position  on  the 
starboard  bow  of  the  British  vessel,  kept  up  a  raking  fire  on  her, 
until  her  guns  were  silenced,  and  her  crew  cried  for  quarters, 
saying,  that  their  colours  being  nailed  to  the  mast,  could  not  be 
hauled  down.  The  vessel  proved  to  be  his  Britannic  majesty's 
brig  Boxer,  of  14  guns. 

The  Enter  prize  was  much  injured  in  her  spars  and  rigging 

She  had  1  man  killed  and  13  wounded ;  among  the  latter  was 
her  gallant  commander.  Burrows,  who  expired  a  few  hours  af. 
ter  the  engagement.  While  lying  on  the  deck,  previous  to  the 
.capture  of  the  Boxer,  he  raised  his  head  and  desired  that  his  flag 
might  never  be  struck.  When  the  sword  of  his  vanquished  ene- 
my was  presented  to  him,  he  clasped  his  hands,  and  exclaimed, 
**  1  die  contented.'* 

The  Boxer  was  very  much  damaged  in  her  spars  and  rigging, 
and  received  several  shot  between  wind  and  water.  The  crew 
of  this  vessel  could  not  be  exactly  ascertained,  but  is  supposed  to 
have  been  nearly  100.  The  killed  were  thrown  overboard.  Six- 1 
<ly-four  persons  were  on  board  when  she  was  taken  possession  of,  | 
17  of  whom  were  wounded.  The  commander.  Captain  Blithe, 
was  killed  early  in  the  action.  The  Boxer  was  in  every  respect 
■superior  to  the  Enterprize. 

Biography  of  Lieutenant  Burrows There  are  few  event* 

more  calculated  to  raise  the  mingled  sensations  of  admiration  and 
sorrow,  than  the  death  of  a  victor  in  the  moment  of  his  glory. 
When  defeat  is  attended  with  death,  the  bereaved  mourners 
have  at  least  one  consolation.  The  grave  covers,  with  its  sable 
pall,  the  fame  of  the  unfortunate  man,  and  protects  his  moulder- 
ing remains  from  persecuting  envy.  He  who,  while  living,  might 
have  been  doomed  to  encounter  the  assault  of  detraction  and  in- 
sult, acquires  a  sort  of  sanctity  from  the  shadows  of  the  tomb, 
where  even  malice  does  not  penetrate.  But  how  interesting  is 
the  character  which  dies  in  the  moment  of  his  fame  !  Death, 
which  wa?,  in  the  former  instance,  a  protection,  now  robs  the 
victor  of  his  glory;  and  of  all  mankind,  the  conqueror  himself  is 
the  only  party  cold  and  insensible  to  the  history  of  his  fame. 
When  every  eye  sparkles,  and  every  cheek  is  flushed  with  de- 
light ;  when  we  anticipate  the  warrior's  return  with  kind  greet- 
ings and  cordial  salutations;  when  we  are  preparing  the  laurels, 
and  every  social  feeling  i;?  kindled  into  action,  we  find  all  the 
rays  of  his  glory  are  gleaming  on  the  temples  of  a  cold  and  In- 


1  -^I'l 


rviU 


THBWAr* 


305 


.;  i 


sensible  Corpse.  Death  obtrudes  his  obnoxious  front  in  the  midst 
of  these  gay  and  exhiiirating  images,  and  this  union  presents  a 
chastened  feelingj  a  temperate  sobriety  of  joy. 

William  Burrows  was  born  at  Kenderson,  near  Philadel> 
phia,  on  the  6th  day  df  October,  in  the  year  1 785.  His  father, 
then  in  possession  of  a  large  property,  d/ci  not  wish  to  confine 
the  genius  of  his  son  to  any  particular  pursuit,  apprehending  that 
the  paternal  estate  would  be  amply  sufficient  to  his  support  in  the 
style  and  character  of  a  gentleman.  Accordingly,  at  the  age  of 
thirteen,  a  season  too  early  for  any  decided  indications  of  charac- 
ter  to  present  themselves,  his  youthful  curiosity  was  left  to  its 
own  guidance ;  and  he  dallied  with  books  as  he  would  with  other 
toys,  regarding  them  rather  as  matters  of  amusement  than  as  ob- 
jects of  serious  concern.  In  one  respect  only  did  his  parent  in- 
terfere with  these  pleasures.  Knowing  how  essential  to  the 
character  of  a  gentleman  it  was  to  become  familiar  with  the  liv- 
iog  languages,  he  warmly  exhorted  his  son  to  turn  his  attention 
to  these,  and  in  this  he  but  partially  succeeded. 

To  the  French,  for  which  the  father  was  more  than  usually  so- 
licitous for  his  success,  knowing  how  indispensable  that  accom- 
plishment was,  the  son,  at  that  time,  betrayed  an  insurmountable 
reluctance.  In  the  acquisition  of  the  German,  which  was,  with 
hif  parent,  a  secondary  object  only>  Burrows  was  more  success- 
ful; and  at  the  age  of  thirteen,  he  would  converse  in  that  lan- 
guage as  fluently  as  in  his  native  tongue.  t 

This  may  be  considered  as  the  broad  outlines  of  his  early  years, 
so  far  as  regards  those  pursuits  which  often  have  an  important 
bearing  in  the  formation  of  the  future  character  of  the  man. 
Certain  traits  now  began  to  present  themselves  that  distinguished 
his  future  life ;  a  warm  and  benevolent  heart  was  concealed  be- 
hind a  cold  and  repulsive  exterior,  and  a  cautious  guardedness  of 
leierve.  On  the  subject  of  his  own  merits  he  maintained  a  se- 
vere and  inflexible  silence,  while  he  conversed  freely  and  fluently 
00  the  merits  of  his  youthful  comrades  and  associates. 

In  a  boy  so  amiable,  and  withal  so  retired  and  reserved,  little 
did  his  parents  believe  that  the  flame  of  ambition  was  burning 
ttrong  and  intense.  He  would  be  often  found  musing  and  solita- 
ry, as  if  in  the  act  of  conversing  with  his  own  thoughts ;  but  so 
ignorant  was  his  parent  of  his  predominant  passion,  that  he  la- 
boured tot  arouse  him  from  what  be  spprehended  was  lethargy 

This  passion,  guarded  by  such  jealous  and  scrupulous  reserve,  at 
length  developed  itself  by  an  accident  that  fortune  threw  in  hi) 
way.  He  ha(|  undertaken  to  learn  the  art  of  drawing;  but 
amidst  all  the  instructions  of  his  preceptor,  none  seemed  to 
arrest  the  attention  of  his  pupil  in  that  science  but  thedelinea^ 
tio8  of  a  ship  of  ivar.  His  constitutional  reserve  availed 
biin  no  longer,  this  incident  afforded  an  outlet  to  those  passions 

2  a 


•  i  ■  I-  i 


iwiii 


!0 


306 


SKETCHKS   09 


■'Mm 

SiN  '*,''  v'-i 


r.lfi'*.l.t\vKt 


EF  :!■ 


fV  i' 


BffFf  Vf'-. 


-•V. ' 


which  had  so  long  occupied  hi;  musing  and  sclitaiy  hours.  Wjtij 
astonivhofx  nt  nnd  rcgiei  his  father  disco\tT«  d  the  cau8t  <'t  his 
coptemplaticn  in  letirement,  and  of  that  indifFt-iencf  whict;  he 
discovert d  to  hist  slotted  i^tudies  ai.d  puibuii.-'.  Ht-  laboured  to 
give  his  airbition  another  turn;  but  the  (jai^ion  of  ocean  chivalry 
was  now  too  deeply  rooted,  and  all  lli^:  tfT'nrts  were  unaxm'i  g. 
He  Ciuld  now  do  nothing  but  to  lend  liis  iid  to  the  gratifitjitiou 
of  H  pHv-sion  he  was  incapable  of  repre.-sine  ;  and  he  accoidirgly 
seCiMided  his  application  to  the  secri-tar\  of  the  nav\  fur  ai;  of- 
fice.  and    Burrows    was   appoujttd  a   nudilrpman   in   November, 

He  now  eagerly  embraced  every  opportunity  to  qualify  himfelf 
for  the  service,  and  devoted  his  hours  exclusively  to  the  ftudy  cf 
navigation.  But  the  time  was  too  short  for  him  tc  make  the  re- 
qui.'ite  prcficitncy  in  such  studies.  He  was  speedily  summoned 
to  more  active  duty;  for  in  January,  1600,  less  than  3  moiitlij 
after  his  appointment,  he  received  orders  to  repair  on  board  the 
sloop  of  war  Port.«-mouth,  under  the  command  of  Captain  M'Ndl, 
wl>ich  was  then  bound  to  France.  At  this  lime  it  was  with  great 
diflicuity  that  he  could  be  pursuadcd  to  wear  the  uniform  of  the 
navy.  He  said,  that  he  was  as  ye*  a  raw  and  inexperienced 
hand,  a  mere  novice  in  the  naval  service,  and  that  he  had  done 
nothing  to  entitle  him  to  such  honour.  His  conception  was,  that 
the  badges  of  his  country's  honour  should  be  worn  only  by  those 
who  had  signalized  themselves  in  her  service.  He  prcfej-sed  hit 
utter  contempt  for  those  whose  ambition  extended  to  nothing 
more  than  an  uniform,  and  was  fearful  if  he  adopted  it,  that  his 
own  pretensions  would  be  measured  by  that  standard.  Never- 
theless, the  injunctions  wire  too   imperative  to  be  disregarded 

The  anecdote  may  be  thought  incompatible  with  the  gravity  of 
biography ;  but  let  it  be  remembered,  that  no  anecd<  te  which 
pourtrays  character  can  possibly  be  unimportant ;  and  in  this  we 
see  indications  of  a  future  hero,  at  a  period  before  be  himself  was 
conscious  of  tht-  fact. 

The  Portsmouth  did  not  return  to  the  United  Stales  until  De- 
cember, 1800.  Burrows  now  became  sensible  of  the  nccessit} 
of  becoming  better  acquainted  with  his  preparatory  studies.  He 
applied  for  a  furlough,  and  devoted  himself,  with  renewed  ardor, 
to  the  study  of  navigation.  In  this  short  interval  allowed  him, 
he  was  eminently  successful ;  for  he  had,  in  his  first  cruise,  amass- 
ed much  practical  skill  and  knowledge,  which  he  was  able  to 
systematize  when  he  became  more  familiar  with  the  rudinnnts 
and  elements  of  his  art.  This  cruise  was  attended  with  another 
benefit :  A  residence  in  France  had  conquered  his  own  antipathy, 
and  convinced  him  of  the  necessity  of  the  repeated  injunctions 
of  his  parent,  to  become  master  of  that  language.  He  now  avail- 
ed himself  of  such  opportunities  as  he  had  formerly  slighted ;  and 


^5"l.v.f 


14^  s. 


ty 


THE  WAR. 


307 


J  ?; 


t  1, 


1l|j 


m  tbe  cud,  he  wa«  able  to  converse  in  that  tongue   with  fluency 
and  gract. 

From  the  year  1800  to  1803  he  served  on  board  difft^rcnt 
ships  of  war,  in  cruises  some  of  a  long  and  $:ome  of  a  siiortt^r 
date,  unimportant  so  far  as  regards  the  glory  of  the  nav).  This 
was,  notwithstanding,  a  necessary  school,  which  prepared  him  for 
more  important  services.  During  these  periods,  when  no  occa- 
sion was  presented  for  the  exercise  of  the  high  and  heroic  quali- 
ties, his  habits  of  con^-titutional  reserve  were  his  prcdotiiiiiiint 
characteristics.  It  was  a  reserve  not  cold  and  repulsive.  He 
mingled  in  all  the  mirth,  conviviality,  and  good  humour  of  his 
comrades,  and  wa-  the  deiigrht  and  charm  of  their  society.  Still 
his  heart,  in  the  midst  ')f  such  indulgencies,  remained  as  locked 
and  guarded  as  ever,  atiH  thnse  with  whom  he  associated  could 
boast  no  ;Tiore  of  his  con  fid  nee  than  those  who  wire  strsngfrs 
to  hi?  company,  li  at  len^'l*  b' came  a  proverb  among  hiit. asso- 
ciates, that  of  a  petson  whose  character  was  inscrutable,  as  little 
could  be  known  as  of  the  ch  lr^^crt  r  of  Burrows.       — 

In  tile  year  IBOci  he    wa*  ord-.  red  to  go  on   board  the   frigate    , 
Constitution,  bound   to  th<-    Mediterranean,  commanded  by  Com- 
modore Preble.     This  gallant  Dtlicet  was  allowed   to  pos.«e>s  an 
almost  intuitive  sagacity  in  the  discf  rumeiit  of  character.     Under 
this  cold  and   repellant   exterior,  his   penetrating   eye   discerned 
higher  qualities.     He  saw    in  that  rt serve  a   character  of  noble 
and  intrepid  danng,  which  was   only  waiting  a  proper  season  to 
break  forth  in  all  its  respiendance.     Under  these  impressions.  Bur- 
rows was  appointed  an  acting  lieutenant,  in  which  character  he 
served  during  the  Tripoline  war.      This  period  was  an  important 
era  in  our  naval  service,     (u  proportion  to  the  smallness  of  the 
force  we  employed,  the  exercise  of  personal  skill  and  bravery  be- 
came more  indispensable.     We   have  to  regret  that  the  particu- 
lat  part  acted   by   Lieutenant    Burrows   in   this  warfare  is  not 
known:  but  even  this  deficiency   of  information  forms  another 
trait  in  the  character  of  this  otlicer.     He  maintained,  on  the  sub- 
ject of  his  personal  exploits,  a  silence  the  most  guarded  and  per- 
tinacious.    He  never  could  condescend  to  become  the  herald  of 
his  own  fame.     While  he   was  just  to  the   merits  of  his  brother 
officers,  he  was  unjust  to  his  own  ;  and  very  rarely,  indeed,  could 
he  be  induced  to  open  his  lips  upon  the  subject. 

As  every  thing  connected  with  the  Tripoline  war  has  now  be- 
come interesting,  the  following  anecdote  may  be  pardoned,  al- 
though not  immediately  pertinent  to  the  subject  of  the  present  bi- 
ography. 

After  the  burning  of  the  United  States'  frigate  Philadelphia,  by 
our  brave  conntrymen,  the  cannon  belonging  to  her  were  after- 
wards weighed  y\p  by  the  Tripolitans,  and  planted  on  their  batte- 

ies.     After  three  or  four  times  firing,  they  split  asunder,  directly 


'  i  'i'li' 


mi 


?. 


m 


.V  mm 


^  n 

■;!■ 


■>■,  I 


.*■  ,:-'\'  >  ■■' 


IM 


'^;v 


m 


'^i^l 


■:i'Vi 


''it';'.].--.!       6 


3A8 


SKETCHES  OF 


in  the  breecb,  leaving  part  of  the  pan  belonging  to  the  touch-iiole, 
on  each  side,  and  were  thus  rendered  perfectly  useless  ever  atter. 
The  following  anecdotes  are  not  destitute  of  amusement : 
White  our  countrymen  were  prisoners  at  Tripoli,  an  Americati 
sailor,  who  waited  on  the  Bashaw,  took  a  peculiar  fancy  to  a  gold 
cup^  from  whence  that  officer  drank  his  sherbert.     He  watchtd 
the  first  favourable  moment,  seized  the  cup,  secreted  it  in  his  bo- 
som, and,  as  he  was  departing,  he  was  detected  in   the  theft... , 
When  he  was  examined  in  the  presence  of  the  bashaw,  he  cool- 
ly replied,  "  Your  excellency  must  know  that  I  have  sworn,  tn 
every  possible  manner  to  distress  the  enemies  of  my  country.^> 
The  bashaw   was  so  struck  with  his  cold  intrepidity,  that  he  suf- 
fered him  to  depart  without  punishment.  Another  of  the  American 
tar.<?  having  done  some  slight  service  for  a  Jew,  received  a  draught 
of  wine  from  a  large  jug,  by  way  of  compensation.     Honest  Jack 
was  so  enamoured  with  the  wine,  that  he  seized  the  first  favour- 
able moment  to  carry  oiT  the  jug.     He  related   the  adventure  to 
Hassan,  the  commander  ot  the  guard,  who,  for  a  stipend,  as  usu- 
al, (which  was  nothing  more  than  the  empty  jug,)  agiecd  to  pro< 
tect  him.     The  Jew  discovered  the  theft,  applied  to  Hassan,  with 
a  description  of  the  person  on  whom  his  suspicion  alighted.     The 
officer  swore  by  the  beard  of  Mahomet  to  punish  the  felon,  and  or- 
dered  all  the  American  slaves  to  pass  in  review  before  the  Jew. 
Jack,  meanwhile,  had  shifted  his  hat  and  jacket  with  a  messmate, 
and  partly  shutting  one  eye,  turned  the  back  part  of  the  iris  un- 
der his   lid.      With  the  greatest  unconcern  of  physiognomy  he 
passed  the  Jevv,  who  seized  him,  examined  him  cautiously,  turn- 
ing him  round  several  times,  and  finally  dismissed  him  ;  saying 
that  this  was  not  the  culprit,  as  he  only  had  one  eye :    but   the 
Jew  >|vas  ready  to  swear,  upon  the  Pentateuch,  that  the  real  cul- 
prit  was  the  brother  of  this  sailor.      No  such  perspn  was  found 
notwithstanding,  and  the  righteous  judge  ordered  three  hundred 
lashes  to  be  inflicted  on  the  Jew,  forfthus  daring  to  inculpate  the 
character  of  an  innocent  man. 

Qne  of  the  crew  of  the  Philadelphia  having  obtained  a  piece 
of  Tripolitan  money,  made  a  mould,  into  which  copper  was  cast, 
taken  frona  the  bottom  of  that  frif  ite.  This  was  rubbed  over 
with  quicksilver,  and  coin  to  the  amount  of  three  or  four  hundred 
dollars  was  cast  before  the  deception  was  discovered.  One  of 
the  pieces  was  brought  to  the  bashaw,  who  declared  that  he 
could  do  nothing  with  the  Americans,  and  that  he  verily  believed 
them  to  be  devils  ! 

It  is  a  remarkable  truth,  that  whatever  was  known  of  Burro^'\s 
was  known  from  other  sources  than  himself ;  in  confirmation  ot 
which  remark,  we  will  mention  the  striking  fact,  that  none  are 
more  ignorant  of  the  personal  exploits  of  this  officer,  than  his 
o;>vn  immediate  relatives.    He  professed,  on  all  occasions,  his  con- 


!l 


'1  HIi  WAKf 


spp 


(  touch- hole, 
s  ever  alter, 
■ment : 
in  American 
cy  to  a  gold 
ie  watched 
i  it  in  hiii  bo- 
the  theft.., . 
aw,  he  cool- 
ve  sworn,  tn 
ny  countryJ>* 
,  that  he  suf- 
he  American 
ed  a  draught 
Honest  Jack 
first  favour' 
adventure  to 
}end,  as  usu- 
gieed  to  pro- 
[iassan,  with 
ghted.     The 
felon,  and  or- 
bre  the  Jew. 
a  messmate, 
f  the  iris  un- 
iognoroy  he 
iously,  turn- 

im ;  saying 

but   the 

Ithe  real  cul- 

was  found 

Iree  hundred 

culpate  the 

ined  a  piece 
|r  was  cast, 
{rubbed  over 
)ur  hundred 
Id.  One  of 
Ted  that  he 
[ily  believed 

)f  Burro*'- jj 

Irmation  ot 

it  none  are 

|r,  than  his 

|n6)  his  con- 


a-flipt  ^f  i^osQ  officers  who  embraced  every  opportunity  to  pro- 
claim their  own  merits,  and  fearing,  lest  he  shouhJ  be  guilty  him- 
jelf  of  the  vice  he  so  severely  reprobated  in  others,  he  renounced 
conversation  on  such  subjects,  altogether. 

In  1807,  Lieutenant  Burrows  returned  from  Tripoli  to  his  na- 
tive country;  and  in  the  following  year  he  was  attached  to  the 
Philadelphia  station,  and  employed  in  the  bay  and  river  Delaware, 
aud  commander  of  gun  boat  No.  119.  It  became  then  his  duty 
10  enforce  a  rigid  observance  of  the  emba'^go  law.  In  a  service 
at  once  so  delicate  and  invidious,  he  exhibited  traits  of  character, 
I  which  insured  him  universal  applause. 

In  1809  he  was  ordered  to  join  the  frigate  President,  under 

I  Captain    Bainbridge.     From   this  ship  he  was   transferred  to  the 

iloop  of  war  Hornet  as  first  lieutenant,  under  Captain  Hunt.     lu 

« dangerous  and  heavy  gale,  his  brother  officers  have  reported, 

that  by  his  superior  skill  and  intrepidity,  as  an  officer,  the  ship  and 

Icrew  were  both  preserved  from  what  they  deemed  inevitable  de- 

litruction. 

In  his  promotion  to  a  lieutenancy,  he  had  the  mortification  to 
ISDd  himself  out  ranked  by  his  junior  officers.  This  was  so  se- 
Irerely  wounding  to  his  pride,  that  he  remonstrated  to  the  proper 
Ijepartment  in  very  feeling  terms.  He  stated  that  he  was  now 
Icsmmanded  by  lieutenants  who  had  served  under  him  in  the  Tri- 
Ipoline  war.  Errors  of  this  kind  it  is  exceedingly  difficult  to  re- 
liliess,  however  just  may  be  the  subject  of  complaint.  To  with- 
llraw  a  commission  from  an  individual  on  whom  it  is  conferred, 
|to declare  an  officer  unworthy  of  the  honour  thus  bestowed,  is  an 
mirage  of  the  same  character  as  to  wantonly  place  a  junior  over 
uenior  officer.  Whethc  objections  of  this  nature  w«'ighed  with 
|he  government  we  know  not ;  but  certain  it  is,  the  remonstran- 
1  of  Lieutenant  Burrows  for  redress  proved  ineflfectual.  Find- 
It^  that  there  was  no  prospect  of  having  his  complaints  listened 
p,  v»ith  a  favourable  ear,  he  was  induced  to  tender  his  resigna- 
loQ  i  Mr.  Secretary  Hamilton,  at  the  time  of  that  gentleman^s 
ping  out  of  office.  This  resignation  was  not  accepted  by  go- 
[ernment,  and  Lieutenant  Burrows  had  now  no  other  resource 
ft)  than  to  bear  with  fortitude  what  he  was  unable  to  remedy, 
le  applied  to  the  government,  in  March  1812,  for  the  purpose  of 
[rosecuting  a  voyage  to  India,  which  was  granted.  He  found 
jbij  indispensable,  as  his  circumstances  were,  at  this  time,  some- 
mt  embarrassed  ;  and  he  accordirigly  went  on  board  the  ship 
ooinas  Penrose,  bound  to  Canton  from  Philadelphia,  under  the 
bimnand  of  Captain  Ansley  of  that  city.  On  the  return  passage 
ship  was  captured  and  carried  into  Barbadoes.  Lieutenant 
Arrows  arrived  in  the  United  States  on  his  parole,  in  June  1813, 
N  in'the  succeeding  month  wn?  rtgularly  exchanged. 


H'-'ft^J's'^-'- 


. "' Jf? 


.■■I 


''  iiii 


h 


%i.-l'i:f,i 


SIO 


SKETCHKS  OV 


">ii'''3 


mi 

i 

•j 

Sll 

•| 

1 

m- 

1 

1*     ■;:•!:. 


Shortly  after  this  exchange.  Lieutenant  Burrows  was  orderec 
by  government  to  repair  to  Portsmouth,  Nt  whanipshire,  and  to 
take  the  command  of  the  United  States*  ^ioop  of  war  Enterprjze 
then  in  a  state  of  readiness  for  sea.  His  mnid  was  still  sore  wjthj 
a  sense  of  his  unredressed  grievance,  on  the  subject  of  his  i! 
But  the  prospect  of  active  service  gratifitd  hi»  master  pasMon  I 
the  love  of  glory,  which  suspended,  for  a  stason,  all  other  couiij 
-derations. 

The  Enterprize  left  the  harbour  of  Portsmouth  on  the  5th  ofl 
September.  On  the  next  day  she  fell  in  vvitii  and  captured  hiil 
Britannic  majesty*s  brig  Boxer,  commanded  by  Captain  Bl^th  J 
and  the  action  terminated  in  the  dt^ath  of  the  commanders  Qf| 
both  vessels,  as  detailed  in  the  precednjg  pages. 

Soon  after  the  arrival  of  the  Jllnttrpnze  a<>d  Boxer  at  Portland,! 
the  bodies  of  the  two  commanding  othcci».  Lieutenant  Burrowil 
and  Captain  Blyth,  were  brought  on  shore  in  bargts,  rowed  atl 
minute  strokes  by  masters  of  shipji,  accompanied  by  most  of  thel 
barges  and  boats  in  the  harbour,  whiU  nnnute  guns  were  firedl 
from  the  two  vessels.  A  grand  procession  was  then  formed,  thel 
corpse  of  Burrows  preceding  ;  and  ihe  interment  took  place  witliT 
all  the  honours  that  the  civil  and  military  authorities  of  the  placej 
and  the  great  body  of  the  people  could  bestow.  The  crew  of  the 
Bo>:cr  were  permitted  to  march  in  the  procession. 

This  pride  of  loity  courtesy,  between  nations  at  war,  served 
?ome  measure  to  abate  the  miseries  with  which  it  was  attended] 
it  produced  an  elevation  of  feeling,  and   every  American  particij 
pated  in  such  dignity,'  when  he  contemplate  d  tht  spectacle. 

Republics  have  been  reproached  with  ingratitude.  Let  usfolld^ 
ly  cherish  the  hope  that  such  an  imputation  will  not  alight  upon 
us.  The  following  resolution  was  unanimously  passed  by  botlj 
houses  of  congress :       -■.■m  ;.-.- 

"  Resolvedy  by  the  senate  and  house  of  representatives  of  m 
United  States  of  America,  in  congress  assembled.  That  the  presil 
dent  of  the  Ujiiled  States  be  requested  to  present  to  the  nearej[ 
male  relation  of  liieutenant  William  Burrows,  and  to  Lieuteiian 
Edwin   R.   M'Call,  of  the   brig  Enterprize,  a  gold  medaly  will 
suitable  emblems  and  devices;  and  a  silver  medal,  with  like  en 
blems  and   devices,  to  each  of  the  commissioned  officers  of  thJ 
aforesaid  vessel ;  in  testimony  of  the  high   sense  entertained  hi 
congress,  of  the   gallantry  and  good   conduct'of  the  officers  anj 
crew,  in  the  conflict  with  the  British  sloop  Boxer,  on  the  4tlii 
September,  1813,     And  the  president  is  also  requested  to  commi| 
nicate   to  the  nearest  male  relation  of  Lieutenant   Burrows,  tli 
deep  regret  which  congress  feel  for  the  loss  of  that  valuable  cfl 
cer,  who  died  in  the  arms  of  victory,  nobly   contending  for  h| 
country's  right??  and  fiinic." 


THE   WAR. 


Sti 


'  It  is  rare  to  find  a  character  irore   dl«tii.clly  Uciined.     iligli- 
aiiidfd  men  usually  belra>  tlit^ir  pri'dodiiuaut  pat>sioii  by  a  proud 
lud  repellant   dignity  rl  dt'portiucnt.     They  manircst,  by  »  cold 
ind  di<taiit  reserve,  that  they  aic  not,  as  bhake^peare  says,  enu' 
merated  in  the  list  of  ordinary  nt'U.    A  certain  jtalous  sense  of  this 
dignity  prevents  colloquial  freedom,  and   rendirs  their  characters 
inaccessible  to  all  but  those  who  aspire  to  their  friendship.     Lleii- 
Itfimiit    Burrows,  with  all   his  habits   of  reserve,  appears    to  have 
bad  uothiiig  of  this,     lie   could  accommodate  himself  to  the  cir- 
cuniittances   in  which  he  was  placed,  and  suspend  the  exercise  of 
bis  darling  passion,  when    the  season    would  admit   of  its   iudul- 
•eoce.     At  such  times,  by  a  happy  mixture  of  humour  and  whim, 
be  was  able  to  extract  amusement  from  the  mrst  painful  and  re- 
luctant duty.     This  was  manifest  by  his  conduct  while  enfotcing 
the  provisions  of  the   embaigo  act.     His    higher  qualities   then 
availed  him   nothing,  and   he   laid   them  aside.     Those    who  frc- 
quruted  his   society  at  that  time,  beheld  in  him  nothing  but   the 
amiable  and  facetious  companion,  abounding  with  original  humour 
aod  wit.     As  the  hour  of  danger  approximated,  all    these  kvities 
Iwere  thrown  aside,  and   the  hero  was  left  in  his  proper  colours, 
liparhling  and  luminous.    His  orb,  emerging  from  the  light  and  spor- 
Itive  clouds  that  fitted  over  his  disk,  acquired,  from  the  surrounding 
Ithadows  of  death,  more  majesty  and  grandeur  of  lustre.     His  he- 
Iroism  maintained  a  long  and  obstinate  contest   with  the  king  of 
lienors;  and  he  was  only  cold  and  insensible   to  the  cha.''ms  of 
jglory,  when  he  was  invested   with  the  coldness  and  insensibility* 
I  of  death.  [Port  FoLio. 


:i: ' 


ri-  -.    i« 


'    ■.  \ 


\      1 


■'-  •■  h , 


,"  (' 


•:% 


,-"■     iJi       !•' 

.;■      ..  I,  <' 


CHAPTER  XX\1I.    "■ 

iCruwe   of  Commodore   Rodgers Cruise  of  the  Congress... 

Cruise  and  loss  of  the  Argus....Biography  of  Captain  Allen, 


On  thf  23d  of  April,  Commodore  Rodger?  put  to  sea  from  Bos- 
on, ill  the  President  fiigatc,  with  the  Congress  in  company.  It 
Iwas  the  3d  of  Ma^  before  he  got  clear  of  the  bay.  In  the  after- 
laoon  of  that  day,  while  in  chase  of  a  British  brig  of  war,  near  the 
llhodl  of  George's  Bank,  he  passed  to  vvindwarii  oi*  three  sail,  one 
|of  which  was  supposed  to  be  the  La  Hogue  74,  the  other  the 
I'j'mphe  frigate,  and  the  third,  a  merchant  brig.  He  continued 
|io  the  direction  of  the  southern  edge  of  the  Gulph  stream  until 
llhe  oth  of  May,  in  long.  60,  \V.  lat.  39  deg.  30  min.  N.  when 
p  parted  from  the  Congress.  After  which  he  shaped  hisjcourse 
l«8ne«rly  as  the  wind  would  permit,  to  intercept  the  British  West 
jindia  vessels,  passing  to  the  southward  of  the  Grand  Bank.     Not 


'  I-    •■' 
.  ■^,i^     -   ■ 


i 


if 


K""  ' 


■; :.  * 


El'  ■■M 


312 


fcKEVOHLs  iJt 


meeting  uilh  an)'  thing,  he  changed  hi*  course  to  the  norliiwaro. 
Having  reached  the  4ath  degree  of  N.  lat.  he  steered  for  the  A- 
7,orcs,  oir  which  he  continued  in  diflTererf  directionB  till  the  (Jthof 
June,  without  meeting  any  British  vesjrL,.  Being  informed  by 
:in  Americnn  vessel,  that  four  days  previous  she  had  passed  a  Bri- 
tish convoy  from  the  West  Indies,  the  commodore  crowded  all 
«ail  in  chase  to  N.  K.  Though  disappointed  in  iulling  iii  with  the 
convoy,  he  nevertheless  captured  four  vessels. 

Beini:  then  in  lat.  46  N.  long.  28  W.  he  determined  to  proceed 
to  the  North  Sea.     He  however  did  not  meet  with  a  single  ves- 
sel until  off*  the   Shetland  Islands,  and   those  he  there  met  with 
were  Danish,  under  British   licence.      His    water  and  provisionjj 
being  now  nearly  exhausted,  he  put   into  North  Bergen,  in  Nor 
way,  on  the  27th  of  June.     A   scarcity  in  the  country  preventedl 
his  obtaining  provisions.     After  having  tilled  his  casks  with  wafer 
.  he  departed  on   the  2d  of  July,  towards  the  Orkney  Islands,  and 
thence  toward  the  North  Cape,  for  the  purpose  of  intercepting  a 
convoy  of  25  or  30  sail,  which,  it  was  said,  would  leave  Archan 
gel  about  the   middle  of  July,  under  the  protection  of  two  sloopsi 
of  war.     This  was   confirmed  by  two  vessels  he  captured  on  tht 
18th  of  the  same  month.     In  this,  however,  the  commodore  was] 
disappointed  by  a    74  and  frigate    making  their  appearaiict  off 
North  Cape  on  the  19th  of  July,  just  as  he  was  in    momentqr 
expectation  of  meeting  the  convoy.      On   first  discovering  thes 
two  vessels,  ow'ing  to  the  haziness  of  the  weather,  he  could  not  as 
certain  their  character  with   precision.     He  accordingly  stood  to 
wards  them  until  he  discovered  their  strength,  when  he  haled  bj 
the  wind  on  the  oppofitc  tack  to  avoid  them.     3ut  owing  to  fain 
variable  winds,  and  light  for  an  entire  day,  for  in  that   latitud 
and  season  the  sun  appeared  above  the  horizon  at  midnight,  tli 
British  vessels  were  enabled  to  continue  the  cha«e  upwards  ofSi 
hours.     At  times,  owing  to  changes  of  the  wind  in  favour  of  th 
British  vessel?,  they  were  brought  near  to  the  President.     Whcii 
these  vessels  gave   chase  to  the  President,  the  privateer  Scour^ 
of  New- York  was  in  company,  but  so  intent  were  the  British  iiB liaving  on 
their  chase  of  the  former,  that  the  latter  escaped.  m^t  arrivec 

Having  but  a  very  small  quantity  of  provisidns  on  board  bifllie  capture 
vessel.  Commodore  Rodgers  determined  to  proceed  to  a  moreH  After 
westerly  station  after  having  escaped  from  the  superior  BritishBw  a  cruis 
force  that  so  long  chased  him.  He  accordingly  steered  to  inter 
cept  the  trade  passing  out  of  and  into  the  Irish  channel,  where otH»nd  gener 
ihc  25th  of  July  and  2d  of  August  he  made  three  captures;  buBlS  inin.  n 
receiving  information  that  the  British  had  a  superior  force  in  th«M.  a  larg 
vicinity,  he  deemed  it  expedient  to  change  his  cruizing  groundBthe  weath 
After  having  made  a  circuit  rouftd  Ireland,  and  having  come  inf(B»ad  the  A 
the  latitude  of  Cape  Clear,  he  steered  for  the  Banks  of  NewfoundB immediate 
land^  near  to  which  he  captured  two  more  vessels  r  from  one  oB the  weath 

'f  closing. 


these  1 

llyperi 

few  mi 

with  tl 

10  the  I 

of  Septt 

met  wi 

provisio 

were  sc 

ly  for  t 

obtainin 

he  obtKJ 

High  Fl, 

Newpor 

Durin 

of  ^vhich 

effectual 

and  forci 

war  in  a 

parting  v 
Id  a  circ^ 
parsing   i 
During 
and  exan 
ed;  two 
liable  par 
Jer«,  who 
I  harbour 

Cruise 
I  of  the  Uni 


h 


THE  WAR. 


913 


ti.i'se  he  obtliined  information  that  the  Bellerophoiij  a  74,  and  the 
Hyperion  frigate,  were  on  the  eastern  part  of  the  bank,  only  a 
few  miles  to  the  westward  of  him.  He  however  did  not  {»\l  iit 
with  them.  From  this  phice  thf  Commodore  directed  his  rruize 
to  the  United  States,  without  seeinar  a  single  vessel  until  the  22d 
of  September,  when,  being  near  the  south  ahoal  of  Nantucket,  he 
met  with  a  Swedish  brig,  and  American  cartel.  By  this  time  the 
provisions,  and  particularly  the  bread  on  board  the  Presif int, 
were  so  nearly  expended,  that  it  became  indij-pensobly  necessa- 
ry for  the  commodore  to  put  into  the  first  convenient  port,  after 
obtaining  information  of  the  position  of  the  British  cruisers.  This 
be  obtained  by  the  capture  of  his  Britannic  Majesty's  schooner 
High  Flyer,  on  the  23d,  with  which  vessel  he  arrived  safe  at 
Newport. 

During  this  cruize  Commodore  Rndgers  captured  12  vessels, 
of^vhich  the  crews  amounted  to  271  persons.  He  rendered  \•^ry 
elfectual  service  to  his  country  by  harr-iising  the  British  commerce, 
and  forcing  them  to  detach  a  great  number  of  their  vessels  of 
war  in  an  unsuccessful  pursuit. 

.      -   Ir- 
t  A  *  ? 

Ciuis'  of  th<^  Cow^re5s....Captain  Smith,  of  the  Congress,  after 
parting  with  Commodore  Rodgers,  on  the  8th  of  May,  proceeded 
ia  a  circuitous  direction,  to  the  south-east,    crossing    the  equator, 

I  passing  the  north  ^'ast  coast  of  Brazil,  and  thence  homeward. 
During  his  cruise,  a  number  of  neutral  vessels  were    brought  to 

land  examined,  and  three  valuable  vessels  of  the  enemy  captur- 
ed; two  of  which  were  destroyed,  after  taking  out  the  most  val- 
uable part  of  their  cargoes ;  and  the  other  given  up  to  the  prison- 
ers, who  were  paroled.  Captain  Smith  arrived  in  Portsmoufh 
harbour  on  the  I4th  December. 

Cruise  and  loss  of  the  Argus.L.An  May,  1813,  Captain  Allen 
I  of  the  United  States'  brig  Argus  sailed  from  this  country  for  France, 
having  on  board  Mr.  Crawford,  our  minister  to  that  court ;  where 

he  arrived  in  the  short  passage  of  23  days during  which  time 

he  captured  and  destroyed  a  valuable  British  schooner  of  6  guns. 

After  having  remained  at  L'Orient  a  few  days,  he   proceeded 
Ion  a  cruise  in  the   British  channel,  where  he  captured  20  English 
mselsj  the  crews  of  which,  Capt.  Allen  treated   with  humanity 
and  generosity.     On  the    I4th  of  August,  being  in  lat.  52  deg. 
15  inin.  north,  long    5.  50.  west,  he  discovered  at   4  o'clock  A. 
M.  a  large  brig  of  war  standing  down  under  a  press  of  sail  upon 
the  weather  quarter  of  the  argus,  the  wind  being   at   the    south,, 
and  the  Argus  close  haled  on  the  starboard  tack.      Captain  Alien- 
immediately  prepared  to  receive  her;  and  being  unable   to  getj 
the  weathergage,  he  shortened  sail  and   gave  her  an  opportunitf 
K^f  closing.      At  6  o'clock,  the  brig  having  disolaved  English  c(.> 

2  R 


i...  1 


'.i 


■  ( 

r 
» 


r     H' 


\         ■'  :  f 


■     ;  i 

; ,  i  , 
■■(  ■  . 


914 


SKETCHES  OF 


ours,  the  Argut  Iioiitcd  the  American  flag,  uut t  ruuiid,  iind  gav^ 
her  the  larboard  broadside,  (beiog  at  thit  time  within  grape  dii 
tancr)  which  was  returned,  an<f  the  action  commenced  within 
the  range  of  musketry.  At  a  few  minutes  past  6,  Captain  Allen 
was  wounded,  and  being  much  exhausted  by  the  loss  of  blood, 
was  taken  below ;  at  which  time,  the  Argus  had  lost  her  inaiii 
braces,  main  spring  stay,  gaff,  and  try-sail-mast,  and  shortly  nftr. 
her  sprit-saiNyard  and  the  principal  part  of  the  rigging  on  the  lar- 
board side  of  the  foremast.  At  this  time,  Lieut.  Watson,  iipou 
whom  the  command  of  the  Argus  then  devolved,  nfttr  Captain 
Allen  was  carried  below,  received  a  wound  on  the  head  from  a 
grape  shot,  which  for  a  time  rendered  him  incapable  of  attending 
to  duty,  and  he  was  also  carried  beJow.  The  command,  at  this 
time,  devolved  on  Lieut.  Allen  ;  and  the  enemy  being  oij  thi 
weather  quarter  of  the  Argu8,  edged  oiT  for  the  piirpo«e  of  git 
ting  under  her  stern  ;  but  the  Argvis  frustrated  his  uttcnipt,  Im, 
giving  him  a  broad-fide.  At  about  imif  past  0,  the  Argiis  havin-r 
lost  the  use  of  her  after-sails,  fi.ll  before  the  wind,  when  llie  ene- 
my succeeded  in  passing  her  stern,  and  ranged  up  on  tlie  starboard 
side.  At  this  time,  the  wheel-ropes  and  rigging  of  every  de- 
scription, beign  shot  away,  the  Argus  became  unmanageable  ;  and 
the  e.iemy  not  having  sustained  any  apparent  damage,  had  it 
completely  in  his  power  to  choose  a  position.  By  this  advantagr 
he  profited,  and  continued  to  play  upon  her  starboard  quarter,  oc- 
£-asionally  shifting  his  situation,  when  Lieut.  Watson  returned  to 
the  deck,  and  prepared  to  board  the  enemy  :  but,  in  consequence 
of  the  shattered  condition  of  the  Argus,  was  unable  to  effect  it. 
After  this,  the  enemy  continued  a  raking  fire,,  which  the  Argus 
could  but  faintly  oppose;  her  guns  being  much  disabled,  and 
seldom  brought  to  bear;  and  having  suffered  much  in  hull 
and  rigging,  as  also  in  killed  and  wounded  ;  and  being  exposed  to 
a  galling  fire,  which  from  the  enemy's  ability  to  manage,  she  could 
not  avoid,  Lieut.  Watson  deemed  it  necessary  to  surrender :  and 
was  taken  possession  of  by  the  British  sloop  Pelican,  of  21  car- 
liage  guns,  viz.  sixteen  32  pound  carronades,  four  long  6's,  and 
one  12  pound  carronade,  commanded  by  Capt.  Maples  TheAr 
gus  carried  eighteen  24  pounders,  and  two  long  12's. 

The  loss  on  board  the  Argus  was  6  hilled  and  12  wounded.... 
5  of  whom  have  since  died,  including  her  brave  commander,  who 
lost  his  leg  at  the  second  broadside,  and  died  the  next  day. 

The  loss  on  board  the  Pelican,  as  stated  in  the  British  onkiai 
account,  was  eight,  in  killed  and  wounded. 

The  Pelican  was,  in   eveiy  respect,  a  superior  vessel  to  the  Ai 
gus :  she  was  of  485  toras  burden.     Her  shot  in  pounds  was  66C(. 
The  burden  of  the   Argusf  was  298  tons ;    her  shot   in  pound!' 
402.  ^.       , 


^1^ 


'a,- 


THK  WAR. 


215 


Biography  of  Captain  Allen WlLLlAM   IIknry  Allkn, 

whom  it  has  become  our  painful  duty  to  notice,  was  born  at 
Providence,  Khodelilancl,  on  the  21«t  day  of  October,  1784. 
\\\i  father,  William  Allen,  on  the  breaking  out  of  the  revolu- 
tiunary  troubles,  was  appointed  n  lieutenant  in  the  army.  lie 
continued  in  the  army  until  the  restoration  of  peace,  and 
commanded  the  Rhode-island  line  of  troops  at  the  battle  of 
Saratoga,  when  he  was  adviinccd  to  the  rank  of  major.  He 
wus  present  and  actively  engaged  in  most  of  the  battles  which 
were  fought  during  our  re<  olutionary  war;  and,  in  1786,  was 
appointed  by  congress,  senior  officer  of  the  legionary  corps  raised 
in  Rhode-Island.  In  the  year  1700,  he  was  appointed,  by  the  le- 
gislature of  that  state,  brigadier-general  of  militia. 

Although  it  is  not  n  subject  immediately  connected  with  the 
present  biographical  sketch,  it  may  not  be  improper  to  state, 
that  Mujor  Allen  had,  for  a  short  time,  the  charge  of  the  unfor- 
tunate Andre.  He  sat  up  with  him  the  whole  night  previous  to 
his  execution.  ^  Andre  conversed  with  him  on  a  variety  of  sub* 
jects,  in  which  he  uniformly  spoke  of  the  American  character  in 
tsrms  of  the  strongest  respect,  and  expressed  his  gratitude  for 
the  kindness  and  delicacy  with  which  he  was  treated  during  his 
confinement.  So  affecting  was  the  interview  to  Major  Allen, 
that  to  this  day,  he  cannot  relate  the  circumstances  without  great 
emotion. 

The  mother  of  William  Henry  Allen  was  the  sister  of  the  pre- 
sent governor  of  Rhode  Island.  It  was  the  intention  of  his  pa- 
rents, that  Henry  should  have  received  a  liberal  education  ;  and 
he  went  through  the  preparatory  studios.  He  panted,  however, 
for  more  active  life;  and,  notwith.sfanding  the  pressing  remon- 
strances of  his  parents,  he  entered  the  navy,  as  n  midshipman,  in 
May,  1800. 

In  three   months   after  his  appointment,  he  was  ordered  on 
board  the   frigate  George   Washington,  commanded  by  Captain 
Bainbridge,  to  carry  presents  to  the  dey  of  Algiers.     On  his  de- 
parture he  writes  to  his  father,  "  I  now  bid  you  a  short   adieu ; 
but  should  it  be  the  last,  you  shall  have  the   satisfaction  to  hear 
of  my  good  conduct  in  my  station  as  an  officer  and  as  a  gentle- 
man."    This  cruise  was  attended  with   peculiarity  of  incident. 
The  demand  of  the  dey  of  Algeirs,  that  the  frigate  should  be  em- 
ployed in  carrying  his  presents  to  the  grand  geignior  of  Constan- 
tinople, and  the  unavailing  reluctance  and  remonstrances  of  Cap- 
tain Bainbridge,  are  circumstances  generally  known.     It  was  the 
first  time  that  the  flag  of  an  American  frigate  had  waved  in  the 
harbour  of  Constantinople.     The   fine  order  of  the  ship,  and  the 
excellent  discipline  observed  among  the  of^cers  and  men,  tended 
to  impress  very  high  ideas  of  the  American  character,  in  a  quarter 
of  the  world  where,  before,  it  wa?  unknown. 


m 


:■■  ^ 


■a 


-t;f^i 


Mmkm  > 


li'iJ 


316 


SKETCHES  OF 


1  f^y'M:^ 


Com.  Bainbiidge  returned  to  America  on   the  li>th  of  Apm, 
1801,  when  a  rtduction  of  the  navy  ensued.     In  eight  days  after 
the  return  of  the  subject  of  the   present   memoir,  and   while  he 
was  solnciug  himself  in  the  hope  of  once  more  visiting  his  family 
and  friends,  he  was  ordered  on  board  the  Philadelphia,  und(  r  tlie 
comniaiid   of  Captain  Barron,  to  scour   the  Mediterranean  sta 
again.     Ho  bade  to  his  friends  a  cordial  adieu,  and  entered  on  the 
service  with  that  promptitude  that  ever  distinguished  him.     No 
thing  material  transpired   during  the   cruise.     The   ship  returnd 
to  the  United  States  on  the  27th   of  June,  1802.     For  the  first 
time,  aftwT  his  entry  into  the  service  of  his  country,  was  he  now 
enabled  to  enjoy  the  society  of  his  friends,  and  to  visit  his  pater- 
nal abode.     This,  however,  was  but  a  short   repose  allowed  him 
for  the  fatigues  and  naval  service,  for  in  October,  1802,  he  sailed 
in  the  frigate  John  Adams,  commanded   by  Capiain    Rodgers,  to 
visit,  for  the  third  time,  the  shores  of  the  Mediterranean.     From 
bis  letters,  during  this  period,  we  shall  make  only  two  extracts: 


, :;  ^«' 


fi\ 


"  During  our  stay  at  Malta,  we  had  an  opportunity  of  visiting 
most   of  the  public  buildings  ;  and  amongst  the   rest,  the  superb 
church  of  St.  John.     The  floor  is  laid  in  different  coloured   mar- 
ble, in  Mosaic,  representing  tomb-stones  of  the  different  knights, 
who  distinguished  themselves  in  fighting  and  in  falling  In  defence 
of  Christianity,  against  the   infidels.     On  every  side   there  is  a 
Latin  inscription,  describing  his  death.     The  walls  are  hung  with 
the  most   superbly  embroidered  tapestry,  representing  the  birth, 
crucifixion  and  ascension  of  our  Saviour.     The  death  of  the  saints 
is  likewise  represented  in  the  same  manner,  and  they  appear  like 
the  most  beautiful  paintings.     The  wings  are  divided  into  chapels, 
and  here  they  show  us  crosses  and  saints  in  abundance,,  and   the 
rich  attire  of  the  bishops  and  clergy,  embroidered  with  gold.     In 
an  inner  chapel   we   were  shown   a  number  of  relics,  one  of 
which  they  declared  was  a  fragment  of  the  cross  on  which  our 
Saviour  was  crucified ;  another  was  the  palm  of  the  hand  of  St. 

John.     The  body  of  St.  Clement  was  exposed,  lying  in  state 

This  was  a  room  that  the  French  soldiers  did  not  penetrate :  it 
is  said  that  they  robbed  this  church  of  half  a  million." 


.i 


During  this  voyage,  he  was  informed,  by  his  correspondent, 
of  a  report,  which  afterwards  proved  unfounded,  that  a  younger 
officer  was  advanced  over  his  head.  This  was  the  manly  reply 
of  a  boy  of  seventeen :  "  I  am  too  well  grounded  in  old  princi- 
ples to  mind  such  assaults  now.  If  the  government  decide  thus, 
1  can  say  ameu,  with  all  my  heart." 

Commodore  Rodgers  returned  from  his  cruise  in  December. 
1803. 


^y. 


TJIK  WAR. 


347 


Kariy  in  tlie  year  1804,  Allen  was  ordered  on  boaid  the  frigate 
Congress,  lying  at  Washington,  of  which  he  was  appointed  sail- 
ing master.  This  frigate  aaiied  on  the  first  of  July,  under  the 
command  of  Captain  Rodgers,  for  the  Mediterranean.  On  the 
outward  bound  passage,  while  the  ship  was  lying  to,  in  a  violent 
;ale,  Allen  was  on  the  foreyard  assisting  the  sailors  in  taking  in 
a  reef.  Letting  fall  that  part  of  the  sail  on  which  he  had  hold, 
be  was  precipitated  head  long  into  the  sea,  to  the  depth  of  twenty 
feet,  passing  in  his  fall  very  near  the  anchor  on  the  bow.  Fortu- 
oately  he  arose  near  the  mizen  chains,  and  by  taking  hold  of 
Item,  narrowly  escaped  inevitable  death,  as  the  ship  was  then 
Wling  very  fast.  While  cruising  off  the  coast  of  Tripoli,  Capt. 
Rodgers  intended,  if  the  command  should  have  devolved  on  him, 
io  consequence  of  the  illness  of  Commodore  Barron,  an  attack 
oa  that  place.  He  took  Allen  with  him  in  the  schooner  to  take 
the  soundings,  preparatory  to  the  anticipated  assault.  They  en* 
tered  the  harbour  with  muMed  oars ;  and,  after  taking  a  sound- 
iDg,  and  complete  survey,  they  passed  so  near  the  Tripoline  gun- 
lioats,  that  they  distinctly  heard  the  men  conversing  below.  They 
also  heard  the  sentinels  on  the  walls  of  the  battery  conversing  to- 
ptlier.  As  they  were  returning  from  the  harbour,  a  heavy  gale 
iprang  up,  and  they  had  a  narrow  escape  to  the  Nautilus,  which 
ressel  was  then  in  the  very  act  of  leaving  her  position.     During 

is  cruise,  which  extended  from  1804  to  1806,  Allen  thus  writes 

bis  correspondent : 

"I  was,  while  at  Lisbon,  witness  to  a  very  ludicrous  ceremo- 

py.  My  ears  were  saluted  by  the  hoarse  chaunting  of  some  Por- 

pguese  sailors,  and  I  perceived  about  twenty  in  number  approach- 

ig,  bearing  a  large  topsail,  barefoot,  with   their  hats  in  their 

8,  into  which  the  multitude  would,  now  and  then,  drop  a  six 

nee,  to  save  their  souls  from  purgatory.     On  inquiry,  I  was  in- 

rmed,  that  it  was  a  custom  amongst  them,  when  overtaken  by 

violent  gale  at  sea,  instead  of  trusting  to   their  own  exertions^ 

offer  up  their  prayers  to  their  guardian  saint,  and   to  promise 

ID  the  best  sail  in  the  ship,  if  he   would  condescend  to  protect 

em  from  the  dangers  of  the  element.     The   topsail  was  theji 

iken  to  the  church,  in  the  manner  described,  laid  at  the  foot  of 

e  altar,  and   dedicated  to  the  saint.     It  was  then   appraised  by 

old  friar,  whoj  unwilling  to  distress  the  votaries  of  old  mother 

'hurch,  accepted,  as  an  equivalent,  in  money,  one  half  of  its  no- 

inal  value.     The  saint  has,  by  this  time  become  perfectly  weli 

icquainted  with  the  value  of  sail  cloth." 


^■■i 


"lilt 


• 

t;.'. 

• 

r- 

fe>    'j 

■y 

.{ 

'•> 

■'   * 


s    ■ 
,.  '\,    '  i) 


In  the  month  of  October,  1805,  Captain  Rodgers  removed  to 
N  frtgate  Constitution,  and  assumed  the  command  of  the  squad- 
Inn,  in  consequence  of  the  return  of  Captain  Barron   to  the  IT. 


l-^'- 


^18 


SKfcTCHliS   OF 


\i:i 


^^''If?^:!<l 


i 


p:-  1^ 


States.     Mr.   Allen  also  removed  to  the  Constitution,  and  \\.,_ 
{jrotnoted  to  a  lieutenancy.     In  a  cruise  off  Capanea,  Lieutenari 
Allen,  in  company  with  Commodore  Rodgcrs,  visited  Mount  tlit- 
na.     Ascending  the  south  side  of  the  mountain,  the  wind,  \vhi{J 
blowing  from  the  north,  covered  that  side  of  their  bodies  exposed 
to  its    violence,  with  frost,  while   the   other   remained   perfecthf 
free.     Descending,  the}'  lost  their  way  amongst  fields  of  lavaj 
but  were  found  by  the  monks  in  the  convents  below.     Lieutenant 
Allen  likewise  visited  Mount  Vesuvius,  and  the  cities  of  Herculal 
neum  and  Pompeia.     He  served  as  third  lieutenant  on  board  thrj 
Constitution,  and  returned  in  that  frigate   to  the  United  States  i!i| 
the  year  1806. 

During  these   several  cruises  to  the   Mediterranean,  althoughl 
nothing  transpired   on  board  the  frigates  where  Lieutenant  Allenl 
was  stationed,  that  might  fairly  be  denominated  naval  glorv,  sfillf 
a  peculiarity  of  circumstances  gave  a  lolty  and   elevated  tone  to 
the  feelings  of  all  the   officers.     An  American  squadron  in  the 
waters  of  the  Mediterranean,  was  itself  a  novelty.     That  squad-l 
ton  was  small,  and  it  was  destined  to  pass  under  the  riview  and 
strict  scrutiny  of  English  ships  of  war,  occasionally  stationed  in 
those  seas,  and  passing  the  straits  of  Gibraltar.     Personal  couragej 
skill   and  correctness  of  discipline,  could  alone   ensure  them  re] 
spect  in  a  company  so  illustrious ;  and  to  these  points  all  their  efj 
forts  were  directed.     They  felt  the  high  responsibility  attached  id 
their  station  ;  and  knowing  how  important  the  first  impression  oj 
a  national  character  was,  the}'  acted   up  to  that  dignity  whiclj 
the  occasion  required. 

After  this  long  and  fatigu'ng  cruise,  he  was  permitted,  for  al 
short  time,  to  visit  his  friends  and  relations  in  Providence.  iJ^ 
February,  1807,  he  received  orders  from  government  to  join  M 
frigate  Chesapeake,  commanded  by  Captam  Barron,  then  fitting 
out  for  the  straits.  He  remained  at  Philadelphia  while  the 
was  preparing  for  sea,  during  which  time  he  was  busily  employj 
ed  in  recruiting  men  for  the  service,  and  then  entered  as  thir( 
lieutenant.  m 

The  circumstances  preceding  and  succeeding  the  attack  ontlij 
Chesapeake,  by  the  Leopard,  were  handsomely  delineated  bj 
Lieutenant  Allen,  in  a  letter  to  a  correspondent.  In  this  lettej 
he  expressed  his  abhorrence  at  the  conduct  of  the  officer  havin( 
command  of  the  Chesapeake,  irt  tamely  submitting  to  the  iadig 
nitics  offered  by  the  Leopard.  He  drew  up  a  letter  to  the  secrd 
tary  of  the  navy,  demanding  a  court  of  inquiry  to  be  called  iipol 
the  captain ;  which  was  jigned  by  four  other  lieutenants  ?nd'th| 
sailing-master.  The  secretary  replied,  "  that  their  conirnuuic;[ 
lion  did  them  honour,  and  their  request  should  be  proptrl}  atleij 
de<l  to."  It  is  difficult  to  cenceive  of  the  cxcoriutto  sliite 
Lieutenant  Allen's  mind  at  this  time.     Words  seemed  hardlvaf'tj 


.^:'m  '  ; 


THE  WAR, 


319 


anean,  allhoughl 
lieutenant  Alien! 
naval  glory, 
ilevated  tone  to 
squadron  in  the 
y.  That  squad] 
the  riview  and 
ally  stationed  in 
'erional  courage] 
ensure  them  n\ 
)int8  all  their  efj 
)ility  attached  td 
rst  impresjion  ol 
It  dignity  whidl 


le  attack  ontlij 
delineattd  bj 
In  this  lettel 
officer  havinj 
ing  to  the  iadig 
ter  to  the  secre 
o  be  called  upol 
utenants  nnd'tbl 
K'ir  conirnunie.1 
e  proptrly  atteij 
co»iat((i  statf 
?nncd  hardivaf'tj 


euale  to  express  the  indignation  he  felt  at  the  scenes  he  had  wit- 
nessed. To  have  the  flag  of  his  nation  disgraced  ;  and  to  suffer 
(he  wrongs  of  his  bleeding  countrymen  to  „o  unavenged,  was 
;oo  humiliating  for  his  noble  spirit  to  brook.  In  a  letter  to  his  fa- 
ther, he  says,  "  If  I  am  acquitted  honourably,  (in  other  words,  if 
Commodore  Barron  is  condemned,)  you  may  see  me  again  ;  if 
not,  never."  **  We  lay  here,"  says  he,  in  another  letter,  **  ready^, 
jt  a  moment's  warning,  to  wipe  from  our  tlag  that  disgrace  that 
has  been  detailed  upon  it  by  our  blood.  When  I  suffer  my  me- 
mory to  dwell  oji  tliis,  I  feel  that  I  can  trifle  with  my  existence 
jt  pleasure."  At  length  this  question  was  put  to  rest  by  the  con- 
demnation of  Barron,  on  which  Lieutenant  Allen  makes  this  dry 
remark:  **  How  the  court  can  reconcile  some  of  the  passages  of 
iheir  opinion  with  others,  I  know  not,  unless  cowardice  can  be 
jivided  into  two  kinds,  personal  and  official." 

Intrepidity,  however,  exposes  only  a  part  of  the  character  of 
lieutenant  Allen ;  his  private  affections  were  as  warm  as  his 
pablic.  While  his  mind  was  inflamed  by  a  sense  of  indignant  sen- 
•ibility,  he  was  pouring  into  the  ear  of  masculine  confidence  the 
complaints  of  his  lacerated  mind ;  letters  of  the  same  date,  to  a 
female  friend,  are  replete  with  domestic  tenderness  and  affection. 
With  this  correspondence  all  is  quiet  and  serenity  ;  he  enters  in- 
to all  the  levity  of  ordinary  converse,  and  seems  as  anxious  to 
veil  his  heroic  and  indignant  passions,  as  if  this  indulgence  was 
criminal  in  such  intercourse. 

Not  one  of  the  subordinate  officers  was  more  decidedly  oppos- 
ed to  the  conduct  of  Commodore  Barron,  than  Lieutenant  Allen  ; 
yet  such  was  the  uniform  correctness,  propriety  and  delicacy  of 
his  conduct,  that  he  commanded  the  esteem  of  that  officer's  most 
nnguine  adherents.  With  the  officers  on  board  the  Chesapeake, 
lie  was  a  peculiar  favourite. 

During  the  time  of  the  embargo,  the  Chesapeake,  to  which  he 
was  still  attached,  cruised  off  Block  Island,  and  captured  several 
vessels  violating  that  law.  From  motives  of  delicacy  he  desired 
to  be  excused,  and  was  excused  from  boarding  any  vessel  belong- 
ing to  his  native  state.  In  a  letter  on  this  subject,  he  says,  "  I 
hew  that  I  should  be  compelled   to  detain   such  vessels  for  the 

most  trivial  article,  and  this  would  have  wounded  my  feelings 

I  Even  had  I  met  those  which  I  could  have  suffered  to  pass,  I 
might  have  laboured  under  unjust  suspicions,  when  other  officers 
might  be  equally  just  without  such  imputations." 

Lieutenant  Allen  remained  in  the   Chesapeake,  in  this  service. 

Until  February,  1809,  when  he  was  ordered,  by  the  government, 

iojoin  the  frigate  United  States,  while  lying  at  Washington,  un- 

Mer  Jhe  command  of  Commodore  Decatur.     The  commodore  was. 

Mmself  absent,  and  the  equipping  of  the  frigate  was  a  duty   that 

nevolved  ou  the  first  lieutenant,  who  was  not,  for  the  space  of 


^1 


K 
:  ?, 


i 


21?  •■-:S.li*l< 


if  'f  : , 


320 


SKiLTCUES  UF 


two  montliFf  absent  from  the  navy  yard.  This  ship  lay  a  pari  i ;' 
the  time  at  Norfolk,  and  the  remainder  of  the  time  was  engaged 
in  short  cruises  on  the  coast,  until  the  declaration  of  war  against 
Glreat  Britain  in  1812.  "    - 

Shortly  after,  the  frigate  United  States  sailed  upon  a  cruise, 
which  resulted  in  the  capture  of  the  Macedonian.  In  the  action 
between  the  two  vessels.  Lieutenant  Allen  bore  a  conspicuous 
part.  His  share  in  the  glorious  conflict  cannot  be  better  express- 
ed  than  in  the  words  of  Commodure  Decatur  himself.  «\i 
would  be  unjust  in  me,  (says  this  gallant  odicer,)  to  discriminate 
where  all  met  my  fullest  expectations.  Pormii  me,  however,  to 
recommend  to  the  particular  notice  of  the  secretary,  my  first  I 
lieutenant,  William  H.  Allen,  who  has  served  with  me  upwards 
of  five  years ;  and  to  his  unremitted  exertions,  in  disciplining  the 
crew,  is  to  be  imputed  the  obvious  superiority  of  our  gunnery,  ex- 
hibited in  this  contest." 

To  Lieutenant  Allen  was  entrusted  the   honourable  charge  of  I 
bringing  the  prize  into  port,  and  she  safely  arrived  in  the  harbour 
of  Newyork,  amid  the  enthusiastic  gratulations  of  our  couutry*  I 
men.      The  corporation   and  citizens  of  the   city  honoured  him 
and  his  commander  with  a  splendid  and  superb  festival ;  and  the 
legislatures  of  Rhode-Island   and  Virginia   presented  him  with  a 
sword,  as  a  testimonial  of  their  sense,  in  commemoration  of  his  j 
gallant  services. 

After  this.  Lieutenant  Allen  was  allowed  some  little  respite 
from  the  naval  service  ;  he  visited  his  native  land,  and  received 
the  kind  congratulations  of  his  relatives  and  friends,  in  the  bosom 
of  his  paternal  abode.  This  report  was,  however,  but  of  short  | 
duration ;  the  strong  and  imperious  calls  of  his  country  once 
more  summoned  him  to  active  duty. 

Shortly  after  the  arrival  of  the  Macedonian  at  Newyork,  the 
Argus  returned  to  that  port  commanded  by  Captain  Sinclair.  He 
obtained  leave  to  visit  his  friends ;  and  by  order  of  Com.  De- 1 
catur.  Lieutenant  Allen  took  the  command.  He  thoroughl}'  re- 
paired the  vessel,  and  received  an  order  from  the  commodore  to  | 
go  in  quest  of  a  British  brig  of  war,  reported  to  be  in  the  sound. 
The  whole  crew  of  the  Hornet,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Shu- 
brick,  volunteered  their  services.  He  remained  in  the  sound  for 
the  space  of  a  week,  without  meeting  with  the  enemy,  when  he 
received  the  orders  of  the  commodore  to  return. 

On  the  death  of  Mr.  Barlow,  our  minister  to  the  court  of! 
France,  our  government  deemed  it  expedient  to  renew  the  nego- 
uiation.  '  Mr.  Crawford  was  appointed  as  his  successor ;  and  the 
subject  of  the  present  memoir,  now  advanced  to  the  rank  of  mas-  j 
ter  and  commander,  was  directed  to  take  command  of  the  Ar- 
gus, and  to  conduct  our  minister  to  his  place  of  destination.  He 
?>ccppted  the  appointment  with  hi?  usual  promptitude,  and  sailet^ 


TH£  VVAU. 


321 


wilb  oup  new  minister  for  France.  He  was  so  fortunate  as  to 
flurip  ^he  vigilar)ce  of  tlie  blockading  squadron,  and  arrived  at 
the  port  of  L'Orient  in  twenty-three  days.  He  intbriDs  the  sec- 
retary of  the  navy,  in  his  letter  bearing  date  June  12,  1813,  that 
«he  shall  immediately  proceed  to  put  in  execution  his  orders  as 
to  the  ulterior  purposes  of  his  destination." 

The  business  here,  which,  from  prudential  motives,  is  so  darkl\' 
hinted  at,  was  un(*oubtedly,  as  appears  from  the  sequel,  to  sail  in 
the  Irish  channil,  and  annoy  the  £nglish  commerce.  This  ser- 
vict  was  extremely  perilous  ;  and  there  seemed  scarcely  a  possi- 
bility  of  escape.  It  was  a  service  to  a  man  fond  of  glory,  pecu- 
ijarlv  invidious.  Such  conquests  were  attended  with  no  houuur; 
and  Captain  Allen,  in  compliance  with  his  orders,  seemed  pecu- 
liarly solicitous,  in  the  discharge  of  this  unthankful  office,  to 
make  the  enemy  feel  and  confess  the  motives  by  which  he 
was  guided.  The  injury  which  he  did  to  the  British  .  commerce 
is, in  some  of  their  papets,  estimated  to  the  amount  of  two  mil- 
lions. While  thus  employed  in  burning,  sinking  and  destroying 
the  enemy's  property.  Captain  Allen  was  peculiarly  careful  to  dis- 
tiflj»ui.*h  his  character  from  those  who  depredated  for  selfish  pur- 
pocf  s  only.  The  property  of  the  passengers  was  sacred  from  ho£« 
tiliry ;  not  an  article  of  that  kind  would  he  suffer  to  be  touched. 
The  passengers  were  allowed  to  go  below,  and  to  take  what  they 
claimed  as  their  own,  and  no  hands  belonging  to  the  Argus  were 
permitted  to  inspect  them  while  they  were  employed  in  so<loing. 

On  one  occasion,  when  a  passenger  had  left  his  surtout  behind 
bin),  it  was  sent  after  him  in  the  boat :  on  another  occasion.  Cap- 
tain Allen  ordered  one  of  his  hands,  who  was  detected  in  the  act 
of  some  petty  plunder  of  thij  kind,  to  be  flogged  at  the  gangway. 
The  English  papers,  while  they  were  writhing  under  the  severe 
injuries  thus  inflicted,  were  unanimous  in  their  testimonials  of  re- 
spect to  the  conduct  of  this  gallant  officer,  for  the  humauity  and 
delicacy  with  which  he  performed  a  ser  Mce  so  invidious.  Proba- 
j  bly  no  action  of  his  life  could  more  plainly  distinguish  his  charac- 
ter than  this:  he  loved  danger  as  much  as  he  abhorred  to  plun- 
der the  defenceless. 

I  It  appeared  very  evident,  that  if  prudence  was  consulted,  it 
was  his  imperious  duty  to  avoid  an  engagement.  The  damage 
which  he  might  have  done  the  enemy,  by  another  species  of  war- 
fare, was  beyond  all  comparison  greater  than  by  risking  a  battle, 
even  if  fortune  had  decided  the  controversy  in  his  favour.  Even 
I  a  victory  ensured  capture;  for  alone  and  unsupported  as  he  was, 

i  own  ship  would,  in  all  human  probability,  suffer   material  in- 

Ijury,  and  both  the  captured  and  the  captor  become  the  prize  of 

one^f  the  many  frigates  then  swarming  in  the  English  channel. 

I  These  considerations,  however,  would  have  but  little  weight  with 

aim.    He  declared,  previous  to  his  setting  out,  that  he  would  tup 

2  S 


.•(■:  >"  i- 


■fill 


t  1 


r  ■ 


i 


■  ':^'i.! 


ft ". 


32« 


SKBTCHKS  OV 


from  no  two-masted  vessel.  Anxious  to  quit  himself  of  a  busi- 
ness  which  he  so  much  disliked,  he  sought  an  opportunity  to  act 
in  a  situation  more  congenial  to  his  feelings. 

Accordingly,  on  the  14th  of  August,  he  fell  in  with  his  Britan- 
nic majesty's  sloop  of  war  Pelican  :  and,  after  a  severely  couten- 
ed  action,  the  Argus  was  compelled  to  surrender  ;  her  comman- 
der having  received  a  severe  wound,  in  the  early  part  of  the  en- 
gagement, which  finally  terminated  his  valuable  life. 

The  following  letter  from  John  Hawker,  esq.  cidevant  Ameri- 
can vice-consul,  will  speak  for  itself: 


'■« 


-  ^  "       Plymouth,  August  IQth,  1813. 

SlR....The  station  I  have  had  the  honour  to  hold  for  many 
years  past,  of  American  vice-consul,  calls  forth  my  poignant  ft  tl- 
ings  in  the  communication  1  have  to  make  to  you  of  the  death  of 
your  son.  Captain  Allen,  late  commander  of  the  United  States' 
brig  of  v.ar  Argus,  which  vessel  was  captured  on  Saturday  last, 
in  the  Irish  channel,  after  a  very  sharp  action  of  three  quarters  of 
an  hour,  by  his  Britannic  majesty's  ship  Pelican. 

Early  in  the  action  he  \o$X  his  left  leg,  but  refused  to  be  carried 
below,  till  from  loss  of  blood  he  fainted.  Messrs.  Edwards  and 
Deiphy,  midshipmen,  and  four  seamen  were  killed ;  and  Lieut. 
Watson,  the  carpenter,  boatswain,  boatswain's  mate,  and  seven 
men  wounded.  Captain  Allen  submitted  to  amputation  above 
the  knee,  while  at  sea.  He  was  yesterday  morning  attended 
by  very  eminent  surgical  gentlemen,  and  removed  from  the 
Argus  to  the  hospital,  where  every  possible  attention  and  assist- 
ance would  have  been  afTorded  him  had  he  survived  ;  but  which 
was  not,  from  the  first  moment,  expected,  from  the  shattered 
state  of  his  thigh.  At  eleven,  last  night,  he  breathed  his  last ! 
He  was  sensible,  at  intervals,  until  within  ten  minutes  of  his  dis- 
solution, when  he  sunk  exhausted,  and  expired  without  a  strug- 
gle !  His  lucid  intervals  were  very  cheerful,  and  he  was  satisfied 
and  fully  sensible  that  no  advice  or  assistance  would  be  wanting. 
A  detached  room  was  prepared  by  the  commissary  and  chief  sur- 
geon, and  temale  attendants  engaged,  that  every  tenderness  and 
respect  might  be  experienced.  The  roaster,  purser,  surgeon,  and 
one  midshipman,  accompanied  Captain  Allen,  who  was  also  at-  j 
tended  by  his  two  servants. 

i  have  communicated  and  arranged  with  the  officers  respecting 
the  funeral,  which  will  be  in  the  most  respectful,  and  at  the  same 
time  economical  manner.  The  port  admiral  has  signified  that  it  I 
is  the  intention  of  his  Britannic  majesty's  government,  that  it  be  j 
"publicly  attended  by  officers  of  rank,  and  with  military  honours. 
The  time  fixed  for  procession  is  on  Saturday,  at  1 1,  A.  M.  A  lieu- 
tenant-colonel's guard  of  the  royal  marines  is  also  appointed.  A 
Avainscoat  coffin  has  been  ordered ;  on  the  breast  plate  of  which  j 


K. 


TUK  WAR. 


32S 


will  be  inscribed  as  below.*  Mr.  Delphy,  one  of  the  midsiiipmen, 
who  ioJt  both  legs,  Hiiddied  at  sea,  was  buried  yesterday  in  St. 
Andrew's  churchyard.  I  have  requested  that  Captain  Allen  may 
be  buried  as  near  him,  on  the  right  (in  the  same  vault,  if  practica- 
ble,) as  possible. 

I   remain,  lespectfully,  sir,  your   most  obedient,  humble  ser- 
vant. 

(Signed)     .  .,      ...       JOHN  HAWKER,      , 

Cidevant  American  vice-consul. 
To  Gen.  Allen,  &c.  &c.  &c.  Providence,  R.  I.  ,  . 


■  t|  j 


;< 


u 


o  was  also  at- 


Agreeably  to  previous  arrangement,  the  remains  of  the  depart- 
ed Allen  were  interred  at  Plymouth,  on  the  2l8t  of  August,  with 
military  honours,  and  every  ntark  of  respect  due  to  his  rank.  The 
fla^  of  his  country,  under  which  he  fought,  was  placed  on  his  cof- 
fin, as  a  testimonial  of  the  valour  with  which  he  had  so  nobly 
strove  to  defend  it ;  and  his  body  was  deposited  at  the  right  of 
the  gallant  Delphy,  who  had  bled  and  suffered  with  him. 

Thus  lived  and  thus  died  William  Henry  Allen. 

By  the  company  and  conversation  of  the  elegant  and  polite, 
the  hard  and  severe  duties  of  the  sailor  acquired  a  sort  of  polish, 
and  his  character  presented  that  combination  of  gallantry,  grace 
aad  intrepidity,  that  so  irresistably  attracts.  In  the  hour  of  dan- 
ger, he  was  calm,  intrepid  and  persevering ;  in  private  intercourse, 
guarded,  affable  and  delicate.  Entering  into  the  navy  with 
large  and  expanded  ideas  of  honour,  the  perils  he  encountered^ 
and  the  hard  services  he  endured,  consolidated  his  romantic  and 
floating  visions  into  rules  and  principles  of  action.  By  never 
lowering  his  lofty  standard  amidst  the  justle  of  contending  diffi- 
culties, he  at  length  arrived  at  it;  and  new  trials  served  only  to 
call  into  exercise  new  and  unexplored  resources  of  fortitude.  He 
had  so  long  forsaken  every  other  consideration  for  glory,  that  he 
finally  measured  his  life  by  this  standard,  and  felt  a  repulsive  an- 
tipathy to  whatever  fell  short  of  that  measure. 

There  has  seemed  a  sort  of  compact  among  our  naval  command 
ers,  never  to  quit  their  station  on  deck.  Allen,  in  his  mutilated 
state,  refused  to  be  carried  below,  and  fainted  on  the  deck  from 
loss  of  blood.  Lawrence  showed  the  same  determined  spirit,  and 
never  left  his  station  until  he  was  too  far  exhausted  by  his  wounds 
to  animate  his  men  by  hi«  example.  Burrows,  although  mortally 
wounded  at  his  quarters,  still  remained  at  his  post,  survived  the 
action,  and  there  received  the  sword  of  his  gallant  and  intrepid 

autagOniSl*  'iftT^i  -•  ".'J     *    TJ«f'«     I.        n-n  •^fjt   II      i(    -     I,.      f'      f  i  '  .i,,-    :»i(|'    R' 

•  Tal>!.  t.  MTliei-eon  will  be  recorded  the  nii.ne.  muli,  ago  and  character  of  the  deceased,  and  aim 
nl'tlx!  inidthipman.  Nvili  b-  placed  (hit  an  b'  eoi»  i  ved<  at  I  h«?f  «n|f{^tt«ri;  hatti  li»\ine  1d« 
'lu'ir  riv'K*  in  Agbiing  lor  tliv  hoiioi  of  rlitir  mnntry. 


M?«'f'    <>■•   f»»j  i^'j    tr  ^:'»><*     |i' 


;iv 


■  -.,* 


-»  ■) 


,i  y 


t'iii'' 


•'1 


','"  i^'^f'Pi 


,  f  -'^ 


III 


324 


SKETCHES  Ol 


The  following  extract  from  Captain  Allen's  letter^  addrcs&cu 
to  his  sister,  will  show  the  character  of  this  intrepid  oflicer  in  an 
amiable  light :  .  4  f.  ,*«{»     .1  •>  ju.u   -f*i  t 


"  When  3'ou  shall  hear  that  I  have  ended  my  earthly  career, 
that  I  only  exist  in  the  kind  remembrance  of  my  friends,  30U 
will  forget  my  follies,  forgive  my  faults,  call  to  mind  some  little 
instances  dear  to  reflection,  to  excuse  your  love  for  mt, and  shed 
one  tear  to  the  memDry  of 

[Port  Folio.]  i  ,^:r.   f  ..a.  i     .    HENRY." 


■»>»*/>  I . 


J 1  f 


Uf.  ':.  t  : 


Ill 


I 


IT/ 


CHAPTE51  XXVIII." "'  n'i'' .'T 


Blockade  of  the  Chesapeake  and  Delaware  bays Loss  of  the 

schooner  Lottery Loss  of  the  privateer  Dolphin Burning 

of  Frenchtoxvn,  Havre-de-Grace,  §rc Com*  Cassiii's  Expedi- 
tion  Outrages  at  Hampton Jttack  on  the  schooner  Asp.,,, 

Attt-^mpt  to  bloxv  up  a  British  l^.,„Attack  on  Lewistoxvn..,, 
Blockade  of  Com.  Decatur^s  squadron Capture  of  the  Ea- 
gle  Private  armed  vessels List  of  British  vessels  captur- 
ed during  the  year  1813,  -..,. 

In  the  early  part  of  1813,  the  British  government  declared  the 
Chf  sapeake  and  Delaware  Bays  to  be  in  a  state  of  blockade  ;  and 
a  squadron  under  the  command  of  Admiral  Warren,  was 
accordingly  sent  to  the  entrance  of  the  Chesapeake,  to  enforce 
this  blockade. 

Loss  of  the  schooner  Lottery The   first  interesting  event 

which  arose  from  the  blockade,  was  the  aflair  of  the  letter  of 
marque  schooner  Lottery,  of  Baltimore.  This  vessel  mounted 
6  guns,  and  had  a  crew  of  35  men.  In  sailing  out  of  the  Chesa- 
peake in  the  month  of  February,  she  was  attacked  by  nine  large 
British  boats,  having  on  board  240  well  armed  men.  She  sustain- 
ed their  united  attack  upwards  of  an  hour  and  an  half ;  when  the 
British  succeeded  in  boarding  her,  and  pulled  down  her  colours, 
the  British  in  this  affair,  lost   more  men  than  the  whole  crew  of 


the  Lottery. 


»    \  v"    /tUtik  ,j::i    •i<)t   .wt-J!ftr>«B*:.4.4K^it  '<PW" 


Low  of  the  privateer  Dolphin On  the  3d  of  April,  the  priva- 
teer Dolphin,  of  Baltimore,  Captain  Stafford,  of  10  guns,  was  at- 
tacked bv  17  tenders  and  launches  from  the  British  squadron, 
manned  with  from  40  to  50  men  each.  The  contest  continued 
two  hours,  when  the  enemy  succeeded  in  boarding.  They  were 
gallantly  met  by  the  crew  of  the  Dolphin,  and  an  action  of  15 


T^E  WAR. 


Xit 


.-nbiules  efisued  on   her  deck  ;  when  her  crew  was  overpowered, 
and  she  coirpelled  to  suriender. 

Abuut  the  middle  of  May,  a  party  of  th<-  British  blockading 
quaiiron  sailed  up  to  the  head  of  the  Chesapeake  bay,  where* 
they  captured  and  destroyed  a  number  of  small  vessels. 

Burning  of  Frenchtoxvu,  Havre'de-GracCf  ^c About  thecom 

meiiccment  of  May,  a  large  party  of  British  marines  and  sailors, 
uuder  the  command  of    Rear   Admiral  Cockburn,  successliilly  at- 
I  tacked  the  villages  of  Frenchtown,  Havre-de-grace,  Georgetown 
:  indFredericktown.  These  places  were  situated  near  the  hcadof  the 
Chesapeake,  and    contained  but  few  inhabitants.     They  of  course 
could  make  but  little  resistance  against  a  luiMerous  body  of  assail- 
ants.    The  destruction  committed  by    the  British  in   these  places 
vras  wanton  in  the  extreme.     The  houses  were  set  on  fire.     The 
I  furniture  and  other  property  of  the  inhabitants  were  either  destroy- 
ed or  conveyed  on    board  their  vessels.     The  squadron  soon  af- 
|ter  returned  down  the  Chesapeake.  •,  •?»    • 

On  the  20th  of  June,  Commodore  Cassin  fitted  out  an  cxpedi- 
Ition  against  some  of  the  blockading  frigates  then  in  the    vicinity 
ofCrany  Island.     Fifteen  gun  boats   were  selected  for   this  pur- 
pose, and  put  under  the  command   of  Captain  TarbelK     The  at- 
tack was  commenced   from  the    gun-boats   upon    a  frigate  about 
Ithree  quarters  of  a  mile  distant.     Two  other  British  frigates  were 
lia  sight.     The  frigate   sustained    considerable  injury,   and  would 
Ibave  been  captured  by  the  gun  boats  had  not  a  breeze  sprung  up 
Iffhich  enabled  the  other  two  vessels  to  come  to   her   assistance. 
JThe  action  however  continued  an  hour  and  an  half  with  the  three 
frigates.     Only  one  American  was  killed,  and  some  others  slight- 
|ly  wounded. 

On  the  22d  of  June,  about  three  thousand  British  attempted  to 
I  land  on  Crany  Island,  but  were  repulsed.  Three  of  their  barges 
Iwere  sunk  :  one  of  them,  belonging  to  Admiral  Warren's  ship 
pd  75  men  in  her,  the  greater  part  of  whom  were  drowned  ;  a 
Inumber  of  prisoners  were  taken.  Many  of  the  enemy  also  desert- 
led.  The  American  troops  on  the  island  consisted  of  about  500 
pd  troops  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Colont!  Beaty ;  and  150 
Emarines  and  sailors,  under  the  command  of  Lieutenants  Neale, 
[Shubrick,  Saunders  and  Brackenridge. 

On  the  25th  of  June,  about  2500  British  attacked  the  town  of. 

ampton.  The  Americau  force  stationed  there  amounted  to 
labout  400,  under  the  command  of  Major  Crutchfield.  This  small 
lyy  of  Americans  opposed  the  very  superior  British  force,  with 
liie  utmost  gallantry  for  a  considerable  time,  when,  overcome  by 
lumbers,  they  retreated,  and  the  British  took  possession  of  Hamp- 
loD,  where  the  most  inhuman  and  shocking  acts  were  committed 
lythenii     Several  o^  the   defenceless    and    unfortmialo    female? 


U,^]^," 


^■Mili.; 


'■•:  i^iiA: 


.mm 


I  ^r. 


'  lit. 


1 


I  ■        ♦■?  >  -     y 


326 


»Ki£TCIIKb   UF 


"  :  if  s' 


:  f 


1 


lliat  remained  in  Ibo  place  suffered  every  indcceijcy  dJid  violcjitf 
Property  to  a  large  amount  was  most  wantonly  destroyed.  , 

Oil  the  14th  of  July  t'-e  U.  S.  schooner  Asp,  of  three  guns  am 
21  men,  in  the  Chesapeake  bay,  being  attacked  by  several  British 
vessel?,  run  up  a  creek,  whither  she  was  pursued  by  three  boats 
well  manned  and  armed ;  but  the  assailants  were  soon  compi  lied 
to  retreat.  After  the  lapse  of  an  hour,  the  Asp  was  again  attach 
ed  by  five  boats,  <.he  crews  of  which  succeeded  in  boarding  lier, 
The  crew  of  the  Asp  retreated  on  shore.  The  British  set  fire  to 
the  vessel  and  left  her.  The  fire  however  was  extinguished  bv 
the  Americans.  The  loss  of  the  latter  in  killed  and  woundeli 
amounted  to  ten. 

On  the  ISth  of  July,  an  attempt  was  made  in  the  Chesapr;^^. 
bay,  to  blow  up  the  Plantagenet,    a  74,  by  means  of  a  torpedo, 
Mr.  Mix,  the  projector  of  the  scheme,  had  approached  within  40 
fathoms  of  her,  and  dropped  the  torpedo  ;  when  he  was  hailed  by 
one  of  the  British  guard  boats.     He  instantly    drew  his  machiae 
into  the  boat  and  escaped.     On  the  following  night    he  made  a 
second  attempt,  but  was  again  discovered.     In  the  night  of  the 
20th,  he  made  a  third  attempt,  and  got  within  15  yards  of  tht 
ship's  bow,  and  directly  under  her  jib  boom,  where  he  continued 
15  minutes   making  preparations,  when  a  sentinel  from  the  fore- 
castle  hailed   "boat  ahoy!"     The  sentinel  not  being  answered,! 
fired  his  musket  at  the    now    retreating  adventurer,  to   which  a  | 
rapid  discharge  of  small  arms  succeeded.     Blue    lights  were  re- 
sorted  to  in   order   to  find  out  the  position  of  the  boat,  but  failed. 
Rockets  were  then   thrown  which  illumined   the  water  to  a  con- 
siderable extent,  and  discovered  the  boat.     A  heavy  discharge  otl 
cannon   immediately    commenced.     The  Plantagenet  flipped  her| 
cable,  and  made  some  sail,  while  her  boats  "'ere  sent  in  pursuit. 
But  the  daring  American  escaped  unhurt.     L'nsuccessful  attempts 
were  made  the   three   following,  nights.      But  on    the  24th  iVIr.l 
Mix  took  his  position  within  100  yards  of  the  Plantagenet,  and  inl 
a  direction  with  her  larboard  bow.     The  machine    was  dropped! 
into  the  water,  and  the  same  moment  the   sentinel  cried  "  all'sl 
well :"  the  tide  $wept  it  towards  the  vessel,  but  it  exploded  a  fevrj 
seconds  too  soon.     A  column  of  water  50  feet   in   circumferencel 
was  thrown  up  30  or  40  feet.     Its  appearance  was   a  vivid  redJ 
tinged  with  purple  at  the  sides.     The  summit  of  the  column  burstl 
■with  a  tren.endous  explosion,  and  fell  on  the  deck  of  the  Plantage-I 
net  in  torrents,  while  she  rolled  into  the  yawning   cha»m  below,} 
and  nearly  upset.     She  however  received  but  little  injury. 

In  the  month  of  July,  the  blockading  squadron  again  sailed  up 
the  Chesapeake  and  entered  the  Potomac :  they  however  effect] 
ed  nothing.  Suon  alter  returning  out  of  the  river  they  sailed 
toward  '.he  head  of  the  Chesaoeake.     Thev  landed  on  Kent  Island! 


'■■5 '. 


■iHE  WAR. 


327 


iiU  vioienct 
0}ed.  , 
ce  guns  nni< 
vera!  British 
three   boat?, 
Ill  comptlled 
igaiii  Httach 
marking  tier. 
:h  set  fire  to 
tinguished  by 
and  wounded 

c  Chesapr?  V. 
of  a  torpedv,, 
led  vvitliin  40 
was  hailed  by 
f  his  machioe 
t    he   made  a 
!  night  of  the 
yards  of  the 
?  he  continued  | 
from  the  forc- 
ing answered. 
T,  to   which  !t 
ghts  were  re- 
loat,  but  failed, 
I'ater  to  a  con- 
y  discharge  ot 
net  ?lipped  her 
ent  in  pursuit. 
Bssful  attempts 
the  24th  Mr. 
;agenet,andin 
was  droppedl 
1  cried  «*  all's! 
xploded  a  few 
circumference 
s   a  vivid  red; 
le  column  burst] 
If  the  Plantage 
chaim  belowji 
injury, 
lagain  sailed  u 
owever  effect 
ei  they  sailer 
on  Kent  Island 


.viierc  they  remained  for  some  time,  when  they  rij^.iin    returned 
down  the  bay. 

On  ihe  6th  of  April  the  blockading  squadron  in  the  Delaware 
bay  commenced  a  cannonade  on  Lewistown,  tho  inhabitants  of 
which  liad  refused  complying  with  an  order  of  tlu  Kii^Iish  com- 
iDodorc,  to  supply  the  squadron  with  provision;}.  The  cannonade 
lasted  bbout  twenty  two  hours;  a  number  of  13  anJ  32  pound 
shot  vvere  fired,  likewise  shells  and  Congreve  rockcta ;  but  pro- 
duced little  or  no  effect. ...not  a  life  was  lost.  The  inhabitant:!  of 
the  place  were  prompt  in  rtpelling  every  attempt  to  land. 

On  the  27th  of  July,  one  oi  the  U.  S.  gun  boats  was  captured 
ill  the  Delaware  by  a  superior  force,  after  a  very  gallant  defence, 
in  which  the  British  had  7  men  killed  and  12  wounded. 

Blockade  of  Commodore  Decatur^s  squadron....\n  the  early 
part  of  the  .summer  of  1813,  CouMiodore  Decatur,  in  the  frigate 
United  States,  accompanied  by  the  Macedonian,  Captain  Jones, 
ind  the  sloop  of  war  Hornet,  put  to  sea  from  New  York  But  a 
vtry  superior  force,  consisting  of  line  of  battle  ships  and  frigates, 
hove  in  sight  and  gave  chase  immediately  after  he  left  port.  The 
Ami  rican  squadron  was  fortunate  enough  to  reach  the  harbour  of 
JJew-London,  where,  for  the  remainder  of  the  summer,  they  were 
blockaded,  without  any  thing  interesting  occurring  except  ao  at- 
tempt made  to  blow  up  some  of  the  English  vessels  by  a  fireship. 
The  fireship  was  callec;  the  liagle,  and  fitted  out  for  the  purpose 
by  Joh)]  Scudder.  It  was  suppo.sed  that  on  her  being  captured, 
I  ihe  would  be  taken  alongside  one  of  the  vessels  of  war,  when, 
in  attempting  to  unlade  her,  a  considerable  quantity  of  powder 
and  other  combustibles  would  have  been  set  on  fire.  The  attempt 
was  made  in  the  month  of  June.  She  was  taken  possession  of  by 
[the  Bri*ish;  but  blew  up  before  she  got  along  side  any  of  their 
large  ve;8els.  At  the  time  of  explosion,  four  boats  were  seen 
along  side,  which  were  all,  with  the  men  on  board  them,  dc- 
|itroyed.  It  is  supposed  that  upwards  of  100  of  the  British  per- 
ished. .  .         .     -    .    '  . 

Capture  of  the  Eagle In  the  month  of  July  a  fishing  smack 

I  was  sent  by  Commodore  Lewis  of  New- York,  for  the  purpose  of 
capturing  by  stratagem  the  sloop  Eagle,  a  tender  of  the  Poictiers, 
a  British  vessel  of  74  guns.  The  smack  was  borrowed  of  some 
fishermen.  A  calf,  a  sheep  and  a  goose,  were  put  on  board.  Be- 
tween 30  and  40  men  well  armed  with  muskets  were  secreted  in 
the  cabin  and  forepeake  of  the  smack.  Thus  prepared  she  stood 
out  to  sea  as  if  going  on  a  fishing  voyage  to  the  banks.  Only 
Ihree  men  appeared  on  deck,  dressed  as  fishermen.  The  Eagle, 
on  perceiving  the  smack,  gave  chase.  After  coming  along  side, 
ind  discovering  live  stock  on  board,  she  ordered  the  smack  down 


■■it 


'.  -i' ' 


>  '.I 


y,  ,        < 


■:*S 


^'Mi: 


'Wb 


aKKTCHESOf 


V.  ■! 


'$  -i^y-.'-f.  ',, 


VMf' 


.(..y     J; 


TO  th'e  coniiTiodore,  then  about  five  miles  ofT.  The  liclin.sniaii  oi 
tlic  smack  answerod,  **  aye,  aye,  sir  ;"  and  apparently  put  up  tlie 
helm  for  that  purpose,  which  brought  the  smack  alon|Cj  aide  the 
Kagle,  not  moiu  linn  three  yards  divtant.  The  watch-word  Laxv- 
rencc,  was  then  ;^ivcn,  and  the  armed  men  rushed  on  deck  from 
helow ;  and  poured  a  volley  of  musketry  into  the  tender  :  w'lich 
drove  her  crew  below  with  so  much  precipitancy,  thpt  they  had 
not  time  to  strike  her  colours.  As  soon  as  sailing  master  Pt  rcival 
who  commanded  the  smack,  perceived  the  deck  of  the  Bntish 
vespel  cleared,  he  ordered  his  men  to  cease  firing.  Upon  winch 
one  of  the  Eagle's  crow  appeared  on  deck,  and  struck  her  col- 
ours.    Tl»e  Eagle  was  safely  taken  into  New-York. 

Private  armed  vessels "We  notice  the  following,  a»  some  of 

the  most  prominent  features  of  enterprise  and  gallantry  maiilfest- 
cd  by  our  privateers  during  1813  : 

The  Hazard,  of  Charleston,  of  57  tons,  3  guns,  and  38  men, 
commanded  by  Placide  le  Chartier,  while  at  anchor  off  the  Island 
of  Davie,  discovered  a  man  of  war  brig  convoking  five  merchant- 
men. One  of  these  last,  having  lost  her  mizen  mast,  could  not 
keep  up  with  the  rest  of  the  convoy.  As  soon  as  they  werp  out 
of  sight,  the  Hazard  pursued  her,  to  which,  after  some  resistance, 
she  struck.  She  proved  to  bo  the  Albion,  of  London,  copptr-bot- 
tomed,  and  of  300  tons  burden,  navigated  by  15  men,  and  mount- 
ing 12  guns. 

While  the  Hazard  was  lying  off  Charleston,  in  a  fog,  her  prize 
was   separated  from  her,  and  recaptured  by  a  British  cutter,  the 
Caledonia,  of  8  guns  and  38  meji.     Three  days  after,  on  the  22d 
of  February,  the   Hazard  discovered  her  prize  in  company  with 
the  above  .mentioned  British  cutter.     The  Hazard  commenced  a 
pursuit  of  them  both.     As  soon  as  the   Hazard  came  within  mus- 1 
ket  shot,  she  commenced  firing  at  the  ship  and  cutter,  which  was 
returned  by  them  with  spirit,  and  apparent  determination.     At  3 
o'clock,  the  second    lieutenant,   carpenter,  and  five  men  of  the 
Hazard,  were   severely  wounded.     At  5,  the  cutter  hauled  ofrto| 
repair  the  damages  she  had  sustained.     At  half  past  five,  the  Haz- 
ard came  close  to  the  cutter,  the  crew  of  the  former  having  de- 
termined to  lose  their  lives  sooner  than  give  up  so  valuable  a  prize. 
At  half  past  six  the  British  cutter  again  hauled  off,  and  contmued 
to  fire  at  a  distance.     Taking  advantage  of  this,  the  Hazard  bore  I 
down  on  the  prize,  and  after  a  brisk  fire  caused  her  to  strike  her  [ 
colours.     She  was  then  ordered  to  lie  to. 

The  Bntish  cutter  having  «hot  ahead,  Le  Chartier  instantly  gavei 
chase,  keeping  up  a  brisk  fire.     He  pursued  her  until  8    o'clock. 
The  cutter  then  ceased  firing,  and  hailed,  saying  she  had  struck, 
and   signified   the  same  by  hoisting  and  lowering  a  lantern  three! 
ti.me?.     The  Hazard  having  th(;n  but  21  men,  including  the  capl 


THE  WAR. 


S29 


instantly  gave 
btil  8    o'clock. 
[he  had  struck, 
lantern  three  | 
luding  the  cap- 


uiii,  on  board,  it  was  not  thought  advisable  to  take  poe«cision  of 
her.  She  bore  down  for  the  prize,  of  which  she  took  potsetHion, 
leaving  n  prize  master  and  six  men  on  board  of  her,  so  that  there 
only  remaiiied  14  men  on  board  of  the  Hazaid.  Both  the  Haz- 
ard and  her  prize  arrived  safe  at  St.  Mary's. 

The  Comet,  of  Baltimore,  Captain  Boyle,  of  12  guns  and  120 
rofn,  being  on  a  cruise,  discovered,  on  the  14th  of  January,  1813, 
four  sail  stHnding  rjtit  of  Pornambuco.  She  lay  by  to  give  them 
an  opportunity  of  i^elting  off  shore,  with  a  view  of  then  cutting 
llicm  off.  At  3  P.  M.  they  were  upon  a  wind  standing  S.  K.  and 
about  six  leagues  from  land.  The  Comet  bo  ?  up,  and  made  «ail 
in  chase.  At  6,  one  of  them  was  discovered  t  be  a  large  man  of 
war  brig.  All  hands  were  immediately  call  d  to  quarters  on 
board  the  Comet ;  the  guns  were  loaded  with  round  and  grape 
shot ;  and  the  ship  cleared  for  action.  At  7,  being  close  to  the 
chase,  she  hoisted  her  colours,  and  came  close  to  the  man  of  war 
brig,  which  had  hoisted  Portuguese  colours.  The  commander 
hailed,  and  sent  an  officer  on  board  the  Comet,  who  informed 
Captain  Boyle,  that  the  brig  was  a  Portuguese  national  vessel, 
mounting  twenty  32  pounders  and  165  men;  that  the  three  oth- 
ers were  strongly  armed  English  vessels  ;  and  that  he  must  not 
molest  them.  Capt-  Boyle  informed  him  that  he  certainly  should 
make  use  of  every  exertion  to  capture  them.  The  Portuguese  said 
he  was  ordered  to  protect  them,  and  certainly  should. 

The  English  vessels  were  ahead  of  the  C.>met.  They  consist* 
»d  of  a  ship  of  14  guns,  and  two  brigs  of  10  guns  each.  So  that 
including  the  Portuguese  vessel,  the  Comet  had  a  force  of  54 
guns  to  oppose.  Captain  Boyle  immediately  made  sail  for  them  ; 
came  up  with  the  ship,  hailed  her,  and  ordered  the  captain  to  have 
the  mainsail  backed.  He  gave  little  or  no  answer.  The  Comet 
having  shot  ahead.  Captain  Boyle  informed  him,  that  he  should 
be  along  in  a  few  minutes,  when  if  he  did  not  obey  his  orderi^,  he 
would  pour  a  broadside  into  the  ship.  In  a  few  minutes  the  Com- 
et  tacked,  the  Portuguese  sloop  of  war  being  close  after  her,  and 
ran  along  side  of  the  ship,  one  of  the  brigs  being  close  to  her.  The 
Comet  opened  a  broadside  on  them  both.  It  was  now  about  half 
past  8  P.  M.  All  the  vessels  were  carrying  a  press  of  sail.  The 
Comet,  from  her  superior  sailing,  was  frequently  obliged  to  tack. 
From  this  she  would  have  profited  very  much,  had  not  the  Portu- 
guese sloop  of  war  been  so  close.  The  latter  now  opened  a  heavy 
fire  on  the  Comet,  with  round  and  grape  shot,  which  she  returned. 
The  Comet  had  now  the  whole  force  of  the  4  vessels  to  contend 
with.  She,  however,  kept  as  closely  as  possible  to  the  English  ves- 
lels.  They  frequently  separated,  to  give  the  sloop  of  war  an  oppor- 
tunity of  firing  into  the  Comet.  The  latter  as  frequently  poured 
whole  broadsides  into  them  ;  at  times  also  into  the  sloop   of  war. 

About  11  P*M.  the  ship  8urrendeted....she  was  cut  to  pieces, 

2  T 


>  I 


'  iiirt 


,1, 

■  -i 

r. 

:|. 

y.           \ 

■.  ^ 

3^30 


SKETCHES  OP 


•i; 
-•Hi 


if-    V 


,  .ft' 


^''■■^ii. 


and  rendered  unmanageable.  Soon  after  the  brig  Bowes  struct.. . 
she  also  was  much  injured.  A  boat  was  sent  to  take  possesvjcn  of 
her ;  as  it  passed  the  sloop  of  war,  a  broadside  was  iired  b^  her, 
which  nearly  sunk  it,  and  obliged  it  to  return.  The  Comet  then 
commenced  a  brisk  fire  at  the  sloop  of  war,  which  sheered  off  to 
some  distance.  After  following  her  a  short  distance,  she  obliged 
the  third  English  vessel  to  strike.  The  latter  was  very  much  cuJ 
to  pieces.  The  Comet  now  again  proceeded  to  take  possession  ol' 
the  Bowes,  when  she  spoke  the  ship  that  had  first  surrendered..,, 
her  captain  being  ordered  to  follow,  informed  Captain  Boyle  that 
his  ship  was  in  a  sinking  condition,  having  many  shot-holes  be- 
tween wind  and  water,  and  every  rope  on  board  of  her  being  cut 
away.  At  half  past  1,  A.  M.  the  Bowes  was  taken  possession  of 
and  manned.  The  sloop  of  war  then  fired  a  broadside  into  the 
prize,  and  passed  her.  The  moon  was  now  down,  and  it  became 
quite  dark  and  squally.  This  caused  the  Comet  to  separate  from 
the  other  vessels,  excepting  the  sloop  of  war,  with  which  broad- 
sides wfre  frequently  exchanged.  At  2,  she  stood  to  the  south. 
Captain  Boyle  now  thought  it  most  prudent  to  take  care  of  one 
of  the  prizes  until  day-light,  the  other  two  being  out  of  sight.  At 
day-break,  the  sloop  of  war,  and  the  two  other  prizes,  a  ship  and 
brig,  were  discovered.  The  Comet  immediately  hove  about,  aud 
stood  for  them.  The  sloop  tacked,  and  made  signals  for  her  con- 
voy to  make  for  the  first  port.  Capt.  Boyle,  knowing  the  situation 
of  the  ship  and  brig,  determined  not  to  take  possession  of  thenr, 
but  to  watch  their  manoeuvres.  Great  exertions  appeared  to  bi; 
made  to  keep  them  from  sinking. 

Captain  Boyle  was  afterwards  informed  that  the  sloop  of  war 
was  much  injured.. ..she  had  five  men  killed,  and  a  number  wound- 
ed. The  ship's  mast  scarcely  lasted  to  carry  her  into  Pernambu- 
CO.  Her  cargo  was  nearly  all  damaged.  It  was  with  difficulty 
the  brig  was  kept  from  sinking  before  she  reached  Pernambuco 
harbour. 

After  capturing  the  Aberdeen,  of  8  guns,  two  vessels  of  10  gwm 
each,  »n  sight  of  a  sloop  of  war,and  a  schooner,  Capt.  Boyle  return- 
ed to  the  United  State?.  He  passed  the  blockading  squadron  in 
the  Chesapeake,  and  arrived  safe  at  Baltimore. 

77/ e  General  Armstrong,  a  schooner  of  18  guns,  commanded 
by  Captain  Charnplain,  was  cruising  off  Surinam,  on  the  11th 
March,  1813.  At  7  A.  M.  shj  discovered  a  sail,  which  at  half 
past  eight,  fired  three  guns,  and  hoisted  English  colours.  About 
9,  the  Armstrong  fired  a  gun,  and  hoisted  American  colours.  At 
half  after  9,  the  British  vessel  tacked,  and  stood  as  near  the  Arm 
strong  as  the  wind  would  permit,  keeping  up  a  brisk  fire  from  her 
main-deck  guns.  At  half  past  10,  the  Armstrong  bore  down,  in- 
tending to  pour  her  starboard  broadside  into  her,  then  wear  ship, 
disciiarge  the  larboard  broadside,  and  then  board  This  was  done, 
except  the  boarding.     The  English  vessel  was  now  discovered  to 


'    V. 


THE  WAR. 


331 


?S  StiUOK..  . 

asses^icn  of 
red  b^  her, 
hornet  then 
jered  oif  to 
she  obliged 
y  much  cut 
)os8ession  of 
rendered.... 
I  Boylt-  that 
ot-hole»  be- 
er being  cut 
possession  of 
side  into  the 
nd  it  became 
cparate  from 
,vhich  broad- 
to  the  south, 
care  of  oni 
of  sight.     At 
38,  a  ship  and 
<,'e  about,  aud 
i  for  her  con- 
the  situation 
ion  of  thenfj 
leared  to  bi; 


commanded 

on  the  nth 
kvhich  at  hall 
llours.     About 

colours.    At 
lear  the  Arm 

fire  from  he. 
])ore  down,  in- 
[en  wear  ship,  | 
'his  was  done,  i 

discovered  t) 


be  a  frigate,  pierced  for  24  guns.  She  kept  up  a  constant  fire  on 
the  Armstrong,  which  lay  for  ten  minutes  like  a  log.  The  fore- 
top-sail  and  mizen-gaff  halyards  of  the  frigate  were  shot  away. 
This  brought  down  her  colours.  The  crew  of  the  Armstrong, 
thinking  she  had  struck,  ceased  firing.  But  they  were  soon  again 
seen  flying,  and  the  action  was  renewed.  The  frigate  lay  for  a 
few  minutes  apparently  unmanageable.  She  soon,  however,  re- 
covered, and  opened  a  heavy  fire  from  her  starboard  broadside  and 
main  top;  apparently  with  the  intention  of  sinking  the  Armstrong. 
The  latter  lay  for  the  space  of  forty-five  minutes  within  pistol-shot 
of  the  frigate.  Captain  Champlin  was  standing  by  the  centre 
gun,  in  the  act  of  firing  his  pistol,  when  he  was  wounded  by  a 
musket  ball  from  the  main-top  of  the  frigate.  The  Armstrong 
luffed  to  windward,  and  fore-reached  the  frigate. 

The  Armstrong  had  six  men  killed,  and  sixteen  wounded,  and 
was  very  much  injured  in  her  rigging,  masts,  and  hull....she,  how- 
ever, succeeded  io  escaping  from  the  frigate. 

The  Young  Teazer,  Captain  Dobson,  of  New- York,  was  chas 
ed  into  Halifax  by  the  Sir  John  Sherbroke,  a  vessel  of  superior 
force.  When  within  the  Light  House  she  hoisted  English  colours 
over  ihe  American,  and  was  chased  nearly  up  to  the  forts,  wheri 
the  Sir  John  Sherbroke  supposing  her  to  be  a  prize,  hove  about, 
and  put  to  sea.  As  soon  as  the  latter  was  out  of  sight,  the  Young 
Teazer  hauled  down  her  English  colours,  and  effected  her  es- 
cape. 

The  Decatur,  of  Charleston,  mouniing  7  guns,  with  a  crew 
of  lOS  men,  and  commanded  by  Captain  Diron,  being  on  a  cruisie 
in  the  month  of  August,  discovered  a  ship  and  schooner.     She  im- 
mediately stood  towards  them  to  reconnoitre.      At  half  past  12, 
the  Decatur  was  abreast  of  the  schooner,  which  hoisted   English 
colours.     At  one  the  Decatur  wore  round  ;    and  half  an  hour  af- 
ter the  schooner  fired  a  shot   without  effect.     The  captain  of  the 
Decatur  immediately  gave   orders  to   prepare  for  action.     At  2 
o'clock  the  schooner    fired    another  shot,  which  passed    over   the 
Decatur.     At  a  quarter  past  2,  the  latter  fired  her  large  gun,  and 
hoisted  American  colours  at  the  peak  :  two  more  discharges  were 
made  from  the  same   piece,  which  were  answered   by  two  guns 
from  the    British  schooner.      The    two  vessels  were  now  within 
half  gun  shot  distance.     Captain  Diron,  observing  that  the  schoon- 
er was  preparing  to  bear  away,  haled  upon  the  larboard  tack,  in 
order  to  present  the  bow  of  his  vessel  to  his  antagonist.     Soon  af- 
terwards the  latter  fired  her  whole  broadside,  which  only  slightly 
damaged   the  Decatur's  rigging.     This  was  returned  from  the  18 
pounder  of  the  Decatur.     Iler  captain,  at  the  same  time,  orderect 
«v^ry  one  of  the  crew  to  his  post,  in  order  to  carry  the  British 
vessel  by  boarding,  as  soon  as  tht  necessary  preparations   for   the 
purpose  should  be  made.     It  was   now  three  quarters  of  an  hour 
pa?t  two,  and  the  vessel*  were  within  pistol  shot  of  each  other.    A 


1 

I. 


1 . 

332 


.SKETCHES  OF 


llHl 


i  i  -If* 


M 


severe  fire  of  musketry  commenced  from  the  Decatur.  The  Bri- 
tish schooner  bore  away  to  prevent  being  boarded  ;  and  fired  » 
brnadside  into  the  Decatur,  which  lulled  two  of  her  men,  and  in- 
jured her  rigging  and  sails.  The  Decatur  closely  followed  her 
antagonist  in  her  manoeuvies,  and  again  endeavoured  to  board, 
which  the  schooner  once  more  avoided,  and  fired  another  broad 
side.  A  third  attempt  was  made  by  the  captain  of  the  Decatur 
to  board.  The  jib  boom  of  the  Decatur  was  run  into  the  main- 
sail of  the  schooner,  and  the  latter  not  being  able  to  disengage 
herself,  dropped  along  side.  During  this  manoeuvre  the  fire  from 
the  cannon  and  musketry  on  both  sides  was  extremely  severe  and 
destructive*  While  the  two  vessels  lay  in  this  position  Captain 
Diron  ordered  his  whole  crew,  armed  with  pistols,  sabres,  &c  to 
board,  which  was  performed  with  the  greatest  promptness.  The 
resistance  of  the  £uglish  was  desperate.  Fire  arms  scon  became 
useless,  and  the  contest  was  carried  on  with  the  cutlass.  The 
captain  and  principal  officers  of  the  British  vessel  being  killed,  and 
her  deck  covered  with  dead  and  wounded,  her  colours  were  haul- 
ed down  by  the  crew  of  the  Decatur,  when  the  two  vessels  were 
separated,  having  their  rigging  and  sails  cut  to  pieces. 

Thr  English  vessel  was  his  Britannic  Majesty's  schooner  Domi- 
nica, of  15  guns,  with  a  crew  of  88  men.  The  Decatur  had  4 
men  killed  and  16  wounded;  the  Dominica  13  killed,  and  47 
wnundtd.  Among  the  killed  of  the  Dominica  was  her  brave 
comniander,  who,  as  long  as  he  lived,  refused  to  surrender  his 
vessel,  and  declared  his  determination  not  to  survive  her  loss. 

Th(f  King's  packet  Princess  Charlotte,  remained  an  inactive 
spectator  of  this  bloody  contest,  which  lasted  an  hour.  As  soon 
as  the  vessely  were  disengaged,  she  tacked  Jibout  and  stood  to  the 
southward.  She  had  sailed  from  St  Thomas,  under  convoy  of  the 
Dominica.     The  Decatur  and  her  prize  arrived  safe  in  port. 

The  Saratoga,  of  4  guns  and  116  men,  belonging  to  New- York, 
while  cruising  off  Surinam  river,  in  the  month  of  September,  dis 
covered   the  British  Packet,   brig  Morgiana,  of  18   guns,  with  a 
crew  of  about  50  men,  commanded  by  James  Cunningham.  Capt. 
Aderton,  the   commander   of  the    Saratoga,   immediately   gave 
chase :  when  within  musket  shot,  the  Morgiana  hoisted  English 
colours,  and  the  action  commenced:  part  of  the  time  the  ves^itels 
were  within  pistol  shot :  the  remainder,  they   were    close  along 
side  of  each  otlu  r.     After  an  action  of  an  hour  and  a  quarter  the 
Saratoga  succeeded  in   capturing  the  British  vessel    by    boarding. 
The  aetion  was  extremely  severe.     Both  vessels  were  almost  re- 
duced to  wrecks.     The  Saratoga  had  almost  all  her  stays,  shrouds, 
&c.  cut  away.     In  her  main-sail  there  were  upwards  of   a   hun- 
dred ;jhot  holes.     A  number   of  shot  also  struck  her  masts,  ipnrs, 
and  liull.     The  crew  of  the  Morgiana   fought    with  desperation. 
She  Imd  2  men  killed,  and  8  wounded.     The  Saratoga  had  U  men 
killed  and  5  wounded.     Both  arrived  safe  in  port. 


THE  WAR. 


aj3 


['m 


^st  of  SiUith  veisels  aiptured  during  the  year  lSl$—extracteilfrom  2iilei^  lUcklj  Registtr. 


Brijf  — — ,  e;ipturftl  by  the  Growler,  and  re- 
L|it(|  ar(ci-ili]|MitseiuiiiC  hvrol  many  valunblts. 
Ship  llili^cove,   12  ci1iii,a  K^ovcriiineiir  ti'dns- 
Kiri  with  vuliiablu  military  slori's.  wn'oUeil  mar 
I  juchias,  and  let  on  tiro   by   the  Briiii>li-    r<il. 
Clmcr  commanding  ihc  U.  S.  voluntef'rs  on  th« 
,i,ter  1   A-onfie'.  recovered  from  the  wreck   ii> 
DKi'isStlh.  vaHiioH.  15  of  12.  i  ot*  9,  with  the 
■dirriaR'"-»'or  thi  lar^e  pieces  &c 
xhuouer  —  by  the  Gallinipper— ransomed. 
Ship  N'<ptuiie,  10  f:Hus,  with  brandy,  wine, 
I  fA  dry  Roods,  by  the  Decatur 
jhip  ■— .  with  tiinlKT,  cuniiiriiini;  the  whole 
ijine  Hi'  a  74  g;uii  ship  by  the  ^  merica  of  Salem, 
'.ihip  Volunteer    U  guni    400  tuns  with  di7 
I  nods  Hnd  copper    by  the  U  S.  irigste  Cliesa- 
mU,  said  to  l>e  worth  iSO  000/.  steriinfj 
■^Ship  — ,  burnt  by  the  ChesapeaUe  after  ta- 
king uul oilier i;uoda  worth  iOo.i.Oo doIUtrt 
.itliiioiier  Ell<  n.  with  dry  (footUfvoitli  2JO,000 
Uillau.  hy  the  U    S  sloop  oi' war  Hornet. 
bhip.Jane.  lO  guHi.  wiih  mahogauy  and  log- 
iDod.by  the  Spy  o(  New  Orleans. 
sciiooner  I'ierce  of  Wales,  by  llie  Growler,  re- 
liiifd  after  taking  out  a  few  pipes  of  » ladeli-a,&c 
ihip  Aurora     i3  guns  with  dry  Rood*  wurth 
I  !l»,100  dollars,  by  the  Holkar  of  New-Vork 

I  ,vu  vessels,  by  the  iMars  and  sent  to   £ug> 
I  Isiid  a«  cartels. 
Bri);  Pelican,  with  iron  and  fish,  by  do. 

blaop .  witli  hides,  by  the  —  of  Newberi!. 

Brii;  Kinu,  10  guns,  with  49  iemale  convicti>, 
I  if  the  Holkar 

Brii;  ^iin.  lo  ^uns,  with  dry  good',  and  crate* 
Innli  '00,000  dollars,  by  the  Growler 

grij ,  10  guns,  with  a  valuable  cnrgo  of 

Ijrrb'oodi.  by  the  "  United  we  stand"  aitJ  ■•i>i- 
li^uefali" 

TniiJlioil  ship  Lord  Keitb    'i  »,'   '*•  ^V  ^^^ 
|]lirs 

Sthiioiier  Saline,  with  valuabl'  '  ^:  /.en 
lip  ill  lake  Erie,  oil  her  way  to  Mail  >.  I'  was 
I Inr discovered  and  taken  poisessio..  ■'  .  u  lew 
IfiTiuiis  troin  the  town  of  Kiie. 
I  I'tansport  ship  tTauada  t  i  guns.  lOO  soldiers, 
Iikl42  luirses,  by  liie  Caul  Jones, and  raiisonied 
Iw^ouo/  sterhn^.  after  disarming  the  men. 

Brig  John  and  Istaliella,  by  ditto,  and  given 
liptoiUschargt  her  pnsoners. 
I  Biiic   riiiveUroiUtrs     >t  i;uns,    with  sumac, 
lalphur.  oil,  f<c.  by  the  Dolphin 
I  bUip  .Mar)-anit.   with  geld  dust,  (^c    worth 
13,000  ilollarj— cnr^o  taken  out  and  vessel  burnt 
lailie  coast  of  .VIrica,  by  the  Vuiikeo 
I  Ship  Andelusia,  10  guns,    luo  men,  (81  free 
lilKks)  wortli  31.000  dollars,  by  ditto. 
I  Schooner  Gi.irgL,  by  ditto,  part  of  her  cariro 
Inkiii  uiii,  and  (jiven  up   to  discliur;j;e  hir  imi- 
|«ir*. 

ship  Alliion,  li  i;«ns,  ii  men,  with  sugar, 
Imn.toUDii  aial  cottiv,  bv  the  Hazard  of  J  guns. 
Biis  I'arriotand  Matilda  of  eiglii  U  a\\\  i» 
llcuiHltrs— i!i2  tons,  nithaii  aHontd  caigu,  and 
iMnit'ilrr  goods,  by  the  \aiiUee 
I  ^hi|i  Niltuii,  a  large  lliree  deck  vnsel,  of  600 
Itni,  with  an  imiiietisely  valuable  cargo,  by  the 
iDmiiir 
Ship  .Ni'jiluiie  of  like  biinleii,  by  the  Sjiaiogv* 

Ship , '»  guns  by  privateer  -^— . 

Bri< ,  u  guns,  with  an  assorted  cargo,  by 

|lkc  l)ul|iliin 

Schouiier ,  by  the  Lovely  Lass  of  Wiliniiig- 

>.n.  ^, 

Bri<  — .  by  the  l*ani  .tones. 
Britj  Slianiioii,   :  I  guns,    liy  the   Vankee 
^hip  Meiilor  Hiih  a  ear|;ii  invoiced  at  (io,000/« 
Ik'fiiiig,  I),  tlie  Saiijy  Jatk 

Vhoimr  Hii<.>uv   with  tuktie,  etc.  by  the  Lib- 
ia.) ul  ll.illiiiiori 

J  Uris" Uisoluiioii,  0  gnn».  with coBif, etc  burnt 

l^ilie  U.  ^.  tiiHip  oi  war  iloriiet,  after  lakinij' 

«'  .'la'O  duilars  111  specie. 

^p  of  war  I'eacuck,  t%  guns,  1 14  nu'i<,  nt- 

HtJ  ai'd  Icii,    ti   jiir-n  !iv  ih"  Ilr.r!!''.  Ill  <i!- 


teen  minutes— sunk  before  all  tin;  )iritoneii could 
be  l'emu^ed. 

Brig  Antrim,  with  dry  gnodi,  etc.  by  the  Sau- 
cy Jack. 

Hrig  FIv— valuable,  by  the  Yankee. 

Schooner  — — ,  100  tons,  with  bees-wax  and 
rctl-wo<id.  by  the  Yankee. 

;JriR  Earl  IVicey.  with  thy  goods  and  salt,  by 
the  C'lietupeake  frigate. 

Urig  Liverpool  Hero,  with  dry  go'id^,  hard- 
ware and  jewi  Iry,  by  tlie  Chesapeake  frigate.and 
burnt  afcur  removing  the  cargo. 

Brig  Rover,  8  guns,  with  rum,  by  the  Alfred. 

Schuoiu  r  Alder,(i  guns,  witti  an  assorted  earg^ 
taktit  un  the  cost  of  Attica  by  the  Yankee. 

Brig  Ketiirn,  by  the  I'aiil  .ioiies 

Brig  Thainti,  8  guns.  v,iili  redwood,  ttc.  by 
Uie  Yankee 

Three  vessels,  by  the  Sn.iii.Dra.i;on  oi'  Vcw- 
berii,  divested  of  their  valuables  and  burnt* 

1'hree  vessels  taken  by  ditto  and  given  up  to 
reltase  prisoners 

Sloop by  ditto,  aiul  litied  out  as  a  teiidre. 

1  wo  vessels,  by  the  Uiviikd  we  Fall— ran- 
tomed. 

Uiif  ilo  by  do  and  sunk. 

riirec  do.  by  do.  and  given  up. 

Caledonia.  8  guns  by  tiie  U  S.  schooner  Aou 
such,  atter  7  minutes  battle 
Brig  1'art.tr,  with  rum  by  tlieGtn  Armstrong. 

Sell  .•oner  Fox   i  guns  by  the  Hero 

Brig  London  I'ackct,  by  the  Paul  Jones. 

Sehooiier  Fanner  with  cotton,  by  the  SpaN 
row  ot'  Ball imort— given  up 

Seliooiicr .by  thi   Wasp  of  Salem. 

Schooner  Cruwii.  by  a  sloop. 

Ship ,  by  tlie  '  riu,;  bloudnl  Yankee.'' 

Brig  Mahiiin,  10  guns,  with  wine,  etc.  by  tls* 
Ned  of  II  .llimiir>.>. 

Brig  Charlotte,  with  dye-wood,  etc.  by  tJi». 
Moiitgomety  of  Salem. 

Brig  Duke  of  liloiieester,  lO  guiis.  taken  txT 
Voik,   by  tbe  squadron  under  Com.  Clmunciy. 

Scliooiitr  Itieliaiid, Runs,  by  the  Holl,  >'-. 

l^loup  Dorcas,  by  do.— givi-n  up. 

Brig  Edwaul.  8  giins  with  ISO  tons  of  erilton, 
etc.  by  tlie  Aie.<kander  of  Salem. 

Scliouiier .  by   the   ■Alexander— given  ui'. 

Bri.;'  ,  with  ruin,  by  the  Va\. 

Ship  i\ancy,  by  the  York- low n,ot  New- York. 

Stlicoiier i  oi  8  guns,  by  the  s(|ua(li'oii  un- 
der Ctim   Cbaiincey. 

Schooner  Delight,  with  wine  bii;1  silks,  by  tli 
I'ume 

Kings  packet  M.«ry  Ann,  12  guns,  by  the  G  iv. 
Tompkins  of  .sew-\ork. 

bliip  IJioiuo.  liguiis,  by  the  Ihomas  of  Poris- 
nixiiili 

lin^ by  do. 

Coiveitesh.p  Inviiicibte  N'niioleoii,  16  guns,  bv 
ilic  \  oniig  I'luZer.  This  shi|i  was  nri^'itialij  u 
_  Fiviicb  privaiier;  eapiiiiL-d  by  the  Brilisli  sinop 
OI  war  Aluime  .  re  laptiiitxl  by  the  /\Kxamlei- 
ulSaUiii:  ic-eapiurtil  by  the  British  iriKtte« 
Shannon  and  teredos ;  aud  a  ttiind  time  rc-vap- 
turiil  b\  ihu  lia'/..  r 

I'aekttAiin   10  guns,  by  do. 

Sebiiuiier  Grf)liouiul  wiili  fish  aud  oil.  by  do. 

Hi  ig  —  by  ihe  Governor  rlumer  of  I'orts 
month. 

I'ack  t with  80.00J  dollars  in  »iiecie,  bj 

the  \iia"oiidaoi  New-\oi'k 

Ship  .M.irv   Willi  wiiio  by  ditto.   | 

bhip  \kiiiiam  10  guns,  with  dry  giXHlt,  crates 
wine    I  to  b>  111'  lir.ijid  I  ink  ol  ''Ult m. 

Iliig  arriot  »iili  bides  aiul  tallow,  by  the 
Aiiatoiida 

Hrig  .Mur>  Willi  hides  and  mm,  by  the  Vox, 

Sebuiiiirr  I'earl  wi.li  corn  lueal,  etc  by  the 
Lib  rij  i>\  Baltimoi'.-. 

A  priv.ti  .  1-  Kloup  by  do. 

Brin'  — -  by  the  Gu^ernor  liiimer 
Hd^-— W't'l  Ojti*'!.  by  f'ln  ^:liJi^^■•  n.''    p.'j 


'i:.mr. 


'^.  ^Iti 


■|| 


i>  '■  .. 


If 


-:$.  '  I  h 


,i. 


P^'«! 


3i34 


^KETCHES  OF 


Brip  Kintr^ton  I'ackct  wiili  imh,  liy  the  Ololic 
Oi'  Biiltimoi'c-. 

Schooner  Uiitnnrviaby  tlic  nrand  Turk. 

Ship  Lujal  Sam  with   i|u-cic  ami   iiidigo,  by 
tlie  Siro  III'  Ilaltiinoit;. 

Shi|>  Vviiui,  14  KUin,  bv  tlie  Ololu; 

Ship  Uuviil,  Mith  pruxhioas,  by  the  CJovi-moi- 
fluinrr 

Btig  Ajax,  'i  Rimj  )>y  the  Gov.  Toin|ikint. 
Jliig  HartK-y.  2  %nns.  b)  «h>.  ami  burnt 

'riaii'iport   ship  —  by  the   lU-llitna  o,"  I'hil-i- 
(ii'lphlR  -priMiners  parolul.  ami  vnsi^l  ntln-ninl. 

Bl-JK  Cii  II    t'revosl.  by  thi-  Holla  of  lialtiiiiorc. 

Schoor.iT  ISrown.by  the  Bellona— ramumttl. 

BriK    Ihaints,  3iii  toiH    Mith  cotton,  by  the 
Yaukee. 

Schooiur  Liverpool    Tackct,  b)  tl«  Tliomas 
urPorismoiitb. 

Bv  if; with  hides,  tallow  i  tic.  by  t!ie  \ork- 

tuwii 

Ship  Su«an, byan  American  Kttrr  olmarqui.-. 

Ship  Seatoii,  by  the  I'aul  Iu'h-s— burnt 

Schooner  llizabelh.  by  the  Glob<— burnt. 

Sliip  Pelhaiii.  with  rtim.  by  ilo  — himit. 

Brig   .^av^ivt,  t20  ions.  10  Runs,  with  salt, 
by  the  American. 

Schooner  Lady  N'tirray.  ll  men,  «ith  military 
store  .by  the  I^i'dy  of  the  Lake  on  Ontiirio. 

Brij;  <!urton,  tif^iins.  b)  the  Yorktowii. 

'I'hive    ncbminers,  one    with  salt— ilit-  othirs 
uith  mm  and  mahogany  by  the  Youufr  'JVaier. 

Brij;  Sally  4  guns,  in  ballast,  bv  the  Benjamin 
Franklin. 

BriR by  the  'leader. 

Brif;  Hero,  by  do 

BriR  Besoliiiion  with  flour,  by  the  Nancy. 

Bi  ig  Hero,  in  balla&t  by  the  Isiis— biiiiit. 

Bri^  James  and  Sarah    by  do  — ransoiued 

Biig  — —  with  wine.  *-y  the  ""arenK'i. 

Brig 6  guns,  with  \\  est-India  pfeditcc,  by 

the  Gen.      rmstrong. 

Brig with  salt. 

Brig  ——  by  the  John. 

Biig  .Villi  by  th<'  Teazer. 

Btig  Thomas.  2  guns,  in  ballast,  by  the  Deca- 
tnr. 

Brig  lulip  British  properly  urder  American 
colours,  by  the  Atlus. 

Brig 1«  gims  by  the  Holkor 

Butiiue by  the  Dolphin— hiivnt. 

hliip  — ■  in  baiiu^t,  with  specie,   by  the  Be- 
VHIgC. 

Ship  Fliza  Ann,  by  the  Vai;I,»>e. 
Svhooiur  huciess.  with  s;<!iiiuii    by  tlie  BenJ. 
Franklin. 
Schooner  Lady  Clark,  by  the  Bniikir  Hill. 
^«!lloonlr  Sally,  by  the  ■   iiey  Ileyiianl. 
Schuoner  Blonde   by  the  .loliii. 

Schooner with  rum,  by  do, 

Arnxd  schooner  Dorrai  lythe  Liberty. 
Shiop  Kajjie.  bv  n  lisliius  >,iiuick. 
Brig    I'luoii,  with  provijioiu,   by  the   Ti-ue 
Bleoiieil  Vaiikee. 
Ship  Aurora,  by  do 

Shii> ^0  guns,  by  the  Hanibler. 

Shiplntegiii),  l.y  tlip    I  rue  UlooiKd  Yaiikie 
Bng   Av»r>.    i2  guns    with  gums,  almonds, 
bets\vii\   skiiis.etc  by  the  YorktuMii. 
Ship  hUHiit   by  -—^. 

S>!;u»  Ko.\,  by  - —  ;  sunk  alter  a  running  fight 
ol  about  an  hour. 

Schooner  Leonard.  Slink  by  the  Tim-  l:leod»l 
Yankee. 

Brig  Betsey,  with  wiiR-,  raisins  etc.  by  the 
Jack's  laviMirite 

'1  hree  VI ssels,  by  the  America-,  given  up  to 
discharge  iiribuniia. 

Schooni  r  -—  with  skins,  by  the  Fos. 

Brig lij  the  Yankee. 

A  gun  beat  mouniing  a  24  pounder  with  14 
Mtteixix  L,iid  4  officers  and  64  men  ;  captured 
on  l.-ike  Oniurici 

.Mliuuner  I  htfe  S)sttrt,  with  ficur,  bv  the 
Saucy  Jack. 


Sfhnonrr  General  llonctittd,  of  2sd  loii;  :,. 
the  D.  catiir  ' 

Brig  Betsey,  with  wine,  bv  the  Jack*!  Favoh'- 
Brig  Nelly,  by  the  Fox— bnciit. 
Sloop  t'epgy.  by  do  — ransomed. 

Schooner  Brother  and  Sister,  by  do burnt. 

Brig  Louisa  by  do— ransomed. 
ShHtp  F<ix._by  do. 
^liNip  YVilliam  and  Ann,  by  do. 
ShKip  James  and  Klizabeth,  by  ilo.— ransomc(' 
Brig  Chance,  bv  do. 
Hiii:  Mary  by  do —burnt. 
bhi>s  Venus— an  \mericaii  s'essel,  witheiieniV. 
pm|M'rty,  by  the  Dolphin. 

Brig  Morton  with  dry  goods,  hardware  ain' 
bar  iitiii.  by  the    orktow'ii. 

Schooner  Dominica,  IJ  guns  and  83  mtn,  h\ 
thi*  Decatur  oi'  7  gum  and  101  nieu,  alter  a  tin 
perate  action 

Ship  LoihIoii  i'railer.  2  guns,  with  sugar,  inr.- 
lusses  rum  cuiTtv.  cation  etc.  l»y  do. 

Brigs  Good  Intent,  Venus,  Happy,  harqite  Kf 
prisal  ami  ichoouer  Elizalietli  by  the  Snap-On 
goii 

Hri«ateer  Fly.  by  the  U.  S.  .irig  Enterprize. 
Scliooner  Ct-ivs.  I>y  the  Yankee. 
Bai'quc.-  Henrietta,  by  the  '>uap- Dragon 
lliig  Vnn,  will  dry  goods  worth  SOO.ooOiIoI . 
by  do 
Schooner  Flying  Fish,  by  the  Saucy  Jack. 
Sloop  Catherine  with  salt,  by  du 
Vehotiiier  Kate  with  iisli  by  do. 
Ship  l.ouisa  10  gtuis  with  coll'ee  liy  do— burnt, 
Bng  I'hrte  Brothers,  lO  guns,  with  colTec.bv 
ditto. 
Brig  F.arl  of  Moira,  by  the  Industry 
Stfliooner^—  with  riiiii  by  the  boat  I'erriblt. 
Two  vessels  Uy  the  Uuikur  and  Swit't  sure. 
Schuoner  Louisa  202  tons      gun  and  in  men, 
with  rum  and  sugar,  by  the  Kvpcditioii  ut'liti 
thiiori. 

Privateer  King  ol  Uume  by  the  U.  S.  brig  Ar- 
gus—destroyed 
A  ship  with  fish  by  Uie  U.  S.  frigate  Pa«ilnil. 
A  schooner  by  do 

Thnv  »-esscls  by  thtr  Tnie  Bloodi  d  Yaiikte. 
■|'wo  v.-ssils  by  the  Lio. — carriid  into  Fraiici-.  I 
A II  Iiiiiiuninn  b,  ilu   worth  500  000/ — retaktii 
but  the  specie  she  had  on  board,  to  the  amuuiii  | 
Of  nuO  000  wa-  Curried  into  Fiance 

Brig   —  I))    the  Brutus- ransomed      Th' 
Bruius  also  laptuird  .iiiiiiher  vessel 
SchuoiMT  — —  by  the  G. ii    '\rnistioHg— liiin''. 
■lis  nmjesiy's  fine  brig  i.,  war  Boxer  'Sgiiih,  | 
by  the  U  S.  itrig  Enterprize  of  Iti  gunt, 

ScliiKiiii  r  —  with  >Mgar  and  colfee.  by  llii 
mate  (an  .Vniirricau^  and  some  ol  the  crew. 
^chioiiLT  —  with  sail,  by  the  i  errible 
Brig  ——  with  ilry  goois  worth  Jo9,SiU  iliil-| 
lais.  li)    he  Snap  Dragon 
Ship  B«  prital  by  the  Frolic  ot  Salem— burri 
Bng  Frienos  by"  ;lo  —burnt. 
Bri^  Bet^t.)  b)  ilo. 

Brig with  fish,  by  the  Pilot. 

Four  sessels  by  tlie  Lovely  Cordelia  of  Cliai'ii. 
ton— l>unit 

>  clii'onei by  a  privateer  boat 

Cialiiot  Gutci-  hollnuiig.  by  diu  Frolic- burij 
Biig    ui.e  Gordon   8  guns  and  2U  men  Uydi 
—burnt. 

Silieoitr  Hunter  byduaud  converted  iDt(ij| 
eariel. 

Ship  Clroriiii  by  do 

.--.chooiier^  Vigilant  an4  Susan  liydo— givoi  up  I 

Sloop  —  With  dry  gtlllis.  by  a  privatur  l^natl 

His  ilntaiuiic    iiiigesiy's  >hi]>  Uilniit     -isumr 

and  '  howitzers,  capiurcd  on  i^ake  Krie  by  Cniii.r 

Perry,  I 

Slip  Quiu,  Charlotte  17  guns  and  i  liovinii'l 

captiir.  d  iiii  (io  b\  do 

.SthiHtiev  Laily  t  r<  vo^l  by  do  on  (!o. 

lirig  !,untei  li>  tloondo 

Stoop  Little  Ht  il  by  do  on  do. 

SchootiirClii|ipL\v  ly  hydo  on  Jo 


'  *   •: 


•JCHE  WAR. 


335 


lid,  of  21 0  tout,  ;.' 

the  Jack's  Favari>- 

iit'iit. 

nnutl. 

rr,  by  do.— burnt. 

inittl. 

jy  do. 

h,  by  do.— ransomcr 


I  vessel,  with  ciieni]'. 

;oods,  hardware  aiti' 

mis  and  83  men,  h\ 
lOi  nicu,  al'ttr  a  dn 

un«.  with  iu);ar,  mt^ 
tc.  l»y  do. 

s,  Happy,  harqoe  Hf- 
:lh  by  the  iiiiap-Dni 

S.  orif;  Enterprize. 

I'aiiki'e. 

L-  '>uap- Dragon 

ids  worth  SOO.OOO  i!o'i . 

:  the  Saucy  Jack. 

It,  by  do 

by  ilo. 

Ii  coHee  liy  do— burnt. 

I  guns,  with  coR'ec,  by 

the  Industry 
by  ilie  boat  I'trriblt. 
kur  and  Swil't  surt;. 
ins      gun  and  li  men,  { 
thu  Kvpedition  ut'lUi 

e  by  the  U.  S.  brig  At 

U.  S.  frigate  I'rcsiilint. 

lie  DIoodi  d  Yaiikie. 

. — carriid  into  Kraiicr.  I 

irihiOOOOO/— rcl»kni 
|i  board,  to  the  ainuuiit  { 

0  Fiance 

HIS— ransomed      Th'  | 
|ilur  \tssel   , 

■  11    Annstiong— burr'. 

.,,  war  Boxer  •Sgiins, 

•ize  of  Ifi  siini. 

;ar  and  colJcf.  by  ilii  | 

lOint.  Ill  the  trew. 

.,  by  the  lerrible 
i-.  worth  Jt>9,Siu  ilul- 

jolie  ot  Salem— bum 
litriit. 

ke  Pilot. 

cly  Cordelia  of  Chaili. 

lati'tr  boat 
'.  b)  the  Frolic— burii 
fuiii  and  iiy  null  by  ili 

lo  and  couvcrtutl  inuil 


Istisiin  byi'.o— Kiv"'"P 
ids.  by  aprvaliirhiit 
fs-hip  Uitroit  -J  g'"" 
I  Oil  i^U-  lirie  by  Cora. 

Irguiu  and  i  howitt"' 

by  do  on  do. 
Ilti 
I)  on  do. 

Ii>'  do  un  Oo 


jiig'— —  ^''*t'>  ^vA'  >i<<>  uxl  cotton  by   the 
j^jinpiis— burnt 

Two  i-nall  !•  ■•«  la  by  tiio  Tirrible 
Sell,  (111  •■  Lilly,  with  *ugar  etc  by  the  Pilot. 
Srif;  .^l'.iry-  Inn,  with  ruin  and  molasses  by  do 
;iiil  wi'iiiin-d 

*  Brig  — —  by  the  Gen.  Armstrong— burnt. 
A  brig  anti  a  sloop,  by  the  IndiKlry. 
I^ckt't  lApwiii);,  liv  the  Katilt-snake. 
Two  ships  by  thi'  'I'rtie  Blooded  \ankcp. 
Ijloop  I'ravi'Ikr  with  dry  goods,  wiiii*.  enicke. 
I'.coppi'ras.  alluin  and  sugar,  by  the  I>irU. 
p  cket  Duke  of  Montro  e  by  the    .'resident 
Hpte  and  sent   to  Kngland  as  a  earti'l. 
3ri<  .lane  anu  Ann.  by  do  and  sunk. 
Brig  Uapline  by  do  ami  sunk. 
Ship  '  liza  8  guns  by  do  and  ransomed 
ilrig  .VIert.  by  do  —burnt. 
Uarqiie  Lion,  ti  ifunt,  by  do  — ninsoined. 
Scliooner  Highllytr,  5  gnns,  by  dn. 
Ship  Indiifiry,  by  the  I'riic  ItloiMk'd  Yankee, 
bhip  London  Packet,    i  guns,  with  hides,  etc 
:,v  the  letter  of  marque  brig  Argus. 
Ilrig  Atlantic,  with  sugar  indigo,  etc.  by  do. 
Brig  .lane,  by  do— ransomed, to  dispose  of  jiri. 
iioers. 

Brig  Jane  in  liallast.  by  the  Snap  Dragoti— g^- 
ill  up  to  dis|Hise  o!'  prisoners. 
Brig  Venus,  by  do 

Schooner  ElizalK-th,  by  do  —given  up. 
Biig  Hapjiy  and  naiqne  Henrisal  by  do 
I'rivateir scliuontr  Dart  <,i\  h  pouiul  cnrron- 
.Aland  six  swiveH  by  thf  V  S.  ivveniie  cutter 
,i;'.la«t  cnplaiii  Calinone.    She  bad  eommittut 
Miiy  deprinlalions  olV  Newport. 

Sciiooiier  iaianianca  by and  destroyed 

UrigSiisiinnah  by cargo  di»troye<l,  vessel 

(•HI  tu  Kngland  with  prisoner* 
Schooner  Matilda  by  the  Lian- since  rc-caii- 
1111111 

Btig  RIcbanI,  by and  destroyed. 

Brig  Kowcy,  with  lu-ovisions,  by and  de- 

sriiyi'd. 

sloop  lady  Francis,  with  provisions— destroyed. 
Ship   Barbadues,  a  tiitnsiiort,  in  ballast— de- 
i'raytd 

Brig  Alliance,  transport  in  ballast  destrayed. 
Schiioner  Coiilelia— destroyed 
Ship  Betsey— iv-eaptured. 
Shiji  Mariner— iltsiroyrd. 

Sloop with  chiy, destroyed. 

Brig  Kelcna,  with  clay— sent  to  Englauj  wiili 
intoiiers. 

Brig,  ^— with  slates -dt  St  royid. 
Cutter   Diana  and  lUtty  with  bullocks— de> 
ilroy.il 

Ship  Defianci  — ilestroyid. 
Brig  Baltic— dcstitiyetl. 

Sloop  — —  with    slates    iron  etc  — car^fo  de- 
•roj-ed- \es5el  sent  as  a  cartel. 
Hii^  Bellbnl  with  linen— destroyed. 
A  pilot  boat— liberattd 
Another  veiiel— destroyed 
TheSi  Vessels  last  tnentioiiid  were  captured 
)f  the  Argus. 

Schooner  Julia  by  Com.  Chauncey  on  Lake 
OliUrio 

Scliooner  Growler  by  do. 
Thne  gun  vessels  on  I^ike  Ontario. 
Gim  vessel— burnt  on  do. 
Hii  niajesiy's  packet   Morgianv,  18   guns,  9 
xumlers,  two  ol  thcni  long  brasi  pieces.  »0  men, 
i'XJions  burden,  by  the  Saratoga  of  *  suns  and 
liinifii  by  lioanling 
Ship  —  by  do— burnt. 
Brig  —  by  do— burnt. 
Schooner  -—  1.10  tons  by  the  Oen  Stark. 
Twenty-two  ships   to  wit    the  Gconoiuy.  fax 
Dilii;enci'.  Libirty,   Betsey,  Hope.   Jolly  Jtauh. 
iHor  ExiHi-inu'iit,  Ilnby,  Britannia,  I*nis|>erous, 
Uuttoii^^I.atona.  Fiieiids  Advtnture, Nottingham, 
I Vdtinorclaiid,  Uixiilurs  I'ersi-veranre,  Harfonl, 
ilktis,  Lynn  and  Brunswick,  with  grain   and 
■■i'iti  stores,  by  the  Rattleinake  and  i^cuurge. 


rhirteen  merchant  vessels  on  the  cu«it  o 
Spain  by  the  Leo- burnt. 

Gun-boat  carrying  i  long  .12  pniindrr  and  10 
men  driven  near  the  shore  bv  a  stnriii  on  Lake 
OiitHi-io,  and  captured  by  Capt.  Morgan'i  rifle 
corps 

Ship  Biutus  hy  the  Scourge  and  Rattltsnake 
—given  up  to  dispose  or  prisoners. 

SvluNiiu  s-  Fame  with  wine  by  tlie  Saratoga— 
wrecketl  on  Long  Island— crew  anil  cargo  saved. 

Ship  St.  Lawrence  with  valuajle  British 
!7ooils  worth  fniiii  i  to  400,000  dollars,  by  an 
Eastern  privateer 

Two  vessels  by  the  Yankee  and  given  up  to 
discharge  prisoners. 

Fifttvii  vessels  by  the  Lovely  Cordelia— gutted 
and  destroyed 

Ilrig  by  do  and  manm d  for  the  United  States- 
wrecked  on  the  coast  ol  t<  lorida. 

Brig  President  with  sugar,  molasses  aiul  rum 
by  the  Polly 

Brig  Mary  with  salt,  eoal  and  crockery  by  the 
Yonki  e 

Two  siiips  by  the  .Scniirge. 

Schooner  Katy  with 'vine  dry  goods,  eta.  by 
the  Yankee. 

An  .Vinerican  schooner  witli  flour,  hound  (or 
H;ililax   by  the  Wat<-r  Witi-h  o.  Bristol,  K.  I. 

Schouiii  r    —  hy  the  Gen.  Stark. 

SItwp  ICIiza  Anu 
.rig  Dart 

A  sloop  richly  laden  with  dry  goods,  by  tlie 
garri&on  ol"tlie  Ibrt  at  Kast  |>crt 

ijldop  GtU  >  lodgkiiison,  w  ith  s»U  and  some 
specie  by  the  Saratoga. 

.^eveii  small  craft,  with  ineivhandi/c  worth 
JOOO   louiiils  sterling 

Brig  Kdward,  witli  oil  and  fish  by  the  Fox. 

SwLilis;,  biig  Janstotl'with  dry  g  ods  by  the 
U'ashington 

Brig  Llo)d  with  camwood,  muskets  and  pistols 
taken  out  and  burnt  by  the  Saratoga 

Ship  Vista,  0  guns,  bj  the  Saratiigi  divested 
of  her  guns  and  all  her  valuables,  and  suffered 
to  pnicetd  with  a  little  ■friendly  advice,"  not 
being  worth  sending  in. 

Sihoonir  Fame  with  th^  mail  and  a  qiianty  of 
government  stores,  hj  the  Saratoga. 

SelioonLr  .loseph  wiili  guvrrnineiit  stores  by 
the  Saratoga— cargo  taken  out  uud  vessel  ran* 
tomeil. 

Spbooner  Lady  Cockbiini,  with  indigo  and 
cofl'et — took  out  thecargii  anil  let  her  pass. 

Brig with  lish  and  oil  li>  tbe  ^a'lcy  Jack. 

This  brig  is  the  Sir  John  Sherbrokeo>  Oguns 
niid  40  men  taken  after  aHght  of  iO  ni,iiu(es.in 
which  she  had  i  men  killtil  and  j  wounded. 
'I'lie  Saucy  Jack  sustaini-d  but  little  injury,  and 
had  three  men  slightly  wouiidul 

Ship  Manly,  s  guns  w  illi  wine,  o,l,  etc.  by  tbn 
Kevengi! 

Brig  with  sugar  anJ  molasses,  by  the  Curolinu 
— retaken  and  burnt. 

Schooner  Messenger,  with  rum  and  molasses 
by  the  Comet. 

Ship  'lontexiiniu,  270  tons,  t  guns,  il  men, 
by  the  Rs.se\  frigate  in  the  south  ^ea 

Ship  Pohey,  27i  tons,  iO  guns,  itimeti.  by  do. 

Ship  Geu.'giana.  i80  tuns.  6  guns  28  men,  by 
do. 

Ship  Atlantic.  iiTtons  8  gnns.  24  men,  by  do. 

Ship  Greenwich.  3J8  tons,  10  guns,  21  mtii,  by 
do 

Ship  lector,  170  tons.  U  guns  25  men,  by  the 
Essex  Junior. 

Ship  <'atharine  .'70  tons  8  guns  i't  men,  by  do. 

Ship  Hose.  220  tuns  8  guns '21  men.  by  do. 
tTj'  I  nese  vessi  Is  areestimatid  as  worth  to  tbt 
enemy  two  millions  o:  dollars 

Ung.lean  to  guns  17  nun  with  hides,  tallow 
and  copper  by  t'l  .•  (7.>iigri  ss  irigate— eoppei  ta- 
ken out  and  vessi  I  desirovi  it 

Brig  Diana  10  guns  t4  men  with  hidis.  I.illnw 

itc.  br  lid— V  essi.  I  and  earg'j  destroyed  as  sifcu 


^1^ 


;'i 


'■  ■  f 

i-    1 

':■   ,      ■   f  .! 

■A     ■•■ 


.. '.  h 


.''rlP'-'Vl 

if    -tlL.'iJ^S'-. 


Hid 


JMKETCHESy  &0. 


?!'''  i  M.. 


woiilJ  pemiU.  and  Uicn  cuuti-rtcd  into  a  cartel 
fo  IN  li'anf  Uiu  i>riioiuT«. 

S|ii|i  Hote  liydo  with  wine— cargo  token  out 
and  vi'UL'l  ilcttmycd 

Huff  ——  with  rum  by  the  Eliza* 

Ori);  Akho  in  ballast  by  the  Saucy  lack- 
burnt 

Sloiip  .lohn  with  dry  froods  and  proviiions  by 
«lo.  (livestrtl  of  her  cargo  ami  iriven  up. 

Sev<  ral  small  vessels  by  do— B'*eii  up- 

Brig  AIk  I  witJi  nun  aiul  sugar  I'y  the  Caiw- 
line. 

1  he  \Hliiable  brig  Atlantic  with  (Ugiir  and 
cotton,  by  tlie  Congress  I'rii^ale- 

Scliooiitr witli  molasses  by  the  Caroline 

Brig  Silena  by  the  Reveng«— burnt 

bcbounur  — -  with  sugar  ami  molasses,  by  the 
Caroline. 

Brig with  sugar, by  do. 

Sloop  Resolntioitwi.h  linen  and  paper,  by  the 
Oen  ArniMrong— <li«posse8$cd  of  cargo  and  giv 
en  up. 

Brig  rhcrbe  whh  butter  and  potatoes,  by  do. 
atal  scuttled 

Br'g  Commerce  with  rum  and  molasses,  by  the 
Flirt  of  New-York— burnt. 

Schuunei'  Fanny  i»itl'  sugar,  by  the  Revenge. 

Brig  \  icturiH  with  rum  sugar  and  cuRee,  by 
tlic  Rapid  K'  Charleston. 

Tr>al,  iOO  tons,  by  the  Grand  Turk— burnt 

Brig  —^  by  do.  and  ransomed 

Brig  —  with  lumber  by  do— burnt  Besides 
the  atiove  vessels  the  Graud  Turk  captured  and 
manned  i  valuable  ships  1  bng  and  i  schooner. 

bchoouer  —wiih  sugar  coffee,  etc  by  the 
Fatap^co  of  Ballimuie 

Pink  'tern  lioat  with  English  goods  wortli 
SO.OOO  dollars,  by  a  ntw-hoat  pri\ateer 

British  packet  Lapwing.  10  guns  and  40  men, 
by  the  Fox  of  7  guns  and  70  men  after  a  despe- 
rate resistance,  by  boarding,  in  which  14  of  the 
enemy  wen;  killed  and  a  or  B  wounded.  On 
board  the  Fus  one  man  killed  and  three  slightly 
wounded.  The  Packet  has  since  been  recaptur- 
ed, but  she  had  been  divested  ot  lier  valuables. 

Ten  enemy's  vessels  by  the  C:uroUn« — divetted 
of  their  valuable  articles,  and  burnt,  sunk.  etc. 

Sloop  Osiri*  with  molanes,  having  a  Britiih  li- 
cense, by  the  Caroline 

Hermaphrodite  brig  Cossack  with  sugar,  by 
the  letter  oi°  niartiue  schooner  G«»cral  :>tark  -i 
pins  and  13meii,o<'Salem,  The  letter  of  marque 
tiad  pieviousFy  recaptured  an  American  ve«)el> 


Schooner  Jaspci'  with  eoffipr,  tugat  anj  i^j,, 
by  the  Caroline.    It  is    stated  that  tlil«  v„^ 
would  have  been  wrecked  Mnd  lost  im  t|„.  J:'  i 
hut  (or  the  meritorious  exertions  of  l.iiutcniiK'  I 
Mork  ol  the  navy  '"■ ' 

Schooner  Ri  becca  with  live  stock  ami  pro.; 
sioui.  by  the  Grand  Turk. 

Schoi'ner  Allies  with  Hsh 

Brig  Criterion,  a  traitor  vessi  I  with  rum  bv  I 
the  t'ltniline.  this  vessel  has  bteii  tritxt  iiikll 
condemni'd  lor  the  use  of  the  captors  ' 

i^chooner  Fanny  with  sugar,  by  the  Revtnirr 

Vchoooer  Henry  with  fish,  by  the  Roger      ' 

.Vehooner  Maria  by  dhto— burnt 

Ship  Nereid  with  an  assorted  cargo  worthl 
seventy  live  thousand  pouiuli  sterling,  b)  Uitl 
Governor  I'umpkiiis.  I 

Eighteen  vessels  by  the  True  Blooded  Yaii.| 
ket— burnt  I 

I  he  Cantor  by  do— divested  of  her  valu(ble| 
articles  and  given  up 

The  Active,  Watson,  Cora  and  Eliza  hyJo. 

.Schooner  Traveller  with  sugar  and  coflcf.U 
the  Friilic  T 

S'cliooner  George  with  dry  goods,  etc.  by  ihel 

Fi>  r 

.S°l(Mip  Experiment  with  dry  goods,  banl  «|J 
and  hiiiiber  by  do  1 

Jeveral  vcsh'Is  with  dry  goods,  etc  hj  ihe  FciJ 

Tlie  Vigilant,  a  tender,   by  the  Comet.   _     1 

'S'choouer  ^—  with  sugar  and  eoffie.  by  thel 
i'aiapsco 

The  valuable  brig  Young  i  Insband  with  in 
good«  aiul  hard  ware,  by  the  Goveriiur  Toisn 
kins. 

Nine  vessels  by  the  Comet— divested  of  thfir| 
valuable  articles  and  sunk.  Bcsid.  s  these 
>ai>ture<l  and  manned  tour  prizes  .Yhibailii 
terrible  battle  with  the  ship  Hibemia  oi  mo 
tons,  ti  guns  and  a  large  complement  of  men, 
btit  was  beaten  off 

Brig  I'lillock,  MO  toiii,  10  guns,  with  an  at. 
sorted  cargo  by  the  Fox. 

'1  he  rich  ship  Minerva  with  dry  (^s,  binl'l 
ware.etc  by  do. 

5'hip  —  a  whaleman,  by  the  Gov.  Tod)iJ 
kins— given  up  to  release  prisoner* 

Brig  Isabella  by  the  U.  S    brig  Rattleinake. 

Sloop  — —  by  the  Gen.  Stark— east  away  uii| 
Capo  Coil. 

Schooner  Harmony,  with  rum,  by  the  1'erribVJ 

Boat  'iumbird,  with  crockery,  riim,  sog«r,e'f^ 
hy  the  6'urpfiz«. 


*?■■.*!' 


lL'i*i- 


'  > 


^i 


SKETCHES 


OF 


THE  WA 


Vol    li No.  1. 


Whole  Numubu  7. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

^orth^m  army....Battle  at  La  Cole,.,.Attack  on  Oswego....Geo- 
graphical  description  of  Osivego  fort  and  village. ...Capture 
of  a  British  force  at  Sandy  Creek Death  of  Colonel  For- 
syth, ire. 

In  the  latter  part  of  March,  1814,  the  army  of  the  north,  un- 
der the  command  of  General  Wilkinson,  was  in  motion  on  vari- 
ous parts  of  the   frontier.     Nothing,   however,  of  consequence 
took  place  until  the  29th  ;  when  the   army  having  concen(r:ited 
at  Champlain,  General  Wilkinson  determined  upon  attempting  a 
diversion  in  favour  of  the  corps  under  Major  General  Brown,  who 
had  marched  for  the  Niagara  frontier.     He  accordingly  moved 
with  his  whole  force,  amounting  to  between  3  and  4000  men,  on 
the  Odletown  road,  with  a  view  of  attacking  a  body  of  the  ene- 
my  at  La  Cole  Mills.    The  army  unfortunately  missed  the  road^ 
and  proceeded  about  two  miles  beyond  the  small  passage  that  led 
to  the  mills  ;  but  after  a  trifling  skirmish  with  the  enemy  beyond 
Odletown,  the  army  entered  the  proper  route,  drove  the  e:f.?my's 
light  troops  before  them,  and  reached  the  mills  Sibout  3  o'clock, 
P.  M.     The  enemy's  force  at  this  place  consisted  of  about  1500 
regulars,  which  was   increased  during  the  action,  by  reinforce- 
ments from  the  Isle-aux  Noix.     Many  were  posted  in  the  miU> 
the  walls  of  which  were  impregnable  to  every  thing  but  the  hea- 
viest artillery  ;  others  in  a  block-house  and  surrounding  buildings, 
which  served  to  protect  them,  for  a  time,  from  the  impression  of 
our  musquetry.     General  Wilkinson  so  disposed  his  troops  at 
nesrrly  to  encircle  the  mill,  and  brought  up  a  howitzer  and  one  12 
pounder  to  batter  the  walls  ;  but  afler  firing  a  considerable  time, 
it  was  found  little  effect  was  produced.    The  eneoiy  kept  Up  a 

2tf 


It, 


■.  i 


* " ;. 


w 


'•? 


■'i  i 


S  sii 


338 


SKKTCUKS  O' 


galling  fire  during  the  whole  time  our  troops  lay  before  the  place 
from  the  loop  holes  cut  in  the  mill,  and  directed  a  great  portion 
of  it  on  the  two  pieces  of  artillery  :  our  troops  returned  the  fire 
with  great  coolnevs  and  deliberate  aim.  The  enemy  made  two 
sallies,  and  charged  the  left,  commanded  by  Brigadier  Geutral 
Snnth ;  but  weie  repulsed  with  considerable  Ioms.  Towards  eve- 
niiig  a  British  regiment  arrived,  and  made  a  charge  on  part  of  a 
brigade  commanded  by  Brigadier  General  Bissel ;  but  they  were 
so  warmly  received,  that  they  instantly  fell  back,  leaving  fifteen 
men  dead  on  the  field,  besides  a  number  wounded. 

The  advantageous  position  of  the  enemy  in  their  strong  holds, 
the  inefficacy  of  12  and  6  pounders  on  a  stone  building  whose 
walls  were  between  3  and  4  feet  thick,  and  the  utter  impossibility 
of  bringing  up  an  18  pounder  through  obstructed  roads,  swamps 
and  forests,  induced  General  Wilkinson  to  order  the  return  of 
the  troops  to  Odietown  ;  which  order  was  executed  without  mo 
lestation  from  the  enemy. 

Our  loss  was  8  men  killed,  and  66  wounded,  among  the  latter 
were  6  officer8...ithat  of  the  enemy,  if  general  opinion  is  a  test 
of  truth,  must  have  been  more.  The  whole  of  Brigadier  Gene- 
ral Macomb's  command  was  in  the  reserve,  and  not  at  all  en- 
gaged. Maj.  Forsyth's  riflemen.  Col.  Clark's  detachments,  and 
Generals  Smith  and  Bissel's  brigades,  with  their  detachmeuts, 
formed  a  line  round  the  mill. 

The  American  troops  fought  with  braver}',  and  many  individu- 
als particularly  distuiguished  themselves.  We  notice  the  follow- 
ing acts  of  heroism : 

Captain  M'Pheison,  who  was  military  fecretary  to  General 
Wilkinson,  asked  permission  to  take  part  in  the  operations  of  the 
day.  His  request  was  granted ;  and  the  command  of  the  artille- 
ry, which  followed  the  advance  and  formed  the  battery,  was  gi- 
ven him.  Captain  M'Pherson  stood  by  his  pieces  with  firmness, 
until  a  second  shot  from  the  enemy  laid  him  low.  The  first  shot 
passed  through  the  fleshy  part  of  his  neck ;  with  the  intrepidity  of 
a  veteran,  he  tore  ofiThis^  handkerchief,  bound  it  round  his  wound 
and  went  on  with  his  work  of  duty:  but  the  second  passed  thro' 
the  upper  part  of  his  thigh  bone,  fractured  it,  and  he  was  borne 
from  the  field,  exhorting  his*  remaining  officer  and  men  to  sup- 
port the  honour  of  the  command  and  persevere.  This  battery 
was  placed  in  a  strong  and  commaHding  position,  within  about 
250  yardr  of  the  stone  building  of  the  enemy,  against  which  its 
strong  fire  was  levelled*  Lieutenant  Larrabee,  an  officer  of  real 
merit,  attached  to  this  battery,  had  received  a  ball  through  his 
breast,  and  was  taken  from  the  field  before  the  wounded  M'Pher- 
son. While  passing  some  persons  who  pitied  his  misfortune,  he 
asked,  **  have  you  never  seen  a  man  die  (*"  and  meeting  some  of 
lii3  brother  officers,  he  addressed  tbem  with  ''good  bye,  my 


U  i 


'JIHB  WAR. 


53a 


friends,  they  have  hit  me."  He,  however,  soon  after  recovered. 
While  the  soldiers  were  bearing  Captain  M'Pherson  from  the 
field,  some  of  the  officers  of  the  army  offered  their  personal  ser- 
vices to  carry  him  to  Plattsburgh,  distant  21  miles.  He  paused 
a  few  moments,  and  then  replied,  ''  I  thank  the  gentlemen  for 
(be  interest  and  regard  they  have  manifested  in  this  kind  offer, 
but  I  shall  be  sufficiently  honoured  when  they  bear  me  to  my 
nave."  His  recovery  since,  has  relieved  the  anxious  solicitude 
of  his  friends. 

After  Captain  M'Pherson  and  Lieutenant  Larrabee  were  wound- 
led, the  command  of  the  battery  devolved  on  Lieutenant  Sheldon, 
who,  in  the  early  part  of  the  action,  manifested  the  greatest  firm- 
ness ;  but  afterwards,  being  reduced  to  only  one  or  two  men  to 
lid  him,  his  valour  and  activity  were  strikingly  €onspicuous....he 
ffas  compelled  to  assist  in  loading  and  discharging  his  pieces  with 
|bii  own  hands,  which  he  performed  until  ordered  to  retire. 

Lieutenant  Parker  was  wounded   by  a  random  shot ;  he  fell, 
I  and  the  sword  dropped  from  his  grasp :  he   desired  that  it  might 
be  given  him,  for   he  would  defend   himself.     He  survived  his 
wounds  for  several  days,  and  expressed  a  most  sincere  and  heart- 
felt regret  that  he  had  not  fallen  in  close  action.     "  Hard  is  my 
It,"  he  exclaimed,  "  that  I  should  have    received  this  wound  at 
Inch  a  distance  from  the  enemy,  and  where  I  was  wholly  inac- 


tive J 


n 


Attack  on  Oswego.,.,.0a  the  5th  of  May,  the  enemy,  to  the 
tmount  of  3000  men,  attacked  fort  Oswego,  at  the  mouth  of 
Ossvego  river,  which  empties  into  lake  Ontario,  with  a  view  of 
removing  obstacles  which  existed  to  the  attainment  of  our  naval 
tod  military  stores  at  the  falls,  13  miles  in  the  rear  of  the  fort. 
This  force  was  gallantly  met,  however,  by  a  small  band  of  heroes 
under  the  command  of  Colonel  Mitchell,  who  maintained  an  un- 
equal contest,  against  ten  times  their  number,  for  nearly  two 
days;  when  the  enemy  succeeded  in  destroying  the  old  barracks 
ind  a  small  amount  of  other  public  property ;  after  which  he  re- 
treated. The  following  report,  from  Colonel  Mitchell  to  General 
|BrowD,  gives  a  more  minute  detail  of  this  affair : 

"I  informed  you  of  my  arrival  at  fort  Oswego  on  the  30th  A- 
»ril.    This  post  being  but  occasionally  and  not  recently  occupied 

y  regular  troops,  was  in  a  bad  state  of  defence.     Of  cannon  we 

ad  but  five  old  guns,  three  of  which  had  lost  their  trunnions. 

li^hat  could  be  done  in  the  way  of  repair  was  effected ;  new 
jlatforms  were  laid,  the  gun  carriages  put  in  order,  and  decayed 
licket^  replaced.  On  the  5th  instant,  the  British  naval  force, 
insisting  of  four  large  ships,  three  brigs,  and  a  number  of  guu 

Hd  other  boats  were  descried   at  reveille-beating,  about  seven 


fc| 


V4P 


iUi£TCHK8  OV 


I';:..     '•■    :|' 

§>■■  IS\  '■ 


miles  from  liic  fort,  information  was  immediately  given  toCa|>. 
tain  V/ooIsey,  of  the  navy,  (who  was  at  Oswego  villagt-,)  and  to 
the  neighbouring  roihtia.  It  being  doubtful  on  what  side  of  the 
river  the  enemy  would  attempt  to  land,  and  my  force  (290  effec- 
tive) being  too  small  to  bear  division,  I  ordered  the  tents  in  store 
to  be  pitched  on  the  village  side,  while  I  occupied  the  other  with 
my  whole  force.  It  is  probable  that  this  artifice  had  its  efftct, 
and  determined  the  enemy  to  attack  where,  from  appearance;, 
they  expected  the  least  opposition.  About  one  o'clock  the  fleet 
approached.  Fifteen  boats,  large  and  crowded  with  troops,  at  a 
given  signal,  moved  slowly  to  the  shore.  These  were  preceded 
by  gun-boats  sent  to  rake  the  woods  and  cover  the  landing,  while 
the  larger  vessels  opened  a  fire  upon  the  fort.  Captain  Boyle 
and  Lieutenant  Legate,  (as  soon  as  the  debarking  boats  got  with- 
in range  of  our  shot)  opened  upon  them  a  very  successful  f.rc 
from  the  shore  battery,  and  compelled  them  twice  to  retire.  They 
at  length  returned  to  the  ship8,  and  the  whole  stood  off  from  the 
shore  for  better  anchorage.  One  of  the  enemy's  boats,  which 
bad  been  deserted,  was  taken  up  by  us,  and  some  others  by  the  I 
militia.  The  first  mentioned  was  60  feet  long,  carried  36  oars 
and  three  sails,  and  codid  accommodate  150  men.  She  had  re- 
ceived a  ball  through  her  bow,  and  was  nearly  filled  with  wa- 
ter. 

Piquet  guards  were  stntioned  at  different  points,  and  we  lay  on  | 
our  arms  during  the  night. 

At  daybreak,  on  the  6th,  the  fleet  appeared  bearing  up  under  I 
easy  sail.  The  Wolfe,  &c.  took  a  position  directly  against  the| 
fort  and  batteries,  and  for  three  hours  kept  up  a  heavy  fire  of 
grape,  &c.  Finding  that  the  enemy  had  effected  a  landing,  II 
withdrew  my  small  disposable  force  into  the  rear  of  the  fort,  aDd| 
with  two  companies  (Romayne's  and  Melvin's)  met  their  advanc 
ing  columns,  while  the  other  companies  engaged  the  flanks  of  thri 
enemy.  Lieutenant  Pearce  of  the  navy,  and  some  seamen,  joi J 
ed  in  the  attack,  and  fought  with  their  characteristic  brav<  ;yJ 
We  maintained  our  ground  about  30  minutes,  and  as  long  as  con4 
srlstent  with  my  further  duty  of  defending  the  public  stores  depoj 
.sited  at  the  falls,  which  no  doubt  formed  the  principal  object  ol 
the  expedition  on  the  part  of  the  enemy.  Nor  was  this  movej 
mcnt  made  precipitately.  I  halted  within  400  yards  of  the  fcrtJ 
Captain  Romayne's  company  formed  the  rear  guard,  and,  remainj 
ing  with  it,  I  marched  to  this  place  in  good  order,  destroying  ths 
bridges  in  my  rear.  The  enemy  landed  600  of  De  Watteville'| 
regiment,  600  marines,  two  companies  of  the  Glengary  corp!| 
and  3S0  seamen. 

General  Drummond  and  Commodore  Yeo  were  the  land  and 
naval  commanders.  Thev  burned  the  old  barracks  and  evacuate^ 
the  fort  about  3  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  7th.  ,.,; 


Vm,  WA&. 


341 


Our  loss  was,  in  killed,  6 ;  wounded,  38 ;  and  in  miising,  25. 
j'bat  of  the  enemv,  according  to  their  own  statementj  was  10 
killed  and  75  wounded. 

1  cannot  conclude  thiii  despatch  without  speaking  of  the  dead 
and  the  living  of.  my  detachment.  Lieutenant  Blaney,  a  young 
man  of  much  promise,  was  unfortunately  killed.  His  conduct,  in 
tbe  action,  was  highly  meritorious.  Captain  Boyle  and  Lieuten- 
tot  Legate  merit  my  highest  approbation  ;  and,  indeed,  I  want 
languafi^e  to  express  my  admiration  of  their  gallant  conduct.  The 
lubalterns,  M'Cumb,  Ansart,  Ring,  Robb,  Earle,  M'Clintock  and 
Newkirk,  performed  well  their  several  parts. 

It  would  be  injustice  were  I  not  to  acknowledge  and  report  the 
zeal  and  patriotism  evinced  by  the  militia,  who  arrived  at  a  short 
notice,  and  were  anxious  to  be  useful.'* 

Geographical.,..Oswego  fort  and  village  stand  in  the  township 
of  Scriba,  a  post-town  of  Oneida  county,  178  miles  from  Albany. 
The  fort  is  an  ancient  fortress,  and  was  of  much  importance  in 
the  early  wars.  It  was  one  of  the  military  posts  surrendered  by 
the  British  in  1796,  conformable  to  the  conditions  of  Jay's  treaty. 
The  fort  is  a  three-sided  figure,  with  bastions,  &c.  and  contains  3 
or  4  acres  of  ground  within  the  ditches.  The  scite  is  elevated 
about  50  feet  above  the  level  of  the  lake  and  Oswego  river,  and 
lituated  just  at  the  mouth  of  the  river.  The  history  of  this  fort- 
ress ii)  intimately  connected  with  that  of  the  early  settlements  and 
wars  of  the  colony  now  state  of  Newyork.  A  trading  house  was 
erected  here  by  the  governor  of  Newyork  in  1722,  and  a  fort 
erertfd  in  1727,  rebuilt  and  enlarged  in  175£.  This,  together 
with  fort  Ontario,  erected  on  an  adjoining  eminence  in  1755,  was 
invested  by  the  French  under  Montcalm  in  1756,  with  3000  men, 
aided  by  two  armed  vessels.  Fort  Ontario  was  abandoned  after 
the  first  day  of  assault,  on  the  .13th  day  of  August;  and  on  the 
14th,  Oswego  CRpitulated,  with  a  garrison  of  1600  men.  It  had 
then  21  pieces  of  cannon,  fourteen  mortars,  and  great  stores  of 

munitions  of  war;  besides  two  armed  sloops  and  200  boats 

These  forts  were  immediately  dismantled,  and  the  French  retired 
with  their  booty  within  their  own  lines ;  and  the  settlements  on 
the  Mohawk  were  soon  left  entirely  exposed.  Oswego  is  in  lat. 
43  28,  N.  and  long.  2  34,  W.  from  Newyork.  The  Oswego  ri- 
ver  has  a  strong  rapid  one  mile  from  its  mouth,  where  the  waters 
may  be  taken  out,  at  a  moderate  expense,  for  mills.  The  village 
of  Oswego  contains  about  30  houses,  and  the  trade  of  this  port  is 
very  considerable  and  increasing.  There  are  15  schooners,  from 
15  to  80  tons  burthen,  and  a  great  number  of  batteaux  of  from  5 
to  )2  tons.  In  1809,  the  whole  amount  of  property  shipped  here 
was  5^5,000  dollars.    A  village  it  also  laid  out  on  the  south  shore 


[imm 


t '.'. 


■   M    ! 


'>^' 


^■| 


* 


}*' 


/;. 


i^'^ri^Kitl 


54;^ 


iiKKTCHKS  09 


SA*^-     i      • 


of  Odwcgo  river,  opposite  this  pincc,  which  is  known  by  the  i«raf 
pnTnCf  though  in  Hannibal,  Onondaga  county. 

[SppJford*s  N.  y.  Gaz, 

Capture  of  a  liritish  force  at  Sandy  Crre*./...On  the  30th  of 
May,  Major  Appling,  of  the  first  U.  S.  rifle  regiment,  with  120 
riflemen  and  a  few  Oneida  warriors,  was  detached  to  protect  the 
cannon   and  naval  stores  at  Oswcg;o,  destined  for   Commodore 
Chaiincey'8  fleet.     They   were  embarked  on  board  a  flotilla  of 
boats,  in   charge   of  Captain  Woolsey  of  the  navy,  and  arrived 
safely  in  Sandy  Creek,  10  aniles  south-west  of  Sacket's  Harbour, 
when  Maj.  Appling,  apprehending  an  attack  fronn  the  enemy,  ve. 
ly  judiciously  placed  the   riflemen  and   Indians  in  the  woods,  on 
each  side  of  the  creek,  a  short  distance  below  Captain  Woolse)''! 
bents,  at  a  place  where  it  was  narrow  and  shoal.     He  then  sent 
a  few  raw  militia  with  a  show  of  opposing  the   enemy's  landing. 
The  plan  succeeded.     The  militia  retreated  on  the  first  fire,  pur- 
sued by  the  enemy ;  but  as  soon  as  the  latter  had  passed  the  In- 
dians and   riflemen,  who  were   in   ambush,  these   last   attacked 
them  in   rear,  while  a  battery  of  four  field  pieces  opened  upon 
them  in  front.     Thus  cut  off  in  their  retreat,  after  a  smart  action 
of  20  minutes,  in  which   they  had  13  men  ifilled,  and   2  officers 
and  28  men  wounded,  the   residue,  consisting  of  10  officers  and 
133  men,  surrendered  and  were  taken  prisoners;  together  with 
their  boats  and  barges,  consisting  of  two  of  the  former,  and  five 
of  the  latter ;  some  of  which  carried   heavy  pieces  of  ordnance. 
Not  one  of  the  American  party  was  wounded. 

Major  Appling  speaks  in  the  highest  termii  of  the  courage  and 
good  conduct  of  his  otficers  and  men.  The  officers  were  Lieu- 
tenants M'Intosh,  Colhoun,  M'Fariand,  Armstrong,  and  Smithy 
and  Ensign  Austin.  •  r 

Death  of  Colonel  Forsyth On   the  28th  of  June  a  skirmish 

fook  place  near  Odietown,  Upper  Canada,  between  a  small  body 
of  troops  under  Colonel  Benjamin  Forsyth,  of  the  rifle  corps,  an 
officer  of  distinguished  merit,  and  a  detachment  of  the  enemy; 
which  resulted!  in  the  death  of  the  colonel. 

He  had  been  ordered  by  General  Smith  to  attempt  to  draw  thf 
enemy  into  an  ambuscade,  by  oflfering  him  battle,  and  keeping  up 
a  retreating  fire,  until  this  object  should  be  effected.  In  pursu- 
ance of  this  order  the  colonel  detached  a  lieutenant  and  18  men, 
who  proceeded  sufficiently  far  to  discover  the  enemy.  The  rifle- 
men fired  a  few  shot  at  them,  and  commenced  their  retreat.  The 
enemy  pursued,  and  were  decoyed  along  as  far  as  the  line,  where 
Colonel  Forsyth  with  the  residue  of  his  detachment  had  remain- 
ed. At  this  time,  when  the  plan  was  nearly  consummated,  the 
i'i}Qi)e],  instead  of  failing  back  agreeably  to  orders,  directed  hi? 


THE  WAA. 


by  the  i«nvf 

.  y,  Gfl». 

I  the  30th  of 
It,  with  120 
)  protect  the 
Commodore 
I  a  flotilla  of 
,  and  arrived 
et»8  Harbour, 
e  enemy,  ve. 
le  woods,  on 
in  Woolsey'j 
He  then  sent 
my^i  landing, 
irst  fire,  pur- 
lassed  the  In- 
last   attacked 
opened  upon 
smart  action 
nd   2  officers 
)  ofiicers  and 
bother  with 


»4# 


five 
of  ordnance. 


er,  and 


courage  and 

were  Lieu- 

and  Smithy 


le  a  skirmish 
a  small  body 
fie  corps,  an 
the  enemy; 


men  to  make  a  stand.  Totally  regardless  of  all  personal  danger, 
he  remained  within  10  rods  of  the  enemy,  and  being  distinguished 
by  his  uniform  coat,  was  a  conspicuous  mark  for  them  to  shoot  at. 
IHr  received  a  ball  near  the  collar  bone,  which  brought  him  to  the 
ground.  He  immediately  expressed  a  conviction  that  he  must 
dif,  and  exclaimed,  **  Buys,  rush  on  !"  The  colonel  was  the  only 
person  killed  on  our  side... .two  were  slightly  wounded.  The  loss 
|of  the  enemy  in  killed  was  supposed  to  be  17. 

On  the  day  following,  the  remains  of  Colonel   Forsyth  w^re 
ijoterred  at  Champlain,  with  all  the  solemnities  nnd  honours  of 
war.     On  the  30th  June^  the  following  regimental  order  was  is- 
Iwed: 

« Colonel  Clark  having  received  inttlligence  of  the  death  of 
JLieutenant  Colonel  Benjamin  Forsyth,  of  the  26tii  infantry,  v.  ho 
lively  fell  at  Odietown  on  the  28tli  instnnt,  fighting  in  defer  :;e 
lof  the  rights  and  liberties  ot  his  country  :  The  olTicerii  of  the  rc- 
Ipment  will  wear  crape  on  the  left  arm  30  days,  in  testimony  of 
jtheir  regret  for  the  loss  of  that  valuable  and  distinguished  off: 
leer." 

Coionel  Forsyth  was  succeeded  in  command  by  Major  Appling^ 
iiinous  for  his  brilliant  achievement  at  Sandy  Creek. 


CHAPTER  XXX 


h'r 


ppture  of  fort  Erie.,..Battle  at  Chippeiva....Draft  of  the  scene 
of  action... » Death  of  General  Sxvift....Army  movements  and 
battle  at  Bridgeveater..»Biography  qf  General  Scott. 

In  the  month  of  June,  Major  General  Brown,  who  had  prevl- 
iiisly  been  ordered  to  Sacket's  Harbour,  returned  to  BuiTalc  >^'i^h 
leinforcements,  and  assumed  the  command  of  the  army,  the.  ui- 
ler  Brigadier  General  Scott.  Early  in  the  morning  of  the  3d  of 
ily,  the  army,  amounting  to  about  3000,  crossed  the  Niai^ara  ri- 
«r,  and  landed  on  the  Canada  shore.  The  brigade  of  General 
ott,  and  the  aftillery  corps  of  Major  Hindman,  litn-ied  nearly  a 
ille  below  fort  £rie,  between  2  and  3  o'clock,  while  General 
|Upley,  with  his  brigade,  made  the  shore  abnut  the  same  distance 
Dve.  The  enemy  was  perfectly  unapprised  of  these  move- 
ents.  General  Scott  led  the  van  and  was  on  shore  before  the 
etny^s  piquet,  which  was  stationed  at  this  point,  had  fired  a  gun  ; 
guard  discharged  their  guns  and  retreated. 
A  small  Indian  force  was  also  crossed  over,  and  the  fort  was 
Toached  on  the  right  and  left,  the  Indians  skirting  the  wooda 


¥i£i 


l"^ 


WJ.  ■' 


t, 


3|^ 


SKETCHES  OP 


in  the  rear.  General  Brown  now  demanded  a  surrender  of  the 
garrison^  and  gave  the  commander  two  hours  for  conaidpration. 
In  the  mean  time,  a  battery  of  long  18's  was  planted  in  a  posi- 
tion which  commanded  the  fort.  Shortly  after  the  enenn  sur- 
rendered prisoners  of  war,  marched  out  of  the  fort,  stacked  their 
arms,  and  were  immediately  set  across  the  river  to  the  Amtrican 
shore.  The  prisoners  amounted  to  137;  among  whom  were) 
major,  (Burke,)  1  captain,  and  3  lieutenants. 

During  the  morning,  the  enemy  fired  two  or  three  cannon  from 
the  fort,  which  wounded  four  of  the  25th  regiment. 

Battle  at  Chippewa On  the  evening  of  the  4th  of  July,  the 

army  proceeded  to  the  plains  one  and  a  half  miles  west  of  Chip- 
pesva,  when  arrangements   were  made  to  move  against  Chippe-j 
wa  on  the  morning  of  the  6th  ;  but  in  the  afternoon  of  the  5tb, 
the  enemy,  under  command  of  Major  General  Riall,  having  con 
centrated  his  forces  in   the  peninsula,  came   from  his  works  east  I 
of  the  creek*  and  offered  battle.     He  was  gallantly  met  by  Gen.  | 
Scott,  with  his  brigade  and  corps  of  artillery,  and  a  most  sangui- 
nary conflict  ensued,  which  terminated  in  the  defeat  of  the  ene-l 
my.     The  following  extracts  from  the  official  account  of  General 
Brown,  dated  on  the  plains  of  Chippewa,  the  7th  of  July,  detail | 
the  events  of  the  battle : 


•1 

4 

w.. 

i 

Ill; 

! 

*«  On  the  morning  of  the  4th,  Brigadier  General  Scott,  vvithj 
his  brigade  and  corps  of  artillery,  was  ordered  to  advance  towards! 
Chippewa,  and  be  governed  by  circumstances ;  taking  care  to  se{ 
cure  a  good  mililar}'  position  for  the  night.  After  some  skirmishj 
ing  he  selected  this  plain  with  the  eye  of  a  soldier,  his  right  resH 
ing  on  the  river,  and  a  ravine  being  in  front.  At  11  at  night,  l| 
joined  him  with  the  reserve  under  General  Ripley,  our  field  and 
battering  train,  and  corps  of  artillery  under  Major  HinOmanJ 
General  Porter  arrived  the  next  morning  with  a  part  of  the  New! 
York  and  Pennsylvania  volunteers,  and  some  of  the  warriors  of 
the  Six  Nations. 

*'  £arly  in  the  morning  of  the  5lh,  the  enemy  commenced 
petty  war  upon  the  pickets,  and,  as  he  was  indulged,  his  presumj 
tion  increased  :  by  noon  he  showed  himself  on  the  left  of  oiirexj 
terior  li.ie,  and  attacked  one  of  our  pickets  as  it  was  returning  t| 
camp. 

''Captain  Treat,  who  commanded  it,  retired  disgracefully, lea\j 
ing  a  wounded  man  on  the  ground.  Captain  Biddle,  of  the  artif 
lery,  who  was  near  the  scene,  impelled  by  feelings  highly  honouTJ 
able  to  him  as  a  soldier  and  officer,  promptly  assumed  the  cor 
mand  oi  this  picket,  led  it  back  to  the  wounded  man,  and  broiigh| 

•  Sw  draft  of  Uif  si'cne  «r  action,  in  a  ^nl « «i«fPi  |>aj;e. 


'1:HE  WAll. 


345 


him  off  the  field.  I  ordered  Captain  Treat,  on  the  spot,  to  retire 
from  the  army;  and  as  I  am  anxious  no  officer  shall  remain  under 
my  command  who  can  be  suspected  of  cowardice,  I  advise  that 

Captain  Treat  and  Lieutenant  • ,  who  was  also  with  the 

picket,  be  struck  from  the  rolls  of  the  army. 

"  At  4  in  the  afternoon,  agreeably  to  a  plan  I  had  given  Gen. 
Porter,  he  advanced  from  the  rear   of    our   camp,  with  the  vo- 
lunteers and  Indians  (taking  the  woods  in  order  to  keep  out  of 
vievv  of  the  enemy,)  with  the  hope  of  bringing  his  pickets  and 
scouting  parties  between   his  [Potter's]  line  of  march,  and  our 
camp.     As  General  Porter  moved,  I  ordered  the  parties  advanced 
in  front  of  our  camp  to  fall  back  gradually  under  the  enemy's 
fire,  in   order  to  draw  him,  if  possible,  up  to  our   line.     About 
half  past  4,  the  advance  of  General  Porter's  command  met  the 
light  parties  of  the   enemy  in  the  woods,  upon  our  extreme  left; 
The  enemy  were  driven,  and  Porter,  advancing  near  Chippewa, 
met  rheir  whole  column  in  order  of  battle.     From   the  cloud  of 
dust  rising,  and  the  heavy  firing,  I  was  led  to  conclude  that  the 
entire  force  of  the  enemy  was  in  march,  and  prepared  for  action. 
I  immediately  ordered  General  Scott  to  advance  with  his  brigade 
and  Towson's  artillery,  and  meet  them  upon  the  plain  in  front  of 
our  camp.     The  general  did  not  expect  to  be   gratified  so  soon 
with  a  field  engagement.     He  advanced  in  the  most  prompt  and 
officer-like  style,  and  in  a  few   minutes  was  in  close  action  upon' 
the   plain,  with  a  superior  force  of  British   regular   troops.     By 
this  time,  General  Porter's  command  had  given  way,  and  fled  in 
every  direction,  notwithstanding  his  personal  gallantry,  and  great 
exertions  to  stay  their  flight.     The  retreat  of  the  volunteers  and 
Indians  caused  the  left  flank  of  General  Scott's  brigade  to  be  great- 
!y  exposed. 

"  Captain   Harris,  with  his  dragoons,  was  directed  to  stop  the 
fugitives,  behind  the   ravine  fronting  our  camp;  and  1  sent  Col. 
Gardner  to  order  General  Ripley  to  advance  with  the  21st   regi- 
ment, which  formed  part  of  the   reserve,  pass  to  the  left  of  our 
'imp,  skirt  the  woods  so  as  to  keep  out  of  view,  and  fall  upon 
the  rear  of  the  enemy's  right  flank.     This  order  was  promptly 
obeyed,  and  the  greatest  exertions  were  made  by  the  21st  regi- 
ment to  gain  their  position  and  close  with  the  enemy,  but  in  vain 
....for  «uch  was  the  zeal  a);d  gallantry  of  the  line  commanded  by 
General  Scott,  that  its  advance  upon  the  enemy  was  not  to  b« 
checked.     Major  Jessup,  commanding  the   left  flank  battalion, 
finding  himself  pressed  in  front  and  in  flank,  and  his  men  falling 
fast  around  him,  ordered  W\t  battalion  to  "  support   arms  and  ad- 
vapce ;"  the  order  was  promptly  obeyed,  amidst  the  most  deadly 
and  destrnctlve  fire.     He  gained  u  more  secure  position,  and  rt- 

•  The  ntmr- cmitttd  in  the  Irttef. 

2X 


^••■i' 


4 


44JC> 


^K£TCH£S  OF 


ftf-v 


turned  upon  the  ei)«my  so  galling  a  discharge^  as  caused  theui  to 
retire.  By  this  time  their  whole  line  was  falling  back,  and  our 
gallant  soldiers  pressing  upon  them  as  fast  as  posisible.  As  soon  as 
the  enemy  had  gained  the  sloping  ground  descending  towards 
Chippewa,  and  distant  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  he  broke  and  ran  to 
regain  his  vvnrks.  In  this  effort  he  was  too  successful,  and  the 
guns  from  his  batteries  opening  immediately  upon  our  line,  check- 
ed in  some  degree  th'-  pursuit  At  this  moment  I  resolved  to 
bring  up  all  my  ordnance,  aud  force  the  place  by  a  direct  attack, 
and  t»ave  the  order  accordingly.  Major  Wood,  of  the  curps  a' 
engineers  and  my  aid,  Captain  Austin,  rode  to  the  bank  of  the 
creek  tovvards  the  right  of  their  line  of  works,  and  examinea 
them.  I  was  induced  by  their  report,  the  lateness  of  the  hour, 
and  the  advice  of  General  Scott  and  Major  Wood  to  order  tht 
forces  to  retire  to  camp. 

«  My  most  difficult  duty  remains  to  be  performed....!  am  de- 
pressed with  the  fear  of  not  being  able  to  do  justice  to  my  brave 
companions  in  arms ;  and  apprehensive  that  some  who  had  an  op> 
portunity  of  distingjishing  themselves,  and  promptly  embraced  it, 
will  escape  my  notice. 

"  Brigadier  General  Scott  is  entitled  to  the  highest  praise  our 
country  can  bestow  :  to  him,  mure  than  any  other  man,  am  1  in- 
debted for  the  victory  of  the  5th  July.  His  brigade  covered  it- 
self with  glory.  Every  officer  and  every  man  of  the  9th  and 
.22d,  nth  and  25th  regiments  did  his  duty,  with  a  zeal  and  ener- 
gy worthy  of  the  American  character.  When  every  officer 
stands  so  pre-eminently  high  in  the  path  of  duty  and  honour,  it  is 
impossible  to  discriminate ;  but  I  cannot  deprive  myself  of  the 
pleasure  of  saying  that  Major  Leavenworth  commanded  the  9th 

and  22d,  Major  Jessup  the  25th,  and  Major  M*Neil  the  11th 

Colonel  Campbell  was  wounded  early  in  the  action,  gallantly 
leading  on  his  regiment. 

**  The  family  of  General  Scott  were  conspicuous  in  the  field  ; 
Lieutenant  Smith  of  the  6th  infantry,  major  of  brigade,  and  Lieu- 
tenants Worth  and  Watts,  his  aids. 

**  From  General  Ripley  and  his  brigade,  I  received  every  as- 
sistance that  I  gave  them  an  opportunity  of  rendering.  I  did  not 
order  any  part  of  the  reserve  into  action,  until  General  Porter's 
command  had  given  v,-,  ,  and  then  General  Scott's  movemeuti 
were  so  rapid  and  decisive,  that  General  Ripley  could  not  get  up 
io  time  with  the  2l8t,  to  th<-  position  av  directed. 

"  The  corps  of  artiller  v  under  Major  Hindman,  were  not  gene- 
rally in  action ;  this  was  not  their  fault. ..Captam  Towson's  com- 
pany was  the  only  one  that  had  a  full  opportunity  of  diftinguish- 
ing,  itself,  and  it  is  believed  that  no  company  ever  embraced  tft 
portunity  with  more  zeal>  or  more  success. 


f 


V.    •:  t 


XHB  WAH* 


^4^ 


«<  A  detachmeut  from  the  2d  brigade^  under  the  command  of 
liieutenant  M*Donald,  penetrated  the  woods  with  the  Indians  and 
volunteers,  and  for  their  oupport.  The  conduct  of  M'Donald  and 
i)is  command  reflects  high  honour  upon  the  brigade  to  which  they 
belong. 

"  The  conduct  of  General  Port?'  has  been  conspicuously  gal- 
lant. Every  asnistance  in  his  pov.er  io  afTord,  with  the  descrip- 
tion of  force  under  his  command,  has  been  rendered  We  could 
not  expect  him  to  contend  with  the  British  column  of  regulars 
which  appeared  upon  the  plains  of  Chippewa.  It  was  no  caus^ 
of  surprize  to  me,  to  see  his  command  retire  before  this  column. 

'*  Justice  forbids  that  I  should  omit  to  name  my  own  family 

They  yield  to  none  in  honourable  zeal,  intelligence  and  attention 
(0  duty.  Colonel  Gardner,  Major  Jones,  and  my  aids.  Captains 
Austin  and  Spencer,  have  been  as  active  and  as  much  devoted  to 
the  cause,  as  any  otlicers  of  the  army  Their  conduct  merits  my 
warmest  acknowledgments.. 

"Major  Camp,  deputy  quarter-master  general,  deserves  my 
partxular  notice  and  approbation.  By  his  great  exertion  I  was 
enabled  to  find  the  means  of  crossing.  Captain  Deliza,  of  the 
ordnance    department,  has  rendered  every  service  in  his  power." 

The  regular  troops  of  the  enemy  greatly  exceeded  ours  in  num> 
bers,*  and  his  loss  according  to  h:«  own  statement,  amounted  to 
148  killed,  (among  whom  were  3  captainsi  320  wounded,  and  44 
inissing....total  514. 

The  American  loss  was  60  killed,  316  wounded,  and  10  mi«- 
siog....total  328.t 

Two  day,  after  the  action  of  the  5th  July,  the  army  took  a  po* 
sition  on  Ciueonston  heights,  with  a  view  of  reducing  the  enemy's 
force  in  that  quarter.  The  following  reports  from  Gen.  Scott  and 
Maj.  [lindman,  dated  at  the  heights,  designating  the  individuals 
who  mostly  distinguished  themselves  in  the  battle  of  Chippewa, 
were  made  by  order  of  General  Brown  :        i     ,.,<*. 

Q,ueenston,  U,  C.  July  15,  1814. 
Sir — By  the  general  order  of  the  13th  inst.  a  methodical  and 
detailed  report  is  called  for,  designating  the  names   of  such   pert 

*  M.ijor  Rencnl  Hiall  liad  in  bit  Iroiit  lint!  1,700  men.  «ll  n-f>ii1ar  troopi  tniiponed  by  the  8tli 
RIOnii'iit  tSO  ifnine.  Tltr  lOOth  ntdmcnt  wiiirh  wai  nn  the  It-I'i  iil'tlie  Brit itli  line,  tonimaiidetl 
by  ill'  mirquit  of  T wei-dale,  Ute  aid-tle-camp  to  ^mvA  v^'rUin|;tun,  bruuglit  iiito  action  700  men.  and 

girailii  tlif  iifxt  day  but  Mi     The  otlit-r  rt-piiintnta  eiif^affcd  lulfereti  pni|iortioiuibly.    Gcik-mI 
ruW'iliiikad  in  bii  (i.im  ition  the  mmt  iiiiii|uivocttl  eviUi-nco  ut' thoo  I'aru. 
UfiK-ial   rortcr'i  ciim:natid  was  never  euffaKt-il  al^ter  tln-ir  tint  n  treat  i-onir«)tientlv  the  whole 
anion   wat  >iiitaitipd  by   Seott'i  -brifcade  .   which,  ineludinir  'lawion't   artillery,  coiiiittnl  oi  but 
1400  iiv^ntit  turdiity:   iSOwere  on  ilu'  iliflTiirent  (i^nanlsiiml  |iiqiii'ii  aiMl  thenTure  not  in  the  action, 
Mth-i'  the  Aineriran  liirec  ai'tually  en|;tgL>d,  diil  not  (!(«:etd  l.iOO  nicn. 

iKimetand  rnnktf'Ami'.rlcaninfflrrrswowul'-d—ViA.  Canipbetl.  '  ith  infantry,  icvenl)  ;  kner 
fnct^iritl  (uneedead.)  Capt  King,  iM  dn  icTcrcly  :  (hut  wound  in  the  abdomrn.  Capt.  U-ad, 
SSth  do.  badly  .  flcili  h-ou'uI  in  t)ie  thiKh  Capt  Harriion,  4iA  doing  diiiv  in  the  9th  do.  severely  , 
ilioi  iti  the  ihonUler  I.kin.  Darron  >ith  do  tcvcrely  .  thnt  below  tlie  knee,  and  bone  li«duitd. 
lAfui  De  Witt,  iSih  do  icvi-r^fv  Li'  nt  l'jtc!iln>  itlU  '<r>  hsillv  ;  H'-ih  wnmd  'fi\  the  tliiirh.  V'nt' 
v^A-nlulligthdo  i^'gVI.-. 


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348 


SKETCHES  OF 


sons,  whether  commissioiied  otficers  or  others,  who  iu  the  actloj, 
of  the  5th,  contributed  iu  a  particular  manner  to  the  succpssfuj 
result  of  that  day. 

I  am  not  asked  for  an  account  of  the  dispositions  made  of  the 
troops  under  my  command,  during  the  action  ;    I  will,  therefore 
con^ne  myself  strictly  to  the  general  order. 

A  severe  action  has  been  fought,  and  n  signal  victory  gained. 
The  general  order  of  the  0*th  inst.  attributes  that  victory  to  the 
1st  brigade  of  infantry,  and  Capt.  Towson's  company  of  arti|. 
lery  under  my  command.  It  was  believed  at  the  time,  and  has 
:jince  been  clearly  ascertained,  that  of  the  forces  engaged,  the  en* 
emy  were  greatly  superior  in  numbers.  Under  such  circumstan- 
ce?, victory  could  not  have  been  obtained,  without  a  very  genera! 
participation  of  all  ranks  and  grades  io  the  event. 

1  have  the  satisfaction  of  being  assured  by  every  commanding 
officer,  (which  is  confirmed  by  my  own  personal  observation)  that 
every  man  and  of  every  grade  in  action,  evinced  an  ability  to 
meet  even  a  greater  shock  than  that  encountered,  with  like  sue 
cess. 

The  truth  of  this  observation  was  most  conspicuous  in  the  very 
crisis  of  the  action.  Conduct,  universally  good,  leaves  but  little 
room  for  discrimination.  Accordingly,  but  few  names  are  report 
ed  to  me  by  the  several  commandants  of  battalion,  as  entitled  to  a 
select  mention,  (in  respect  to  their  gallant  comrades)  and  those 
cases  are  noticed  principally  from  accidental  circumstances  oi 
good  ni  bad  fortune.... As  in  the  instance  of  Captain  Ketchum  ol' 
the  25th  infantry,  whose  good  fortune  it  was  to  be  detached  witli 
his  company,  by  urder  of  Major  Jessup,  to  attack  a  much  superior 
force  whilst  the  battalion  was  engaged  with  another  body  of  the 
enemy.  Captain  Ketchum  gallantly  sustained  himself  in  the  ex- 
ecution of  his  orders,  t.il  the  battalion  had  cleared  its  own  front  in 
order  to  march  to  his  support.  ^  «   * 

The  good  conduct  of  Captain  Harrison,  commanded  by  Major 
Leavenworth,  and  observed  by  myself,  war  of  another  kind.  A 
cannon  hall  shattered  ami  carried  away  part  of  his  leg.  The  cap- 
tain preserved  a  perfect  serenity  under  the  tortures  of  his  wound, 
and  utterly  refused  any  assistance  from  the  ranks  until  the  enemy 
should  be  beaten.  So  glorious  a  display  of  fortitude  had  the  hap- 
piest effect. 

or  the  three  battalions  of  infantry  composing  the  Ut  brigf.de, 
the  first  consisted  of  the  9th  and  a  detachment  of  the  *22d  regt. 
under  command  of  Major  Lcavenwortii.  The  2d  battalion,  or  the 
11th  regt.  was  gallantly  conducted  towards  its  place,  iu  order  of 
battle,  by  Col.  Campbell,  who  being  early  wounded,  was  succeeded 
by  Major  M'Neil.  Major  Jessup  commanded  the  25tli  regiment, 
or  the  reniaining  battalion  of  tht*  brigade.  Of  these  tdree  cxcel- 
f'Jnf  office!  J',  it  wfMild  be  difficult  to  say  which  was  the  most  mpri 


YU£  WAR. 


S^ 


oriousy  or  most  compicuously  eiivageJ.     Tire  2oth  rr:giincnt  hav- 
iOg  been  detached  to  my  left,  to  turn   the   entniy'a   right   wing* 
was'  rested  in  a  wood,  Major   Jt-ssup  was  less  luidir  tnv  ptrsonai 
observation  than  the  other  commanders  ;  but  i  had  cveiy  evid(  no 
I  of  ttje  able  dispositions  he  made  of  liis  corps,  as  well  by  thi  repor* 
if  my  aids,  as  by    tlie  cfTcct  he  produced  on  that  p:irt  of  tht  enc- 
Ly's  line,  immediately  opposed  to  him  ;    and    which    contributed 
very  much  to  the  general  success  of  tiie  day.     Major  Jtssup   nad 
I  hi*  horse  shot  under  him.  ^t.. 

The  other  two  battalions,  with  an    enlarged   interval   between 
llhem,  received  the  enemy  in  open  plain. ...that  under  Major  Leav- 
enworth, parallel  to   the  attack... .that  under  Major  M'Neil,  with 
its  left    wing  thrown  forward   to   take  the  entuny  in  front,    and 
flank  at  the  same  time.     Captain   Towson,    who  commenced  tho 
5re  before  the  troops  were  in   the  order  of  battle,  immediately  af' 
ler  advanced  to  the  front  of  the  extreme    right  with    3   piece-*  of 
artillery,  and  took   post  on    the  river.     Mjjjors  Leavenworth  and 
M'Neil  made  prompt  dispositions  to  reci'ive  the  charge... .The  firr 
lof  these  corps,  (including  the  artillery)  produced  a  prodigious  effect 
linthe  enemy's  ranks.     That  of  Major  M'Neil  was  the  most  effec- 
llire,  from  the  oblique  position  which   his  corps  judiciously  occupi- 
led.    The  enemy's  batteries  were  also  admirably  served  ;    to  the 
lire  of  which  all  the  corps  were  exposed... .that  of  Major  Leaven- 
Iworth  more  particularly.     This  cannonade,  however,  did  not  pre- 
JTentthe  latter  from  preserving  his  corps  in  the  most  excellent  or- 
Ijer,  at  all  times  prepared,  to  advance  or   to  fire,  to    give,    or  to 
lieceive  the  charge. 

Captain  Towson  finally  silenced  the  enemy's  most  eftective 
Ibttery,  by  blowing  up  an  ammunition  waggon,  which  produced 
l;reat  confusion.  Turning  next  a  heavy  discharge  of  cannister  on 
llhe  enemy's  infantry,  now  nea.My  u\  contact  with  our  line,  ad- 
jrincing  to  tht  charge  ...the  enemy  could  not  long  sustain  this  ac- 
jwmulation  of  fire.. ..he  broke,  and  fled  to  his  strong  works  beyond 
ICbippewa.     All  the  corps  pursued  with  promptitude. 

To  .mention  them  in  order  of  their  rank,  (I  know  of  no  othc^ 
lip  this  case;  Majors  Jessup,  Leavenworth,  and  M'Neil,  and  Capt. 
towson,  deserve,  ,  ^  my  humble  opinion,  every  thing  which  con 
fiicuous  skill  and  gallantry  can  wish  from  a  grateful  country. 
1  cannot  close  this  account  of  meritorious  coidect,  withou: 
wntioning  the  great  services  rendered  me  by  those  two  gallant 
^ouag  soldier.,  Lleuts.  Worth  and  Watts,  my  aids. 

There  was  no  danger  they  did  not  cheerfully  encounter,  iu 
|:ommunicating  mv  orders  ;  and  by  their  zeal  and  intrepidity,. 
»on  the  admiration,  as  they  had  before  the  esteem,  of  the  vvhol" 
irigadi.  They  botlj  rendered  e,*scntial  service  at  critical  mom«  nt.*, 
assisting  the  commandants  of  corps  in  forming  the  troopt,  un 
wcircuTOStaTices  which   precludea  the   voice  from  being  heard. 


l!. 


950 


SKETCHES  OP 


'  f'ij.,  '1.,  •■,  Jy 


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If 


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■•^; 


This  conduct  has  been  handsomely  acknowledged  by  the  ofl^. 
cers  of  the  line,  who  have  joined  in  requesting  that  it  might  be 
particularly  noticed. 

My  brigade  major,  Lieut.  Smith,  rendered  me  every  assistance 
which  his  accidental  situation  on  foot  permitted  ;  he  is  entitled  to 
my  thanks. 

During  the  action.  Major  Wood,  of  the  engineers,  and  Captain 
Harris  of  the  dragoons,  whose  troop  could  not  act,  came  up,  and 
very  handsomely  tendered  their  services.  The  latter  had  hit 
horse  shol  under  him.  It  is  proper  that  I  should  take  this  oppor- 
tunity to  mention  the  case  of  Captain  Crooker,  of  the  0th  regiJ 
mfcnt  of  infantry,  in  the  a^air  of  the  4th  of  July,  on  the  same  I 
ground  on  which  the  action  of  the  5th  was  fought. 

I  have  already  had  the  honor  of  mentionmg  this  verbally  to  the] 
commanding  general. 

It  is  due  to  the  gallant  individual  more  particularly  concernedJ 
that  his  conduct  should  be  formally  noticed. 

My  brigade  constituted  the  advance  of  the  army....in  descend-l 
Ing  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Niagara,  from  Fort  Erie,  we  met  tinf 
advanced  corps  of  the  enemy  at  Black  Creek,  strongly  posted  beJ 
hind  that  stream.  Captain  Towson,  who  was  with  the  advance,! 
obliged  the  enemy  to  fall  back,  who,  on  retreating,  took  up  thel 
bridge  over  the  creek.  Captain  Crooker,  who  flanked  out  to  thel 
Teft  of  our  march,  bad  crossed  this  stream  some  distance  above  the) 
bridge,  and  was  pursuing  the  enemy,  just  as  the  head  of  ths  brig{ 
sde  column  arrived  at  the  bridge,  which  could  not  be  passed  untifl 
the  pioneers  had  replaced  the  boards  which  the  enemy  uad  hastij 
ly  removed.  Whilst  this  operation  was  going  on,  Captain  Crook] 
er  immediately  within  my  view,  was  suddenly  enveloped  by 
troop  of  the  Idth  light  dragoons,  composing  a  part  of  the  enemy'^ 
rear  guard.  He  fought  his  way  to  a  house,  then  near  to  himJ 
turned  upon  the  enemy,  and  put  them  to  flight.  Captains  Hull 
and  Harrison,  and  Lieutenant  Randolph,  with  a  small  party,  were 
at  the  same  time  marching  to  the  support  of  Captain  Crooker,  and 
arrived  just  as  the  enemy  were  put  to  flight.  I  have  witneg$e(| 
nothing  more  gallant  in  partizan  war,  than  was  the  conduct 
Captain  Crooker  and  his  company. 

I  am,  sir,  respectfully^  your  most  obedient  servant, 

W.  SCOTT,  Gen.  1st  brigade. 

Agreeably  to  general  crdtr.«, I  transmit  the  following  report:  I 
At  the  commencement  of  the  act  ion  of  the  5th  July,  Captaii 
Towson's  company  of  artiilery,  wit!)  the  first  brigade,  was  soleij 
engaged  with  the  enemy.... lie  maintained  his  position  on  therigh 
and  kept  up  a  spirited  and  destructive  fire  during  the  ndvancec 
the  enemy.  Amidst  the  fire  Hnd  ch«tge  of  the  enemy,  the  cnf 
lam  and  his  subnitern?,  Lieut!*ii«ints  CamnbHl  and  Schmuck  ar 


t'.kJLi 


,f^ 


'm^  WAR. 


kientenant  Randolph  of  the  infantry,  commanding  the  reserve  of 
irtillery,  behaved  with   great  gallantry  ....and  I  am  proud  to  tay^ 
I  tended  greatly  to  check  the  impetuosity  of  the  enemy. 

At  an  early  part  of  the  battle,  the  captain's  piece  was  thrown 

lout  of  action  by  a  twenty*four  pound   shot  from  the  enemy;  yet 

liu  zeal  and  exertions  were  given  with   his  characteristic  spirit  to 

remaining  pieces,  and  he  reports  handsomely  of  the  conduct  of 

|ki8  officers,  non-commissioned  officers  and  men. 

About  the  time  the  enemy  commenced  their  charge,  and  at  the 
laoment  they  broke.  Captain  Ritchie's  company  of  artillery,  and 
Imie  piece  (a  twelve  pounder)  of  Captain  Biddtll's  company  of  ar- 
llillery  under  Lieutenant  Hall,  participated  in  the  action.  The 
leaptains,  officers,  non-commissioned  officers  and  men,  conducted 
|ihemselves  as  brave  and  faithful  soldiers,  and  the  whole  artillery 
lien  on  the  field  pursued,  under  the  fire  of  the  enemy's  batteries, 
Iffith  rapidity,  and  saw  thera  precipitate  themselves  within  their 
[works.  At  this  period  of  the  action  two  eighteen  pounders  un- 
Ijer  Captain  Williams,  and  the  remainder  of  Captain  Biddell's  ar- 
Itillery  were  brought  upon  the  field;  but  those  officers  reluctantly 
Ifiitted  the  ground  without  being  permitted  to  open  battery  upon 
]lhe enemy's  works. 

To  particularize,  if  all  had  been  engaged  from  first  to  last, 
kould  be  invidious,  but  in  this  case.  Captain  Towson  and  compa- 
liy  deserve  particular  mention.     The  captaiL    being  so   fortunate 

I  to  be  ordered  in  advance  with   his  company  of  artillery,  only, 

an  opportunite  of  shewing  his  gallantry    and   distinguitihing 

Ikimielf,  officers  and  soldiers,   above   others.     With  due  respect, 

)our8,  &c.  J.  lUNDMAN,  MdJ.  Com.  Bat.  Art. 

C.  K.  Gardner,  Adj.  Gen. 

Orqft  of  the  sctne  of  action The   following  additional  par- 

ulars,  together  with  the  draft  of  the  scene  of  action  at  Chippe* 
la,  will  throw  considerable  light  on  the  official  detailR. 
On  the  3d  of  July,  Gen.  Scott  advanced  upon  Chippewa,  and 
rithCapt.  Towson's  division  of  artillery  drove  the  enemy's  pick- 
Hi  across  the  bridge.     In  the  afternoon,  General   Ripley  with  the 
tld  and  park    artillery  under   Major  Hindman,   took  the  same 
Dute  and  encamped  on  the  ground  with  General  Scott's  advance, 
he  subjoined  sketch  shews  the  order  of  encampment,  and  will  ih 
trale  t4ie  events  which  6ubse<juently  occoTreri. 


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— ^  •§ 

01;  Enemy's  batteries.      \\\  Enemy's  block- 
;''      houses.     I! II Bridges.      O  White  House. 


On  the  morning  of  the  4th  of  July,  the  Britiiih  Indians  had  iiii 
led  the  woods  contiguous  to  the  American  encampment,  and  cornj 
menced  firing  at  our  pinMets.  Reconnoitering  parties  from  Chippej 
vva  were  frequently  observed  during  the  day,  along  the  river  roadf 
and  information  was  received  that  reinforcements  had  arrived. 

On  the  5th,  the  same  course  was  pursued.     The  Indians  werj 
discovered  almost  in  the  rear  of  our  camp.     At  this  moment  Get 
Porter  arrived  with  his  volunteers  and  Indians.     General  Browi 
immediately  directed  them   to  enter  the  woods  and    eifectuallj 
scour  them.     Gens.  Brown,  Scott,  and  Ripley   were  at  the  whit] 
house  marked  O,  reconnoitering.     General  Porter'a  corps  seemej 
sweeping  like  a  torrent  every  thing  before  them  until  they  almosi 
debouched  from  the    woods  opposite  Chippewa.     At  a  moment 
volley  of  musquKtry  convinced  Gentral  Brown    that    the  wh.olj 
British  force  had  crossed  the  Chippewa   bridge,  and    that  the  aa 
tion  must  become  general.     He  gave  immediate  orders  to  Gene 
ral  Scott  to  advance  and  feel  the  enemy,    and  to  General  Rip!e| 
to   be  in  readiness  to  support.     In  a  few  minutes   the  Britisi  iinj 
was  discovered  formed  and   rapidly  advancing.... their   n^Kt  (thj 
Rcyal  Scots)  upon  the  woods,  and  tlu^  left  ;the  prince  regf m'-v  o| 
the  river,    with  the  king's    own    for  their  reserve.     TIm d  iJ 
Was  to  gain  the  bridge  across  the  creek  in  front  of  our  encamp 


YHB     ^AE;i 


•a4S 


'*  /)  i 


nienty  which  if  done,  would  have  compelled  us  to  retire.  Gen. 
Brown  fearing  a  flank  movement  of  the  enemy  through  the  woods 
OD  the  left  of  our  earop>  and  with  a  view  to  seize  our  reserve  of 
artillery,  directed  Gen.  Ripley  not  to  advance  until  he  gave  him 
orders.  At  the  same  time  he  rode  to  the  first  line  with  his  staff 
and  an  escort  of  30  dragoons,  in  order  to  direct  the  whole  move* 
nents  of  the  field,  and  animate  the  troops  by  his  presence.  Mean- 
while General  Scott,  under  a  most  tremendous  fire  of  the  enrmy^ 
artiileiy  crossed  the  bridge  which  the  enemy  had  endeavored  to 
gain,  and  formed  his  line.  The  enemy's  orders  were  to  give  one 
volley  at  a  distance,  and  immediately  charge.  But  such  wa"  the 
war  rath  of  our  musketry  that  they  could  not  withstand  it.  At  this 
moment  General  Brown  sent  orders  to  General  Ripley  to  make  a 
movement  through  the  woods  upon  the  enemy's  right  flank....^ 
IVith  the  t2ist  regiment  he  passed  a  ravine  in  hi»  front  where  the 
men  bad  to  wade  up  to  their  chins,  and  advanced  as  rapidly  as 
possible.  But  before  he  commenced  filing  from  the  woods  into 
the  open  land  under  the  enemy's  batteries,  they  had  been  com- 
pletely broken  by  the  cool  bravery  and  discipline  of  Gen.  Scott's 
brigade,  and  precipitated  themselves  across  the  Chippewa  bridge, 
vrhich  they  broke  down  on  their  retreat. 

Death  of  General  Swift..»,Oa  the  12th  of  July,  Brigadier 
Seneral  Swift  (late  of  Palmyra,  Ontario  county,  N.  T.)  volun* 
teered  his  services  to  General  Brown,  to  reconnoitre  the  enemy's 
position  and  works  at  fort  George,  accompanied  by  a  party  of  120 
volunteers ;  and  having,  by  the  most  judicious  arrangements,  sue- 
eeeded  in  capturing,  without  the  discharge  of  a  gun,  an  outposty 
api(]piet  with  a  corporal,  and  5  men,  from  whom  he  expected  to 
ibtain  important  information,  he  was  assassinated  by  one  of  the 
prisoners,  who,  after  begging  for  and  receiving  quarters,  shot  tht 
general  through  the  breast. 

The  alarm  occasioned  by  the  discharge  of  the  gun,  immediater 
ly  brought  towards  the  ground  a  patroling  party  of  the  enemy, 
tbout  50  or  60  strong ;  Gen.  Swift  immediately  formed  his  men« 
•dvaneed  at  their  head  upon  the  patrole,  and  commenced  a  suc- 
cessful engagement,  when  he  fell  exhausted  by  his  wounds.  The 
other  officers  of  his  command,  animated  by  the  example  of  hero- 
ism  and  fortitude  which  had  been  set  them,  fought,  beat,  and 
drove  the  enemy  into  fort  George,  from  which  they  were  not 
more  than  half  a  mile  distant,  and  then  returned,  hearing  their 
wounded  and  expiring  general  with  them. 

The  loss  sustained  in  the  fall  of  this  excellent  officer  was  se- 
verely felt.  After  serving  his  country  for  seven  years  in  the  war 
of  the  revolution,  he  again  stepped  forward  as  a  volunteer,  to 
five  the  aid  of  his  experience  in  support  of  the  violated  rights  et 

2  Y  . 


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SKKTCHK6  OV 


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It 


hit  country;  and  never  was  that  country  called  upon  to  lament 
the  toss  of  a  firmer  patriot  or  a  braver  man. 

He  was  interred  on  the  American  side  of  the  Niagara  river^  on 
the  13th  of  July,  with  military  honours. 

• ,  Army  movements  and  battle  at  Bridgewater On  the  20th  o) 

July  the  army  under  General  Brown  moved  from  UuecnHtoii 
Heights,  and  encamped  in  the  rear  of  fort  George.  Befoie  the 
main  body  of  the  army  came  up.  General  Scott,  with  the  van, 
had  some  skirmishing;  but  as  the  enemy  kept  close  to  their 
works,  nothing  important  occurred.  General  Brown  bad  deter- 
mined upon  this  movement  with  a  view  of  inducing  the  enemy 
to  re-occupy  the  heights,  or  close  in  nearer,  so  as  to  bring  on  an 
engagement  out  of  his  works.  After  remaining  encamped  foi 
two  days,  and  finding  no  prospect  of  eflTecting  his  object.  General 
Brown  returned,  and  found  a  body  of  militia  and  a  few  regul-trg 
in  and  about  the  heights.  General  Porter  pursued  them  with 
his  command  and  a  few  regulars,  and  was  so  fortunate  as  to 
come   up  with  and  capture  7  officers  and  10  privates. 

On  the  23d  of  July,  General  Brown  received  information  by 
express,  that  a  number  of  heavy  guns  which  he  had  previously  or- 
dered from  Sacket's  Harbour,  to  enable  him  to  operate  against 
forts  George  and  Niagara  were  blockaded  in  that  port,  together 
with  a  rifle  regiment  that  had  been  ordered  up  with  them ;  and 
that  no  prospect  then  remained  of  effecting  their  conveyance  to 
him.  In  consequence  of  this  disappointment,  he  deemed  it  expe- 
dient to  change  his  position,  with  a  view  to  other  objects.  He 
accordingly,  on  the  25th  of  July,  moved  and  encamped  above 
Chippewa,  near  the  battle  ground  of  the  5th. 

The  followuig  extracts  from  a  letter  to  the  secretary  of  war, 
written  by  the  general,  give  a  detailed  account  of  subsequent 
events : 


*'  You  are  already  apprised  that  the  army  bad,  on  the  26th  July 
taken  a  position  at  Chippewa.     About  noon  of  that  day.  Colonel 
Swift,  who  was  posted  at  Lewiston,  advised  me  by  express,  that 
the  enemy  appeared  in  considerable  force  in  Uueenstown,  aud  on 
its  heights ;  that  four  of  the  enemy's  fleet  bad  arrived  during  the 
preceding  night,  and  were  then  lying  near  fort  Niagara,  and  that 
a  number  of  boaits  were  in  view,  moving  up  the  streight.     With- 
in a  few  minutes  after  this  intelligence  had  been  received,  i  v\-a 
further  informed  by  Capt.  Demon  of  the  quarter- master's  departmen. 
that  the  enemy  was  landing  at  Lewistown,  and  that  our  baggage 
and  stores  at  Schlosser,  and  on  their  way  thither,  were  in  dangei 
of  immediate  capture.     It  is  proper  here  to  mention,  that  having 
received  advices  as  late  as  the  20th  from  General  Gaines  that  <  m 


ij:: 


THE  WAR. 


3cr> 


ileet  wa>  then  in  port,  and  the  commodore  sick,  we  ceated  to 
look  for  co-operation  from  that  quarter,  and  determined  to  disen- 
cumber ourselves  of  baggage,  and  march  direcily  far  Burlington 
Heights.  To  mask  this  intention,  and  to  draw  from  Schlosier  a 
imail  supply  of  provisions,  I  fell  back  upon  Chippewa.  As  this 
Arrangement,  under  the  increased  force  of  the  enemy,  left  much 
at  hazard  on  our  own  side  of  the  Niagara,  and  as  it  appeared  by 
the  before  stated  information,  that  the  enemy  was  about  to  avail 
himself  of  it,  I  conceived  that  the  most  effectual  method  of  re- 
callitig  him  from  this  object,  was  to  put  myself  in  motion  towards 
(^ueonstown.  General  Scott,  with  the  first  brigade,  Towson's  ar- 
tillery, and  all  the  dragoons  and  mounted  men,*  were  according. 
\y  put  in  march  on  the  road  leading  thither,  with  orders  to  report 
if  the  enemy  appeared,  and  to  call  for  assistance  if  that  was  ne- 
cessary. 

**  On  the  general's  arrival  at  the  falls,  he  learned  that  the  ene- 
my was  in  force  directly  in  front....a  narrow  piece  of  woods  alone 
intercepting  his  view  of  them.  Waiting  only  to  give  this  infor- 
mation, he  advanced  upon  them.  By  the  time  the  assistant  adju- 
unt  general  [Jones]  had  delivered  his  message,  the  action  began, 
and  before  the  remaining  part  of  the  division  had  crossed  the  Chip- 
pewa, it  became  close  and  general  between  the  advanced  corps. 
Though  General  Ripley,  with  the  second  brigade.  Major  Hind- 
man  with  the  corps  of  artillery,  and  General  Porter  at  the  head 
of  his  command,  had  respectively  pressed  forward  with  ardour,  it 
was  not  less  than  an  hour  before  they  were  brought  to  sustain  Ge- 
neral Scott,  during  which  time  his  command  most  skilfully  and 
^llantly  maintained  the  conflict.  Upon  my  arrival  I  found  that 
the  general  had  passed  the  wood  and  engaged  the  enemy  on  the 
^ueenstown  road  and  on  the  ground  to  the  left  of  it,  with  the 
9th,  11th  and  22d  regiments,  and  Towson»8  artillery.  The  25th 
had  been  thrown  to  the  right  to  be  governed  by  circumstances. 
Apprehending  that  these  corps  were  much  exhausted,  and  know- 
ing that  they  had  suffered  severely,  I  determined  to  interpose  a 
new  line  with  the  advancing  troops,  and  thus  disengage  General 
Scott,  and  hold  his  brigade  in  reserve.  Orders  were  accordingly 
given  to  General  Ripley.  The  enemy's  artillery  at  this  moment 
occupied  a  hill  which  gave  him  great  advantages,  and  was  the 
'^ey  of  the  whole  position.  It  was  supported  by  a  line  of  infantry. 
To  secure  the  victory,  it  was  necessary  to  carry  this  artillery  and 
seize  the  height.  This  duty  was  assigned  to  Colonel  iXTiller,  while, 
to  favour  its  execution,  the  1st  regiment  under  the  command  of 
Colonel  Nicholas,  was  directed  to  menace  and  amuac  the  infantry. 
To  my  great  mortification  this  regiment,  after  a  discharge  or  two, 
Z^y('  way  and  retreated  some  distance  beiore  it  could  be  rallied 


•  <i|  'imifrKtif 


I* 


^'«i>i 


'l"liis  force  nmomiiol  to  lOJO  ma». 


r"  *:.. 


I "         **■*», 


S^ 


aKE'l'CHMd  Of 


though  it  is  believed  the  officers  of  the  regiment  exerted  theoi' 
•elvei  to  thorten  thii  distance.  In  the  mean  time,  Colonri  Mil- 
ler, without  regard  to  this  occurrence,  advanceu  iteadiiv  .<r,u  gal- 
lantly to  hi«  bbject,  and  carried  the  height  and  the  canm  .  P.  v 
Ripley  brought  up  the  23d  (which  had  alio  faultered)  tc  ,:>»  knp- 
poit,  and  the  enemy  disappeared  from  before  them.  The  Ist  regt. 
was  now  brought  into  lint*  on  the  left  of  the  2l8t,  and  the  de- 
tachments of  the  17th  and  10th,  General  Porter  occupying  with 
his  command,  the  extreme  left.  About  the  time  Colonel  Miller 
carried  the  enemy's  cannon,  the  26th  regiment,  under  Major 
Jestup,  was  engaged  in  a  more  obstinate  conflict  with  all  that  re< 
mained  to  dispute  with  us  the  field  of  battle.  The  Major,  as  has 
been  already  stated,  had  been  ordered  by  General  Scott,  at  the 
commencement  of  the  action,  to  take  ground  to  his  right.  He 
had  succeeded  in  turning  the  enemy's  left  flank....had  captured 
(by  a  detachment  under  Captain  Ketchum)  General  Riall  andsuo- 
dry  other  officers,  and  showed  himself  again  to  his  own  army  in  a 
blaze  of  fire,  which  defeated  or  destroyed  a  very  superior  force 
of  the  enemy. 

**  He  was  ordered  to  form  on  the  right  of  the  2d  regiment 

The  enemy  rallying  his  forces,  and  as  it  is  believed,  having  re- 
ceived reinforcements,  now  attempte''  to  drive  us  from  our  posi- 
tion, and  regain  his  artillery.  Our  line  was  unshaken  and  the  ene- 
my repulsed.  Two  other  attemps  having  the  same  object  had  the 
Same  issue.  General  Scott  was  again  engaged  in  repelling  the 
former  of  these ;  and  the  last  I  saw  of  him  on  the  field  of  battle, 
he  was  near  the  head  of  his  column,  and  giving  to  its  march  a 
direction  that  would  have  placed  him  on  the  enemy's  right.  It 
was  with  great  pleasure  I  saw  the  good  order  and  intrepidity  of 
General  Porter's  volunteers  from  the  moment  of  their  arrival, 
but  during  the  last  charge  of  the  enemy,  those  qualities  were  con* 
spicuous.  Stimulated  by  the  examples  set  them  by  their  gallant 
leader,  by  Major  Wood  of  the  Pennsylvania  corps,  by  Colonel 
Dobbin  of  Newyork,  and  by  the  officers  generally,  they  precipi- 
tated themselves  upon  the  enemy's  line,  and  made  all  the  prisoned 
which  were  ;aken  at  this  point  of  the  action* 

**  Having  been  for  some  time  wounded,  and  being  a  good  deal 
exhausted  by  loss  of  blood,  it  became  my  wish  to  devolve  the 
command  on  General  Scott,  and  retire  from  the  field  ;  but  on  en- 
quiry, I  had  the  misfortune  to  learn,  that  he  was  disabled  by 
wounds.  I  therefore  kept  my  post,  and  had  the  satisfaction  to  see 
the  enemy's  last  effort  repulsed.  I  now  consigned  the  command 
to  General  Ripley. 

«  While  retiring  from  the  field,  I  saw  and  felt  that  the  victory 
was  complete  on  our  part,  if  proper  measures  were  promptly 
adopted  to  secure  it.     The  exhaustion  of  the  men,  was  however  I 
si^qh  as  made  some  refre«hment  necessary.    They  particularly  re* 


i.  i.i 


l^^ 


TUI  WAA. 


317 


Larcd  witer.    I  wii  mytelf  extremely  feniible  of  the  want  of 

|(tiii  neceuary  article.  1  therefore  believed  it  proper  that  Qeneral 
\vphy  and  the  troopi  should  return  to  camp,  after  bringing  off* 

jibe  dead,  the  wounded  and  the  artillery;  and  in  thii  1  taw  no 

Uifficulty,  at  the  enemy  had  entirely  ceased  to  act.     Within  au 
hour  after  my  arrival  in  camp,  1  was  informed  that  General  Rip- 
Ity  had  returned  without  annoyance  and  in  good  order. 
**  I  feel  most  sensibly  how  inadequate  are  my  powers  in  speak- 

Ijog  of  the  troops,  to  do  justice  either  to  their  merits  or  to  my  own 

liense  of  them. 
"  From  the  preceding  detail  you  have  new  evidence  of  the  dis- 

jliDguished  gallantry  of  Generals  Soott  and  Porter,  of  CoL  Miller 

|ind  Major  Jessup. 
«0f  the  Ist  brigade,  the  chief,  with  his  aid-de-oamp.  Worthy 

|Ui  major  of  brigade.  Smith,  and  every  commander  of  battalion, 

|«rere  wounded. 
*^  The  2d  brigade  suffered  less ;  but  as  a  brigade,  their  conduct 

Itntitled  them  to  the  applause  of  their  country.  After  the  enemy'» 
itrong  position  had  been  carried  by  the  2l8t,  and  the  detachments 
of  the  17th  and  19th,  the  Ist  and  23d  assumed  a  new  churacter. 
They  could  not  again  be  shaken  or  dismayed.     Major  M'Farlaud^ 

I  of  the  latter,  fell  nobly  at  the  head  of  his  battalion. 
*'  Under  the  command  of  General  Porter,  the  militia  volun- 

I  leers  of  Pennsylvania  and  Newyork  stood  undismayed  amidst  the 
hottest  fire,  and  repulsed  the  veterans  opposed  to  them.  The  Ca- 
Bsdian  volunteers,  commanded  by  Colonel  Wilcox,  are  reported 
by  General  Porter  as  having  merited  and  received  his  approba* 

Ition. 
"The  corps  of  artillery  commanded  by  Major  Hindman,  behav« 

I  ed  with  its  usual  gallantry.     Captain  Towson's  company,  attach 

lid  to  the  1st  brigade,  was  the  first  and  the  last  engaged;  and, 
during  the  whole  conflict,  maintained  that  high  character  which 

I  they  had  previously  won  by  their  skill  and  their  valour.     Captain* 
Biddle  and  Ritchie  were  both  wounded  early  in  the  action,  but  re* 
fused  to  quit  the  field.     The  latter  declared  that  he  never  would 
leave  his  piece ;  and,  true  to  his  engagement,  fell  by  its  side,  co 
vered  with  wounds. 

**  The  staff  of  the  army  had  its  peculiar  merit  and  distinctioiu 
Colonel  Gardner,  adjutant  general,  though  ill,  was  on  horseback^ 
ind  did  all  in  his  power :  his  assistant.  Major  Jones,  was  very  ac- 
tive and  useful.  My  gallant  aids-de-camp,  Austin  and  Spencer, 
had  many  and  critical  duties  to  perform,  in  the  discharge  of  which 
the  latter  fell ;  I  shall  ever  think  of  this  young  man  with  pride 
and  regret ;  regret,  that  his  career  has  been  so  short ;  pride,  that 
it  has  been  so  noble  and  distinguished.  The  engineers,  Majou 
M'Ree  and  Wood,  were  greatly  diMtinguished  on  this  day,  and 
%ir  high  military  talents  exerted  with  great  effe.ct....tfacy  were 


'*  ^f 


■frfr 

tit  w   •jjr  1) . ,.       -^ 

F  .    ;'    ;'■.  ■■ 


368 


SKETCHKS  OV 


much  under  my  ''ye,  and  near  my  person,  and  to  their  assislancc 
a  great  deal  is  fairly  to  be  ascribed  ;  I  most  earnestly  recommend 
them  as  worthy  of  the  highest  trust  and  coniiJcncc.  The  staff 
of  General"  Ripley  and  Porter  discovered  great  zeal  and  attention 
to  duty.  Lieutenant  E.  B.  Randolph,  of  the  2Glh  regiment,  is 
entitled  to  notice;  his  courage  was  conspicuous." 

The  force  of  the  British  engaged,  according  to  their  own  ae- 
count,  amounted  to  nearly  4500  regulars,  besides  Indians,  &c.  com- 
manded by  Lieutenant  General  Drummond  and  Major  General 
Riall.  The  American  force  did  not  exceed  2800 ;  no  Indians  be- 
ing employed.  The  loss  of  the  enemy,  according  to  his  official 
statement,  was  84  hilled,  55W  wounded,  193  missing,  and  42  pri- 
soners....toi  •'I,  878.*  The  American  loss  was  171  killed,  572 
wounded,  snd  177  missing  ...total  860.f 

The  following  letter  from  a  surgeon  of  the  21st  regiment, 
written  the  day  after  the  engag(?ment,  will  be  found  to  contain 
ixiany  interesting^articulars  : 

*  Other  tiecoiinti  utatp  the  Iom  of  the  pneniy  to  cxretil  1000.  From  the  ofltcial  •ccouiit  of  tiie 
Amcrifaii  iiMpetlor gf in  ral.  it  muH-ari  th»l  wi'  uml.  "e**  |>rifiiiipr<i :  amonf;  whnn,  wciv  Maj  (ifn. 
Kiall.  wlir>  was  %>  verely  woiinilf^  in  the  nnn,  '  akl  to  Gcii  Drumnioiid  A  captmiiit,  a)id  1 1  iiibiiltmi. 
t  Imrric/w  iifflirr)  kiUnl.—MH}.  M'Karlaiiil,  t3il  iiiliintr)' -  fnpt.  Hitchi<',('iirii<  oCartillcr}' ,  t'jpt. 
Hull  «ih  inriiiiiry  :  Cupt  KmiHy,  tMh  do  .  Capt  Oondrivh.  tithdth;  First  lituunant  Bii^hw, 
aiitdi)  Ftr^t-lieiltt^iiaiit  Tiiriii'r,  9th  tlit.  SccoiMllituiiiiiini  i)ur);lianl.  Uth  do  ;  KiuiKii  liiinttr, 
a»th  do.  •  r;.p)aiii  ''ooper.  r:»-w-\ork  voliimiin     Adjutant  For.  ft-iiiivyh-ania  viiliiiitctri. 

Offlitr*  uiauncA't/— Ma jortieiicnti  Brown,  nvi-nly  wounded  through  thi;  tliiK'  aial  intheijde; 
Captain  Swiiur.  aid  to  the  miijor-|f<-nfr«l,  ttirouKh  the   hinly  mortal     Artillery— Captain  Hiddpl!, 
tliKhtly.  (hot  wonndt  inthfnt-cK  and  arm;  Si-cuiMllH'Uit>nant  Campbell,  badly.  throUKh  the  lei;; 
Scrond'lii'UUiiant  Schmuck  st'vtnly.     fert' BW^'flifr— HriKiiilier-tipniral  .M'ott.  i<'«frely   Wii.iilder 
f  rartiin-d  and  wouihI  in  the  tide '  LiL-utrnant  .1.  li.  amith,  6th  iiitaniry.  Iirindc  migor.  Iwdly  throu||li 
the  lc.<  :  l/iciit  Worth, 2^d  iitl'antry.  aiddf-canip.  trvcrely    gmpi  liiot  in  tht-  thigh.     Qlh  mfantry- 
Mnior  I.i'iivt'nwortli.  ili^htly,  roniuiinn  in  thi-iide;  Caut  W.  I.    FiMter,  tlif^htly.  inttie  shuuMer: 
Liiiit  niKl  iiiiy-niaHttr  Kowli ,  iliKhily'  'hul  in  the  loot    Liiut  and  qnarttrntatiir  llrownint,'  ilifrhi- 
ly.vliot  in  (Ik  fitce  :  Seroml-I.tiiit  Fiiher.  xvert-ly.  shot  in  the  heail  and  wris'     i'hinl-I.icui.  Cud)- 
niali  tlJKhlly  in  Uii  thit-li  and  nhouldcr     £■»)£*■  (•   Jh'oIm  seveni) ,  khol  uoiiml  in  thi  knit     En- 
si^  J.  I'  Jarnht,  uliRhiTy.  in  tin- shooldcr    I'.riiiKn  Blake,  iliirliilv   in  the  knee     i  th  intamry- 
Major  McNeil,  M'vrrely  canniiter  klioi  in  th<  thiKh'  Capi.  BIim,  tiadi) ,  shot  in  the  li.i>;  :    Fini-Lieut. 
Haie,  slii^hily  ihoi  in  (he   th';;h  .  .Sic     l-Lirut    Cixiiu  r.   kliplitly,   roniutlon  in  ih<>  hr<^iiti  ;  I'hInI 
Lirut.  Sh'phenion.  sli^htlj.in  the'tiieh;  Ivmign  Kedl'onl.  tliyblly  hurt  ii)  the  abiluincn  hy  a  tplin- 
ter     KmiKii  Thompton.  (:6ili,doiiiKdu)y  in  tlii-     Ith}  si  reri'ly.  (hot  woinid  in  ihi-  «i(l<>     '^2d  inrin. 
try—Colonel  Brady    severelv-  shot  wound  in  the  liilc  and  hip :  Capt    IVntlami,  severely  woiiikM 
iind  a   priionir.  Capt    Foulk.  leven-ly,  shut  wound  in  the  «idr  .  Fir«t-Lieut.  CiillM'r'iiHi,  scmcvIv, 
shot  wound  in  the  liT :  Fint-Licut  FerKUran,  wvcrely  shot  in  the  hand  rrom  •  eaiiniiter  ^  Sirotiit 
JUii-ut  Arniitroiifr  dMnKtniu«l),abot  wound  in  the  iJioidder.    I'hird' Lieut  Hean  >lii;htly   shot  in  th'- 
liiot.    75ih  infantry—   >ajor  .)<  ssiip.  k'vi  riiy  shot  woiiimU  in  the  hand  and  thoulder  :  Lit  utf  nam  and 
Aiuutant  hhay'iir.  st-vtrHy,  thot  wound*  in  the  ami  and  sidt  .  Litut  and  quartrr-masit  r  .M'Ulasiin, 
>'Uil}    titot  wtiunils  in  iht-'shouhhr  ;  Thinl-Lhut   GiafTord  severely,  shot  wounits  in  the  hip.     Se- 
MR// £ri^'a>/r— <'i  intat'try- Kirsi-l.ieut  Vas^iMZ,  tliKhtlv  shot  in  theiliift!  and  baymit:'  in  tlk- lir ; 
Fint  l.iiut   |ii«u'|    li|^hlly  in  the  h^     '2Ut  iiilantr) — Cap!    Hurhank,  «■  verely  tbuiiltl  rljaciiin^; 
First  LieHt.  ('illi  y,  ■•'verely.  thigii  I'raltund:  •'it'toiiilLit'Ut  Kisk   (t4°  the  '>-th  attaelMtl)  slighU)   in 
the  hrea^t    Kn^ijcn  Jones.  OiKhil      llesh  wound  in  the  v  ri«t    Kiisif^n  Camp  (mI  rifl ;  ref^iint-m  icr- 
vinic  with  the  rivinuiit  atlarmil)  flesh  wound  in  t'le  ancle ;  Eniifpi  ihoinat,  slightly,  eontiiiion  in 
the  iMck     2Jd  in'antry— Call' Otieil,  sevi  rel)   i'A>t  wound  in  the  arm  ;  First- Lieut   '1    >'<  hitiiiLMis 
verely  in  tht- tit  ik;  Steond-Litnt  iii|^-r>ol.  slif^.'-ily,  inthr  tntit    aecttnd-Lieut    rappatLth^hlly.  in 
Ihehtad      IhiidLiitit.    ^iK-al,  Siirhtly  in  the  U%     I  Inrd  Lieut   Uititnich.  tli)>hliy  in  tht' urm  : 
1  bird  Lii'Ut    Laiiih. 'i  vertly    in  the  li-ir     Bngwnri-Crneral  forifr*  ct)mmanriS{.-yf\ork\n\m- 
tien>— Lieiilenant'Cidont'l  Uolihiu.  slightJ)    thut  in  the  hrtatt:  Liiui  O  Fling  >ii)j;hll},  >iK.iit  t'om- 
nion  shot  in  ihe  sliiiiililrr.     ■  cnicylvania  vnluktt.ert— MnJoi  vVikkI,   kvi  nly   inusUi  (    shoii  in  thr 
arm  and  loot,  and  bruised  by  hit  hotii- biiiii;:  shut  ainl  t'ltiliiir  on  him     Quarter-Master  Macla),  k- 
>eiTly  iiiiiiki'l  sho's  ill  the   head  and     wice    thniiif^lt  tht  h-g  :    Lit  ut    Vick,  H'Verely  shot  in  thr 
liaiid     iinf^  (iin  Porter  was  slightly  wounded,  but  deelineil  beinrrepnrted. 

Offii  ert  muiihn  — Fiist-Lii  ut  iVrry,  Uth  iinantr)— a  |iriH>iier  :  i'hirl-Lii  iit.  Wdister.  I  llh  inriiii- 
try  s.'Vtri  ly  •.hoi  iiith'  In  ad  and  laki^n  prisontr  .  Lieuit.  »iturgi<  Keu*  and  DavidMiu.  liA  intamry— 
tuppuiid  to  be  kdhil.  VolViiletrs- itriKade  Maj  :ilantuii  o:  New-Vork  taken  wriioner  Csptiii^ 
Soberti  oX  t'euQsvlviuiiiit  taken  priwner;  Lkut.  Hunt  ot  Mew- York,  tuppoted  to  b«  hjlh-i' 


v\>*      p. It 


,^4 


h.i  throuj 

I  which  wai 

irge  of 

I'lieir  rock< 

I'lDmunitio 

liwd  with 

"This  ir 

|"e  groundj 

phe  etiemj 

Ion  tile  groi 

'  posed  to 


THK   WAk. 


J&l> 


eir  assistance 
y  recommend 
e.  The  staff 
and  attention 
regiment,  is 


heir  own  ae- 
lans,  &c.  com- 
lajor  General 
no  Indians  be- 
to  hia  official 
g,  and  42  pri- 
1    killed,  572 

1st  regiment, 
nd  to  contain 


>cial  account  nf  tiie 
him,  wen?  Maj  (loi. 
ill*,  and  1 1  siilMltttiu. 
in  of  artillt-ry  ,  C»pt. 
It  lit'uunant  Bigrltw, 
do  ;  KluiKtt  litmttr, 

I  VIlllllltCtTS. 

iliiR.  and  in  the  tide; 
Icrv— Captain  Bkldfl', 
ly.  tlirougli  tlie  leg; 
tt.   «,«treljr    »lii  iiwer 
iniyor,  Iwdly  throudii 
ligli.     9lh  mfantiy— 
lUv.  in  the  itiuuliler: 
ili-r  IJrowiiing  Oi|?hi 
rhinl-l.iiHt.Cuih- 
liiwl  In  tht  knu    En- 
ure    1  th  Inlkmry- 
he  li  B  :    Kini-Lieut. 
[in  till-  hvMi ;  •hW 
abiioincn  hy  a  ^plio- 
ih.   M(lt'     ^Jdinftn- 
1,  severely  wouikW 
CiillnT'imi,  «'*<rely, 
canniiter  •  Si  cond 
I  >lit;litly   shot  in  th- 
tier  :  Lii  ut'  iiant  and 
1«-Mna»itr  M'Olasnn, 
id*  111  «li»"  I'iP     *• 
I  biiyi>iit-.i  ill  till'  Itg; 
[«hi)iilil  ifiai-iiiM'. 
ktuclitil)  tligliL*}  in 
a  nft-  rt-Bi.i»nl!ii 
VliKhtly,  iwiti.iioii  i^ 
luut    '1    >\  liitiiig  x^ 
1  rappa'i.sliBhily.  1" 
IllKhiiy  "'  tlirurm: 
lrf_N,,».York  soliiii 

IjiiKliib.M'^"^'"?^'- 
huiki  t  "hull  III  U"~ 
Jr.Mait«r  M«cU).  « 
[R-vecely  ih"! '" ''"" 

Ivvlwter.   Utiiinrttii- 
Jmiii.  iid  inlaiiin- 
li  uriioiici    C»ptJii: 
In  b^  hill*-!*- 


<'  Last  jjjght  wds  fought  the  most  sanguinary  action  the  annals 
al  this  country  record. 

« In  the  aiternoon  the  enemy  advanced  towards  Cliippewa 
with  a  powerful  force.  At  6  o'clock  General  Scott  was  ordered 
;o  advance  with  his  brigade  and  attack  thcin.  lie  was  soon  re- 
inforced by  (leneral  Kiplty^s  brigade  ;  they  met  the  enemy  in 
j  jrreat  force  below  the  falls.  They  had  selected  tiieir  ground  lor 
tbp  ni(;ht,  intending  to  attack  our  camp  before  daylight.  The  ac- 
tion began  just  before  7,  and  an  uninterrupted  stream  of  musket- 
ry continued  till  half  past  8,  when  there  was  some  cessation^  the 
British  falling  back.  It  soon  began  again  with  some  artillery, 
which,  with  slight  interruptions,  continued  till  half  past  10,  when 
there  was  a  charge,  and  a  tremendous  slrea.  i  of  fire  closed  the 
I  conflict.     Both  armies  fought  with  a  desperation  bordering  on 

iness;  neither  would  yield  the  palm,  but  each  retired  a  short 
Idiitance,  wearied  out  with  fatig^ie.     Si\ch  a  con&tant  and  destruc- 
tive fire  was  never  before  sustained  by  American  troops  without 
I  falling  back.  « 

"The  enemy  had  collected  their  whole  force  in  the  peninsula, 
Itod  were  reinforced  by  troops  from  Lord  Wellington's  army, just 
liaded  from  Kingston.     For  two  hours  the  two  hostile  lines  were 
within  20  yards  of  each  other,  and  so  frequently  intermingled, 
llhat  often  an  otlicer  would  order  an  enemy's  platoon.     The  moon 
lihone  bright ;  but  part  of  out  men  being  dressed  like  the  Glenga>> 
Irian  regiment   caused   the  deception.     They  frequently  charged, 
lind  were   as  often  driven  back.     Our   regiment,  under  Colonel 
iMilier,  was  ordered  to  storm  the  British  batteriy.      We  charged, 
lind  took  every  piece  of  the  enemy's  cannon.     We  kept  posses- 
liicn  of  the  ground  and  cannon  until    12  o'clock  at  night,  when 
Iwe  all  fell  back  to  camp,  distant  more  than  two  miles.     This  was 
Idone  to  secure   our  camp,  which  might  otherwise  have  been  at- 
tacked in  the   rear.     Our  horses  being  most  of  them  killed,  and 
there  being  no  ropes  to  the  pieces,  we  got  off  but  two  or  three. 
The  men  were  so  excessively  fatigued  they  could  not  drag  them. 
IWe  lost  one  howitzer,  the  horses  being  on  full  gallop  toward  the 
ItDetny,  to  attack  them,  the  riders  were  shot  off  and   the  horses 
ran  through  the   enemy's  line.     We   lost  one   piece  of  cannon, 
Iwbicb  was  too  much  advanced,  every  man   being  shot   that  had 
itbarge  of  it,  but  two.     Several  of  our  caissons  were  blown  up  by 
Itheir  rockets,  which  did  some  injury,  and  deprived  our  cannon  of 
liiDmunition.     The  lines  were  so  near  that  cannon  could  not  be 
|ii!ed  with  advantage. 

"This  morning  Gen.  Ripley  marched  our  whole  force  to  the  bat- 
Itle  ground,  to  bury  our  dead  and  secure  what  wounded  were  left. 
IThe  etiemy  had  gottei  many  who  were  badly  wounded  and  left 
Ion  the  ground.  He  'narched  near  their  army,  but  neither  were 
Idispoged  to  engage.    We  took  about  200  uon-commissloued  offi 


« 


li 


!l  -M': 


m 


Vi^ 

;•';  :;  1 

If* 

W}[- 

'     '              • 

i^' 

\ 

Lv 

i 

ta  f  ^1 

' 

tt'Jf!}' . 

Pt*;    -' 

Rt^*  *' 

U t"-''  _ 

m^"*  1 

»^  •  ' 

V'^-' 

ii;-; 

i-    ■  ■ 

If.' 

■1     - 

If- 

^    s    ' 

(J'-t 


r-l  ! 


^60 


SKETCHES  OV 


cers  and  privates  prtffoueri,  and  21  officeis,  including  Major  (S«q, 
Riall,  who  was  wounded  in  the  shoulder.  The)*  acknowledge 
Colonel  Gordon>  of  the  100th,  and  many  other  British  olBceiY 
killed." 

B'Jigraphy  of  General  Scott Winfield  Scott  was  bom 

June  13th,  1785«near  Petersburg,  Din widdie   county,  Virginia. 
He  was  early  intended  for  the  bar,  and  went  through  the  uiuit  | 
course  of  classical  and  other  preparatory  studies,  which  he  con- 
cluded at  William  and  Mary  College.     He  soon  after  stttied  at  I 
Petersburg,  and,  in  1 806,  commenced  the  practice  of  the  law, 
with  flattering  indications  of  future  success.     The  attack  upon 
the  frigate  Chesapeake,  which  kindled  into  a  flame  every  youns 
and  active  spirit  in  the  nation,  roused  him  from  the  calm  purauitn 
of  peace ;  and  the  measures  taken  by  congress  at  their  next  tvA 
sion,  making  it  probable  that  a  w;ir  with  Great  Britain  would  enJ 
sue,  he  accepted,  in  1808,  a  captaincy  in  the  regiment  of  light! 
,   artillery,  which  was  raised  on  the  first  enlargement  of  our  milita- 
ry establishment.     In  this  situation  he  continued  to  serve,  until  the] 
declaration  of  war  in  1812,  a  period  of  about  four  years,  some- 
times ardently  prosecuting  military,  sometimes  legal  studies,  ac- 
cording as  the  probabilities  of  war  or  peace  seemed  to  predomr*| 
nate. 

In  March,  1B12,  he  acted  as  judge  advocate  upon  the  trial  oil 
Col.  Cushing,  a  report  of  which  he  afterwards  published.  Hi»| 
able  management  of  this  interesting  cause,  and  his  eloquent  aadf 
well-argued  replication  to  the  prisoner's  defence,  afford  honoura  { 
ble  proofs  of  his  legal  acquirements  and  talents. 

About  this  period,  considering  himself  injured  by  General  Wil-I 
kinson.  Captain  Scott  expressed  himself  upon  the  subject  with 
freedom  and  boldness.  The  commanding  general  did  not  thinfa 
proper  to  overlook  this  oflence,  and  Captain  Scott  was  arreitedJ 
on  the  Mississippi,  svhere  he  was  then  stationed,  and  brought  to| 
trial.  We  have  repeatedly  heard  his  defence  spoken  of  as  admi 
rable^  both  for  its  eloquence  and  its  biting  sarcasm.  But  the 
court  would  not  travel  out  of  the  record  to  take  cognizance  olj 
the  original  wrong,  nor  admit  his  plea  of  justification.  The  lav 
was  considered  as  imperative ;  Cvptain  Scott  was  accordingM 
fpund  guilty  (under  the  5th  article  of  the  Rules  and  Articles  oi 
War)  of  speaking  with  conten?ut  and  disrespect  of  his  command^ 
ing  officer,  8nd  was  suspenled  for  twelve  months.  He  iefl  the 
camp,  fo!!ovvcd  by  the  good  wishes  of  every  officer  to  whom  hej 
was  personally  known ;  every  one  saw  that  the  sedition,  if  any^ 
had  been  committed  by  the  Senate,  and  not  by  the  Gracchi, 

In  1812  Captain  Scott  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  lieutenantj 
i;olonel  in  the  2d,  or  I'.ard's  regimeiit  of  nrtillery.  Early  in  the 
aiTtginn  of  that  >iur  he  tfrrived  on  the  Niagara,  with  two  com\ 


TilE  WAU. 


itl 


>]40ie8  of  his  tegimsnt,  and  took  post  at  Btack-rock,  to  protect 
the  navy  yard.  On  the  8th  of  October,  Captain  Elliot,  of  the 
navy,  made  an  application  to  Colonel  Scott  for  assiataoce  in  men, 
to  execute  an  enterprize  which  he  had  projected  against  two  Bri- 
tish brigs,  then  lying  at  anchor  under  the  funs  of  fort  Erie.  On 
the  morning  of  the  8th,  both  vessel*  were  curried  in  a  most  gal- 
lant  manner... .the  Adams  by  Captain  £iiiot  in  person,  the  Cale- 
donia  by  Captain  Towton,  of  the  artillery,  who  ha4  been  dt* tach- 
cd  with  H  part  of  his  compaiM^  to  the  assistaoce  4if  £tliot  In 
dropping  the  Adams  down  the  Niagara,  8b«  became  unmanagea- 
ble by  reason  of  a  calm,  took  the  wrong  channel,  and  drifted 
aground  immedrnteiy  under  the  guiw  of  the  Bntittti  batteries..... 
Finding  it  impossible  to  get  the  vessel  off.  Captain  £lliot  reluc> 
tantly  abandoned  her,  under  a  most  heavy  fire  from  the  British 
ihore,  having  previously  secured  the  prisoners.  An  active  scene 
aow  ensued.  The  enemy  sent  off  his  boats  to  the  brig,  hoping  to 
fecure  her  by  the  next  change  of  wind.  Colonel  Scott,  on  his 
side,  was  as  active  and  eager  to  dispossess  them  of  the  contestetf 
prize,  in  which  he  finally  succeeded,  and  held  her  until  she  was 
tubsequently  burut  by  order  of  an  otYicer  of  superior  rank,  who 
had  now  arrived  ;  the  Caledonia  was  preserved. 

In  this  spirited  little  affair  Scott  first  <*  fleshed  his  maiden 
sword.**  Like  the  hero  of  Sweden,  he  had  heard  the  bullets 
whistle  around  him,  and  had  determined  that  from  thenceforth 
that  should  be  his  music. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  13th  October,  Colonel  Scott  ar< 
rived,  by  forced  marches,  through  mud,  rain  and  sleet,  at  Lewis- 
town,  to  join  in  the  attack  conte'^.plated  by  Major  General  Van 
Rensselaer,  of  the  Newyork  militia,  against  Queeuston  Heights. 
In  the  action  which  ensued.  Colonel  Scott  bore  a  conspicbc^ut 
part,  and  exposed  his  person  in  the  most  fearless  manner.  /nS;* 
obstinately  fighting,  he  was  however  compelled  to  survtnd?)  ui4 
was  sent  a  prisoner  to  Quebec  ;  thence,  about  "  month  afv  ^Jr  * 
embarked  for  Boston,  and  was  exchanged  in  January  tVU  t'V'.ig. 

The  campaign  of  1813  opened  with  the  capture  of  York,  ft. 
victory  which  was  dearly  purchased  by  the  loss  of  Gentira^  -'iire. 
Shortly  after.  Colonel  Scott  joined  General  Dearborn  at  .;;»  Nia- 
gara, in  the  capacity  of  adjutant  general  to  the  northeru  army. 
This  office  was  then  new  to  our  service,  and  it  devolved  m;  Col. 
Scott  to  regulate  its  details,  and  to  establish  its  importance  to  the 
drmy.  He  succeeded  to  the  full  satisfaction  of  the  commanding  ge- 
neral and  the  troops,  and  to  the  incalculable  future  benefit  of  the 
servce. 

Ill  the  lednctioi)  of  fort  George,  (May  27th,)  Colo  nel  Scott  par- 
ticularly   tli9ting;ul.shed    liiins^tlf.     He    was  8ol'<cted  to  take    com 
mnud  of  tho  advanced  gu«rfl  of  the  army,  in  its  embarkation  on 

xkr   Ontario,  followed   hv  Colonel  Porter,  of  the  field  train,  the 

*        2  Z 


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lis.:  t  .-' 


i 


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mm 


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SKETCHES  OF 


brigades  of  Boyd^  Winder  and  Chandler,  and  a  reserve  unde. 
Colonel  Macomb. 

Commodore  Chauncey  was  present  with  his  squadron,  and  fa- 
\oured  his  descent  by  the  fire  of  his  small  achooners;  and  Capt. 
Perry,  who  was  then  serving  under  Commodore  Chauncey,  vo- 
lunteered to  conduct  the  division*,  which  waR  an  operation  ol' 
some  nicety,  in  consequence  of  the  winds  and  a  strong  current, 
together  with  the  early  roused  fire  of  the  t:nemy.  In  the  dii- 
charge  of  this  duty,  ht  was  present  at  every  point  where  he 
could  be  useful,  under  showers  of  musketry,  and  rendered  vi  ry 
essential  services  to  thi  advance  guard,  which  he  accompanied 
nenrly  to  its  point  of  attack.  General  Scott  has  since  spoken  iu 
high  terms  of  his  skill  and  conduct  on  that  occasion.  This  was, 
indeed,  comparatively,  but  a  ttmall  afl'air,  and  its  little  lu^tre  has 
been  completely  lost  in  the  broad  blaze  of  glory  which  has  since 
surrounded  the  name  of  the  Nelson  of  lalw  Kile  ;  yet  there  \s  to 
us  something  extremely  gratifying  in  being  able  to  trace  the  pro- 
gref  s  of  a  favourite  hero,  and  to  see  those  talents  first  exerted  ou 
a  smaller  scale,  which  were  so  soon  to  shine  forth,  the  pride  and 
the  bulwark  of  his  native'  land. 

At  nine  in  the  morning.  Colonel  Scott  effected  his  landing,  in 
good  order,  under  a  heavy  fire  of  musketry  and  artillery,  about  a 
mite    and  a  quarter  from  the  village   of  Newark,  and   the  same 
distance  west  of  the  mouth  of  the  Niagara.     He  formed  his  line 
on  the  beach  of  the  lake,  covered  by  a  bank  of  12  or  15  feet  in 
height,  which  served  as  a  parapet  against  the  enemy's  fire.    This 
bank  was  to  be  scaled  against  the  bayonets  of  ths  enemy,  who 
had  now   drawn  up   his   force   1500  strong,  in^iried lately  on   its 
brow.     They  were  soon  driven  from  their  ground  by  a  brisk  and 
vigorous  charge,  but  rallied,  and  took  a  second   position  behind  a 
ravine,  at  a  little  distance.     An  action,  of  some  20  minutes  en- 
sued ;  it  was  short  and  desperate,  and  ended  in  the  total  rout  of 
thf   enemy  at  every  point.     During  the  last  five  minutes,  Boyd 
uad  landed  in  the   rear  of  the  advance   guard,  and  a  part   of  his 
brii^ade   participated   in  the   action.     Colonel   Scott   pursued  the 
rout  as  far  as  the  village,  where  he  was  joined  by  the   6th  regi- 
ment, under  Colonel  Miller  ;  from  thence  the  enemy  was  closely 
pressed  at  a  distance  of  five  miles  up  the  river,  until  Scott  was 
recalled  from   the  pursuit   by  order  of  General   Lewis.     As  our 
troops  approached  towards  fort  George,  it  was  perceived  that  the 
garrison  were  in  the  act  of  abandoning  the  work.     Two  compa- 
nies were   instantly  detached   from  the  head  of  the  pursuing  co- 
lumn, to  prevent  this  movement,  and  some  prisoners  were  made. 
They  were  at  the  distance  of  about  80  paceK  from  the  fort,  when 
one  of  its  magazines  blew  up  with  a  tremendous  explosion.     The 
front  gate  was   instantly  forced  by  our  men;  Scjtt   was  the  first 
to  enter,  and  took  with  his  own  hands  the  British  flag  yet  waving 


:IIUK  WAR. 


stt^ 


M  5 . 


ierv«  undfe. 


^^r  tku  works.  At  the  same  time  Captains  Hindsman  and 
Stockton  snatched  away  the  matches  which  had  been  applied  by 
the  retrtMting  garrison  to  three  otiier  initgazmes. 

In  these  several  aifairs,  the  total  loss  of  the  Anrierican  army, 
in  killed  and  wounded,  amouDted  to  120,  of  which  80  were  of 
Colon  I  Scott*8  command  ;  107  of  the  enemy  were  killed  at  the 
point  of  a«c<*nt  from  the  bank,  and  the  whole  number  of  prison- 
ers wa?  264. 

Colonel  Scott  was  not  present  at  the  affair  of  ilie  6th  of  June, 
at  Stony  Creek,  in  which  Brii'adier  Geneials  Chandler  and  Win- 
der were  taken  prisoners.  The  aimy  remained  inactive  at  fort 
George  for  the  remaindt- r  of  thf  campaign,  under  Generals  Dear- 
born, Lewis,  Bovd  and  Wilkinson,  who  >ucce88ively  commanded. 
Nt  verthfless.  Colonel  Scott  was  frequently  engaged  in  skirmishes 
ind  other  sinaii  affairs,  in  all  of  which  he  displaced  his  usual  gal- 
lantry, though  none  of  them  afforded  any  particular  opportunity 
of  distinction.  During  the  summer  of  thi.<*  year,  he  volunteered 
hi!«  services,  in  an  expedition  under  Commodore  Chauncey,  against 
Burlington  Heights,  where  a  large  deposite  of  provisions  and 
ttores  had  been  made.  The  enemy  having  received  considerable 
reinforcements,  the  expedition  failed,  as  to  the  principal  object; 
but  upon  his  return,  Chauncey  landed  the  marines  and  soldiers^ 
under  the  command  of  Colonel  Scott,  at  York,  where  the  new 
barracks  and  public  storehouses  were  burnt,  and  some  pieces  of 
cannon,  eleven  armed  boats,  a  quantity  of  a,mmunition,  and  a 
large  magazine  of  flour  were  taken. 

On  being  promoted  to  a  regiment.  Colonel  Scott  resigned  th^ 
I  office  of  adjutant  general,  in  the  month  of  July,  18  i  3. 

It  had  been  determined,  as  all  our  readers  well  remember,  to 
collect  a  large  force  at  Sacket's  Harbour,  with  a  vitw  to  an  en- 
terprize  against  Kingston  or  MontrtrJ,  towards  the  close  of  the 
campaign.  The  fotce  under  Geutral  Wilkinsoii  accordingly  em- 
barked at  fort  George  on  the  ad  of  October,  and  proceed«fd  down 
the  lake.  Colonel  Scot^  was  left  in  command  of  a  garri^^cn  of 
tome  7  or  800  men,  regulars  and  militia,  for  the  defence  ai  fort 
George.  The  British  army,  in  the  mean  while,  remained  inac- 
tive in  the  position  which  it  had  held  for  some  time,  at  the  dis* 
lance  of  four  miles  from  the  fort,  until  October  i»th,  when  Ge- 
neral De  Rottenburgh  suddenly  broke  up  his  encampment,  and  re^ 
treated  to  Burlington  Heights,  a  distance  of  53  miles,  abandoning 
the  whole  Niagara  frontier.  During  the  sev<  n  days  in  which  he 
wai  kept  in  suspense  by  the  threatening  acprct  of  De  Rottenburg, 
Colonel  Scott  made  the  greatest  exertions  to  strengthen  his  de- 
fences, which  were  very  incomplete  at  the  time  he  was  left  in 
'omroand.  The  enemy,  however,  did  not  think  it  prudejit  to  at- 
ack  him. 


•TV  •('  ''^ 
m  ■ ,'     ■ 

1  ?:  :> 


I:-  .^^ 


'.If 

['  ,;»■■ 
I 


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i^^i 


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JKETCUES  Ob 


Colonel  Scott  had  ioitructions  which  provided  foi  liiu  coiitii. 
gency  that  now  occurred.  He  was  accordingly  relieved  in  the 
command  of  fort  George  by  Brigadier  General  M'Clure,  of  the 
Nex^york  militia,  and  marched  hie  garrison  towards  Sacket't 
Harbour,  to  join  th«  expedition  under  General  Wilkin^'-on,  v;iuch 
was  then  preparing  to  descend  the  St.  Lawrence.  After  a  forced 
march  of  19  days,  through  rain  and  mud,  during  the  whole  oi 
which  time  the  tun  was  not  visible  for  12  hours,  he  learned,  lo 
his  great  mortification,  upon  his  arrival  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
Sacket's  Harbour,  that  the  expedition  had  already  taken  its  de- 
parture. He  therefore  left  his  column,  and  by  a  forced  effort  of 
two  days  and  one  night,  came  up  with  the  army,  and  joined  it 
just  above  Ogdensburg  and  Prescott.  He  was  immediately  ai- 
signed  to  the  command  of  a  handsome  battalion  in  the  corp.<r 
dVh'tc,  under  Colonel  Macomb.  In  the  subsequent  descent  of 
Ihe  St.  Lawrence,  he  commanded  the  van  of  the  army,  and  was 
therefore  not  present  at  the  action  of  the  11th  of  November, 
wSt  h  took  place  15  miles  m  the  rear.  How  this  ccmpaign  ter 
jrrtiieted.  is  yet  fresh  in  the  recollection  of  all. 

Colonel  Scot;  spent  a  great  part  of  the  follo^^  aig  winter  ni  Al 
Oany.     £arly  in  March,  he  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  brfga* 
di  V  general,  and  joined  Major  General  Brown  there,  on  his  rout 
to   the   Niagara  frontier,  eaily  in   April.     Soon  after.  General 
B    (Vvu  waB  recalled  to  Sacket's  Harbour,  and  the  command,  iu 
io.stequeuce,  devolved  on  Brigadier  General  Scott,  who  immedi- 
ately assembled  the  army,  and   '.^tablished  a  camp  of  instruction 
at   Buffalo.     In  this  camp  were  taught  those  tactics  which  f^avc 
to  our   army  an  accuracy  and  celerity  of  movement,  which  bad 
never  been  displayed  on  thi.^  continent,  either  by  British  or  Amc 
rican  troops.     The  French  tactiqun  of  the  battalion  and  the  line 
was  adopted.     Without  regard  to  rank,  all   the  oflKcers  were  ri 
gourously  drilled  by  the  commanding  general  in  person ;  theif 
then  instructed   the  rank   and  file ;  companies  were  then  formvil 
and  subjected  to  the  same  process  ;  next  battalions,  which  were 
aUo  instructed  'oy  General  Scott  in  person  i  and  finally,  the  tronpe 
were  carrietl  ihrough  tbe  evolutions  of  the   brigade  and   the  line, 
with  the  '  ;me  strict  attention  to  science  and   method.     For  two 
months  aud  a  half,  these   exeicines  were  continued  from  7  to  9 
hours  -a  day.     The  effer;  -.vas   astonishing.     Four   full  battalioii.s 
were  brought  to  advance  i'«  brigade  line   1000  paces  in  quick  time, 
in  accurate  alUgnment.     Tht  same   liue  was  made  to   change 
firoiit  perpendicular,  on  a  cex^tral   point,  in  three  minutes  and  t. 
half.     During   this  period  of  discipline  and  instruction,  tiie  army 
waf*   perfectly  organized ;  and,  by  the  unwearied  exertions  and 
example  of  the  commanding  general,  the  strictest  routine  sn^' 
1isciplio<"  wr re  established  througliont  the  wholp.     .„ 


THE  WA&- 


dOtf 


tilC    COlitit. 

eved    in  the 
lure,  of  the 
rds  Sacket'i 
iin'on,  ^viiich 
Liter  p.  forced 
the  whole  oi 
e  learned,  to 
hbourhood  of 
taken  its  de* 
ced  effort  of 
jid  joined  it 
mediately  ai- 
in  the   corps 
nt  descent  of 
my,  and  was 
)f  November, 
^cmpaign  ter 

winter  »t  Al 
ank  of  brrgA- 
e,  on  his  rout 
ifter,  Generm 
coin  maud,  iu 
who  imniedi- 
of  inetruction 
:8  which  fravc 
It,  which  had 
ritish  or  Amc 
D  and  the  liae 
icer»  were  ri 
perion ;  theic 
then  formeU 
I,  which  were 
ly,  thetronpe 
and   the  line, 
od.     For  two 
d  from  7  to  9 
full  battalions 
in  quick  time, 
de  to  change 
tinutes  and  i< 
ioujt  tiie  army 
exertions  and 
routine  w'. 


In  June,  Major  General  Brown  returned  to  Buffalo  with  rein- 
arcements,  and  assumed  the  command  of  the  army.  The  bat> 
lies  of  Chippewa  and  Bridgewater  succeeded ;  and  the  result  of 
either  wa8  itutiicient  to  immortalize  the  valiant  Scott. 

The  battle  of  Chippewa  !  s  been  described  as  one  of  the  moct 
irilliant  spectacles  which  could  well  be  conceived.  The  day  was 
clear  and  bright ;  the  sun  still  high  in  the  heavens.  The  plain 
was  such  as  might  have  been  selected  for  a  parade  or  a  tourua- 
meut ;  the  troops  on  both  sides,  though  not  numerous,  admirably 
disciplined  ;  the  generals  leading  on  their  columns  in  person  ;  the 
fitter  of  the  arms  in  the  sun,  and  the  precision  and  distinctness 
of  every  movement,  were  all  calculated  to  carry  the  mind  back 
to  the  scenes  of  ancient  story  or  poetry  ....to  the  plains  of  Latium 
or  of  Troy,  and  all  those  recollections  which  fill  the  imaginatioB 
vith  images  of  personal  heroism  and  romantic  valour. 

This  victory,  slight  as  were  its  immediate  results,  was  yet  at- 
.ended  by  the  most  important  consequences.     It  gave  to  the  army 
a  confidence  in  their  own  skill  and  prowess,  and  dissipated  at  oner 
the  dread  or  doubts  which  had  been  inspired  by  the  military  repu- 
tstion  of  their  veteran  antagonists,     it    was  to  the  army,  what 
the  victory  of  Captain  Hull  had  been  to  the  navy  ;  and  the  confi- 
dence which  it  thus  inspired,  was  surely  most  justly  founded,  for 
6ver3'  man  felt  that  the  victory  had  been  gained  by  superior  skill 
and  discipline :  it  was  not  the  fruit  of  any  accidental  mistake  or 
confusion  in  the  "jemy's  army;  or  of  one  of  those  moments  of 
temporary  panic  on  one  side,  or  excitement  on  the  other,  which 
sometines  give  a  victory  to  irregular  courage  over  veteran  and 
disciplined  valour. 

No  higher  praise  could  be  given  to  General  Soott,  than  that 
which  he  has  unintentionally  bestowed  upon  himself,  when,  in  his 
report  to  General  Brown,  he  says,  **  1  have  the  satisfaction  of  be- 
ing assured  by  every  commanding  officer,  (which  is  confirmed  by 
my  own  personal  observation)  that  every  man,  and  of  every 
grade,  evinced  an  ability  to  meet  even  a  greater  shock  than  that 
encountered,  whh  like  success.  Thi.<i  was  must  conspicuous  in 
the  very  crisis  of  the  action.  Conduct,  universally  good,  leaves 
hut  little  room  for  discrimination.  To  mention  them  in  tht:  ordtr 
of  rank,  (i  know  of  no  other  in  this  case,)  Majors  Jessup,  Leaven 
worth,  and  M'Neil,  and  Captain  Towson,  deserve  every  thing; 
which  conspicuous  skill  and  gallantry  can  hope  from  a  grateful 
country,"  Itc. 

The  battle  of  Bridgewater,  which  was  fought  near  the  mightj 
cataract  of  Niagara,  and  within  the  sound  of  its  thunders,  v^gs, 
ill  proportion  to  the  numbers  engaged,  the  most  sanguinary,  and 
ileodedly  the  best  fought,  of  any  action  which  ever  took  placr  on 
:he  American  continent.  "  We  had  no  such  fighting  in  our  vvai," 
has  one  cf  thr  bravest  soldiers  of  the  revolution  often  said  to  the 


'r 


'  1 


•t. 


366 


SKETCHES  0» 


■  1 

i 


<i- 


'if.. 


writer  of  this  article.  The  repeated  charges  and  actual  contest 
with  the  bayonet,  arc  alone  sufficient  to  render  this  Imttlc  re< 
markable.  The  actual  fight  with  the  bayonet  is,  in  fact,  a  thing 
of  very  rare  occurrence.  We  have  heard,  on  good  authority 
that  General  Moreau  has  said,  that  he  never  saw  it  to  any  ex. 
tent  more  than  twice,  one  side  or  the  other  almoi't  always  breaking 
before  the  bayonets  crossed.  Some  of  the  captive  otficers  ot  ttic 
enemy  have  dpclared,  that  there  our  troops  exhibited,  not  only 
the  most  undnunted  bravery,  but  a  proficiency  in  tactics  aisd  nii< 
litary  skill  which  would  have  done  honour  to  veterans.  In  par- 
ticular, the  charge  of  Colonel  Miller  has  been  represented  by  one 
of  these  gentlemen,  who  had  served  in  Spain,  as  having  8urpft8^ 
ed  any  thing  of  the  kind  he  ever  saw,  exci  pt  the  storming  of  St. 
Sebastians. 

On  the  very  day  in  which  this  action  took  place,  by  a  singular 
coincidence,  Brigadier  General  Scott  was  appointed,  by  the  presi- 
dent, a   major>general  by  brevet.     His   wounds   were  for  some 
time  exceedingly  dangerous  and  painful,  and   obliged  him   to  re- 
tire for  a  time  from  active  service.     As  soon  as  he  was  convalet- 
cent,  he  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  10th  military  dii. 
trict.     Beside  his  military  rank,  he  has  received  every  trxtimonial 
of  respect  and  gratitmie  which  his  country  could  bestow ;  among 
these  are  a  vote  of  thnnks,  and  a  medal,  from  congiess  ;  a  sword 
presented  by  the  citizens  of  his  native  place,  Petersburg  ;  a  sword 
and  vote  of  thanks  from  the  legislature  of  Virginia,  and  his  name 
has  been  given  to  a  new  county  of  that   state.     In   addition  to 
these  civil  honours,  he   has  lately    received  a   literary  one   from 
Princeton  College,  which  was  conferred  in  a  manner  equally  flat- 
tering to  himself,  and  honourable  to  the  institution. 
c^At  a  commencement  of  that  college,  held  in  September,  1814) 
whilst  the  customary  collegiate  exercises  were   performing,  the 
trustees  were  accidentally  informed  that  General  Scott  had  that 
moment  alighted  at  the  opposite  tavern,  on  his  way  to  Baltimore. 
It  was  instantly  proposed  to   invite  him  to  the   commencement; 
a  deputation  of  the  trustees  was  accordingly  sent  over,  who  .«oon 
returned  with  the  general.     He  was  respectfully  received  by  the 
trustees,  and  seated  among  them  on  the  stage ;  the  audieo::e  ex- 
pressed  the  strongest  symptons  of  a  disposition  to  break  forth  into 
tumultuous   applause,  which    was  wth  difficulty  restrained,  b)  a 
sense  of  the  decorum   due  to  the  plav>e   and  the   occasion.     The 
valedictory  orator  now  ascended  the  stage  ;  it  happened  the  sub- 
ject of  his   oration  was   the  character   of  a   patriotic  and    heroic 
soldier^  in  which    he  had   introduced  an    apostrophe  to   an  imagi- 
nary  personagr,  whom  he   depicted  as  a  bright  example  of  mil" 
tary  virtue.     With  admirable  presence   of  mind,  and    grtfat  ele- 
gance of  manner,  the  young  orator  suddenly  tnrned  and  address 
ed  this  to  Soft; 


•£HB  WAR. 


367 


tuai  contest 
in  battle  re< 
lactj  a  thing 
1  authority, 
to  any  tx- 
Eiys  breakinup 
ficers  ot  tnc 
:dy  not  only 
:tiC8  and  mi- 
mt.  in  par- 
jnted  by  one 
vxng  HU^pa8^ 
irnoing  of  St. 

)y  a  lingular 
by  the  pre  si- 
re for  some 
1  bim  to  re- 
fM  convales* 

nnilitary  dii« 
y  testimonial 
tow ;  among 
>is ;  a  sword 
rg  ;  a  aword 
ind  his  name 
addition  to 
ry  one  from 

equally  flat- 


The  effect  was  electrical ;  bursts  of  long,  reitorated,  and  unre- 
lirainable  applause,  broke  forth  on  all  aides.  Even  grave  and 
tearued  divintSt  men  vihose  studies  and  habits  of  mind  were  little 
in  unison  with  feelings  of  this  nature,  were  hurried  away  and 
I  overcome  by  the  animating  and  kindling  sympathy  which  cur< 
rounded  them.  With  some  ditficulty  the  tumult  of  applause  was 
husned,  and  the  president  rose  to  confer  the  doctorates  in  law 
|iad  divinity,  and  other  honorary  degrees. 

In  the  mean  while,  one  of  the  trustees  had  propcsed  to  the  rest 
libat  an  honorary  degree  should  be  conftrred  on  their  iliustrioua 
TJiitant.  It  was  asked  whether  General  Scott's  literary  acquire- 
ments were  such  as  to  render  this  compliment  appropriate.  A 
gentleman  from  Virginia,  to  whom  he  was  personally  known,  re- 
plied, (as  is  the  fact,)  that  beside  possessing  the  general  informa- 
tion of  a  well  educated  man,  he  was  remarkable  for  accurate  and 
extensive  acquaintance  with  English  literature.  The  prupusal 
Iwas  instantly  aasented  to,  and  communicated  to  the  prekident, 
who  concluded  the  list  of  literary  honours,  by  announcing  that 
Ithe  honorary  degree  of  Master  of  Arts  was  conferred  upon  Maj. 
ISeneral  Winfield  Scott.     It  is  unnecessary  to  add  that  the  build- 

liig  again  rang  with  the  enthusiastic   applause  of  the  audience 

jn^s  compliment,  so  spontaoeuus,  so  appropriate,  so  w<t  11-timed, 
Ivas  worthy  of  a  college  which  can  boast  of  numbermg  in  the 
lioog  list  of  her  eons,  many  of  the  most  brilliant  and  distinguished 
iBen  of  their  country,  in  every  walk  of  public  life.* 


I  «» 


','•  u^  ,-• 


|Br]Mi/5e  of  the  ewmy  at  Conjocketa  cr^ek,  ^c Bombardment 

and  battle  at  fort  Erie Splendid  sortie  aifainat  the  enemy*s 

batteries j4rrival  of  General  Izard  on  the   Niagara  Jron 

lMr...»^etton  at  Lyon*s  creek Bvaouation  of  fort  Erie, 

Afi'ER  the  action  of  the  25th  July,  Generals  Brown  and  Scott 
|iere  conveyed  to  BulTulo,  in  consequence  of  their  vvuuuds,  and 
ccmmaod  of  the  army  devolved  on  General  Kipley,  who  soon 
fter  retired  to  fort  Erie.     Nothinp^  of  importance  occurred  until 
3d  of  August,  when  Maior  Morgan,  with  n  small  detachment 
riQeroen,  gallantly    repuloed  the   enemy  at  Conjocketa  creek, 
given  in  the  following  report  to  Gen.  Brown : 

Fort  Erie,  August  5y  \814. 
Sir — Having  been  stationed,  svith   the  1st  battalion  uf  the  1st 
igiment  of  riflemen,  at   Black  Rock,  oa   the  evening  of  the  2d 

*2*\e  lorvKuimg  UM^r4)>kical  tkptch  Im.  li-'iii  ukrti,  with  ^ute   vHihUum,  (roM  ihe  Aialccti<- 


'' 

! 

•  ( 

i 

* 

'I 

» 

1 

• 

t  *  ■ 

. '  ^^'M*i 


^k 


oKricufiS  uf 


ik  *'      ! 


I* 


tnitnnt,  f  obMrved  the  Brilivh  army  moving  up  the  river  on  W. 
opposite  there,  and  luipeoted  they  might  make  n  feint  on  foe 
Er\ff  with  nn  intention  of  n  real  attack  on  the  Buffalo  side,  f 
immediately  moved  and  took  a  potition  on  the  upper  tide  of  Con 
iocketn  creek,  and  thnt  night  threw  up  a  battery  of  tome  log% 
whirh  I  found  on  the  ground,  nnd  had  the  bridge  torn  awny. 

About  2  o'elouk  the  next  morning,  my  piquets  from  helow  gavr 
me  informMtion  of  the  landing  of  9  boats   full  of  trooo,  half  a 
■lilc  below.     I  immediately  got  my  men  (240  in  number)  to  their 
quarters,  and  patiently  waited  their  approach.     At  n  quarter  pai: 
4  they  advanced  upon  us,  and  commenced  the  attack  ;  sending » 
party  before  to  repair  the   bridge,  under  the  cover  of  their  6r(, 
When  they  had  got  ot  good  rifle  distance,  I  opened  a  hea\y  fi:» 
on  them,  which  laid  a  number  of  them  on  the  ground,  and  corr 
pelled  them  to  retire.     They  then  formed  in  the  skirt  of  thp  wood,  ] 
and  kept  up  the  fight  at  long  shot,  continually  reinforcing  from 
the  Canada  shore,  until  they  had  23  boat   loads,  and   then  at 
iempted  to  flank  us,  by  sending  a  large  body  up  the  creek  to  ford 
St;  when  I   detached  Lieutenants  Ryan,  Smith  and  Armstrong,! 
with  about  60  men,  to  oppose  their  left  wing,  where  they  werf 
again  repulsed  with  considerable  los8....after  which  they  appeareti 
disposed  to  give  up  their  object,  and  retreated  by  throwing  six 
boat  loads  of  troops  on  Squaw  Island,  which  enfiladed  the  RreekJ 
and  prevented  me  from  harrassing  their  rear.  Their superiornum- 
bers  enabled  them  to  take  their  killed  and  wounded  off  the  field,! 
which  wc  plainly  saw,  and  observed  they  suffered  severely.    Wi  I 
found  some  of  theis  dead  thrown  into  the  river,  and  covered  witii 
logs  and  utoae^f  nnd  some  on  the  field.     We  also  collected  a  num 
ber  of  muskets  and  accoutrements,  with  clothing  that  appcarei'l 
to  have  been   torn  to  bind  their  wounds.     We  took  0  prisoners  J 
who  stated  the  British  force  opposed  to  us  to  consist  of  from  12| 
to  1500  men,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Tucker,  of  thr 
41st  regiment.    They  also  state  that  their  object  was  to  re-csp 
tureGen.  Riall,  with  the  other  British  prisoners,  and  destroy  thel 
public  stores  deposited  at  Buffalo.  The  action  contmued  about  two 
hours  .^nd  a  half.     I  am   happy  to  state  they  were  completeiv 
foiled  in  their  attempts.     Our  io^is  is  trifling  compared  with  theirs. 
We  had  2  killed  and  8  wounded.     I  am  sorry  ta  inform  you  thai 
Captain  Hamilton,  and  Lieutenants  Wadsworth  and  M'Intosh,  ar^l 
among  the  latter.     Their  gallantry,  in  exposing  themselves  tociij 
courage  their   men,  I  think  entitles  them   to  the  notice  of  thei: 
country.     My  whole  command  behaved  in  a  manner  that  merited 
my  w,..rmef:l  approbation  ;  and,  in  justice  to  them  I  cannot  avoid 
mentioning  the  names  uf  the  officers,  which   are  as  follows  :...J 
Captain    Hamilton,    Lieutenants    Wadsworth,  Ryan,  CalhounJ 
MMntosh,   Arnold,  Shortridge,  M'Kaiiand,  Tipton,  Arrostrongij 
Smitb,  Cobbs..  Hiividjon  and  Austin,  with  Ensign  Pflge* 


Hf'  ■     f 


.'i'lIE  WAn. 


a6U 


U,  air,  you  believe  we  have  doire  our  duty,  we  shall  feci  highly 
^riitified. 
I  am,  lir,  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

L.  MORGAN,  Maj.  lit  rifle  regt. 

The  loss  of  the  enemy  in  thin  affair  was  supposed  to  excc«d  50 
111  kilted,  wounded  and   miisiog.     Our  loss  was   two  killed   and 
;o;lit  woundoc!. 

On  the  'Itli  of  August  Brigadier  General  Gainet  arrived  frona 
i.ickct'ti  flarliciir,  and  a8;>iimed  the  command  at  fort  Erie.  The 
Intisli  army,  at  thiii  time  amounting  to  between  4  and  3000,  un> 
Ur  (iic'uteuiiiit  General  Drummond,  was  <<trong'y  posted  opposite 
!]liU'l(  Kuck,  two  miles  east  of  the  fort,  a  skirt  of  thick  woods  in- 
•ervening. 

On  the  5th,  General  Gaines  attempted  to  draw  out  the  enemy's 
o.-ccji,  by  sending  the  rifle  corps  through  the  woods,  vith  orders 
M  amuse  tiic  euemy-j  light  troops,  until  his  strong  c^'  ns  should 
jtt  in  motion  ;  and  then  to  retire  slowly  to  the  plaiii  ^a  the  Ame- 
•icin  side,  where  a  strong  line  wn«  posted  rendy  to  receive  him. 
Our  riflemen  met  and  drove  the  enemy's  light  troops  into  theii 
ines,  where  tluy  remained.  After  keeping  their  position  in  the 
woods  for  nearly  two  hours,  the  riflemen  were  ordered  in,  not 
oeing  able  to  eftVct  the  object  of  their  expedition. 

Major  Morgan,  who  had  command  of  the  corps,  reports  that 
hi$  otHcers  and  men  acted  with  their  jsual  gallantry.     The  ene 
iny  left  1 1  dead  and  3  prisoners  in  oi^  hands  ;  au:!  deserters  have 
itated  their  loss  to  be  much  more,     /mong  their  killed  were  5  In 
dians.     Our  loss  was  5  killed  and  4  wounded. 

On  the  11th  of  August  the  enemy  had  constructed  two  batte- 
ries with  two  embrasures  each,  and  had  erected  a  wooden  breast- 
work, from  12  to  1400  yards  in  rear  of  the  American  army.  In 
examining  their  works  on  the  lOtli,  Captain  Birdsall  of  the  4th 
'.ifle  regiment,  with  a  detachment  of  the  1st,  and  his  company, 
amounting  in  all  to  160  men,  beat  in  two  of  their  strong  piquets, 
with  a  loss  on  their  part  of  10  killed.  Cape.  B.  had  1  killed  and 
3  wounded. 

On  the  12th,  Major  Morgan,  of  the  Ist  rifle  regiment,  fell,  at 
the  head  of  bis  corps,  in  an  affair  with  the  enemy,  after  a  display 
of  gallrntry  worthy  of  the  corps  and  meriting  the  gratitude  of 
his  country.  General  Gaiues  had  desired  him  to  send  a  detach- 
ment of  from  80  to  100  men  to  cut  oflT  a  working  party,  sup- 
ported by  a  guard  of  the  enemy's  light  troops,  engaged  in  open- 
'Og  an  avenue  for  a  battery  in  rear  ot  our  army,  and  directed  him 
to  have  his  corps  ready  to  support  in  case  the  enemy  should  be  <  e- 
nforced.  The  detachment  was  commanded  by  Captain  Birds- 
ail,  who  attacked  and  drove  the  enemy;  but  when  about  to  re- 
'iiu  to  camp,  be  discovered  a  large  force  approaching.     The  firing 

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23  WEST  MAIN  STRKT 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  MSSO 

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SKETCHES  OF 


having  coatinued  Longer  than  the  major  had  expected,  he  moved 
up  the  moment  the  enemy's  reinforcement  made  their  appear* 
ance.  A  warm  conflict  ensued,  in  which  they  were  forced  bach ; 
but  discovering  additional  reinforcements,  and  having  received 
orders  to  fall  back  on  the  appearance  of  a  large  force,  the  major 
gave  the  signal  with  his  bugle  to  retire.  At  this  moment  he  re- 
ceived a  ball  in  the  head ;  and  was  brought  from  the  field,  toge- 
ther with  his  men  who  were  killed  and  wounded.  Of  the  for- 
mer were  2  riflemen  and  1  Newyork  volunteer,  who,  unsolicited 
accompanied  the  riflemen,  with  a  small  party  of  his  corps,  under 
the  command  of  Lieutenant  Goodfellow,  who  had  distinguished 
himself  on  several  similar  occasions. 

On  the  13th,  the  remains  of  Major  Morgan  were  conveyed  to 
Buffalo,  and  interred  with  military  honours. 

Battle  of  fort  Erie On  the  16th  of  August  the  enemy  made 

a  descent  upon  fort  Erie  ;  and,  after  a  most  sanguinary  confiictj 
were  defeated  with  great  loss,  by  the  American  troops  under 
General  Gaines.  The  following  official  report  of  the  general  to 
the  secretary  of  war,  gives  the  particulars  of  the  engagement : 

Fort  Erie,  U,  C.  August  23,  1816. 

Sir — I  have  the  honour  to  communicate  for  the  information  of 
the  department  of  war,  the  particulars  of  the  battle  fought  at 
this  place- on  the  15th  inst.  between  the  left  wing  of  the  2d  di- 
vision of  the  northern  army,  under  my  command,  and  the  British 
forces  in  the  peninsula  of  Upper  Canada,  commanded  by  Lieuten- 
ant General  Drummond,  which  terminated  in  a  signal  victory  in 
favour  of  the  United  American  arms. 

Our  position  on  the  margin  of  the  lake  at  the  entrance  of  the 
Niagara  river,  being  nearly  a  horizontal  plain,  12  to  16  feet 
above  the  surface  of  the  water,  possessing  few  natural  advanta- 
ges, had  been  strengthened  in  front  by  temporary  parapet  breast- 
works, entrenchments  and  abbattis,  with  two  batteries  and  six 
field  pieces.  The  small,  unfinished  fort,  Erie,  with  a  24,  18  and 
12  pounders,  forms  the  north-east ;  and  the  Douglass  battery^ 
M^ith  an  18  and  6  pounder  near  the  edge  of  the  lake,  the  south- 
east angle  of  our  right.  The  left  is  defended  by  a  redoubt  batte- 
ry, with  6  field  pieces  thrown  up  on  a  small  ridge.  Our  reai  was 
left  open  to  the  lake,  bordered  by  a  rocky  shore  of  easy  ascent. 
The  battery  on  the  left  was  defended  by  Captain  Towson  ;  fort 
Erie  by  Captain  Williams,  with  Major  Trimble's  command  of^he 
19th  infantry  ;  the  batteries  on  the  front  by  Captains  BiddJe  and 
Fanning ;  the  whole  of  the  artillery  commanded  by  Major  Hind- 
xnan.  Parts  of  the  11th,  9th  and  22d  infantry  (of  the  late  vete- 
ran brigade  of  Major  General  Scott)  were  posted  on  the  right, 
under  the  command  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Aspinwall.    Genera) 


THE  WAR, 


^71 


Ripley's  brigade,  consisting  or  the  2l8t  and  23d,  defended  the 
left.  General  Porter's  brigade  of  Newjork  and  Pennsylvania 
fOlunteers,  with  our  distinguished  riflemen,  occupied  the  centre. 

I  have  heretofore  omitted  stating  to  you,  that  during  the  13th 
and  14th.  the  enemy  had  kept  up  a  briiik  cannonade,  which  was 
sharply  returned  from  our  batteries,  without  any  considerable  loss 
OQ  our  part.  At  6,  P.  M.  one  of  their  shells  lodged  in  a  small 
magazine  in  foit  Erie,  which  was  fortunately  almost  empty.  It 
blew  up  with  an  explosion  more  awful  in  appearance  than  inju- 
rious in  its  effects,  as  it  did  not  disable  a  man  or  derange  a  gun. 
It  occasioned  but  a  momentary  cessation  of  the  thunders  of  the 
artillery  on  both  sidt's :  it  was  followed  by  a  loud  and  joyous  shout 
by  tho  British  army,  which  was  instantly  returned  on  our  part, 
and  Captain  Williams,  amidst  the  smoke  of  the  explosion,  renew- 
ed the  contest  by  an  animated  roar  of  his  heavy  cannon. 

From  the  supposed  loss  of  our  ammunition,  and  the  consequent 
depression  such  an  event  was  likely  to  produce  upon  the  minds 
of  our  men,  I  felt  persuaded  that  this  explosion  would  lead  the 
enemy  to  assault,  and  made  my  arrangements  accordingly. 

The  night  was  dark,  and  the  early  part  of  it  rainy,  but  the 
faithful  c^ntinel  slept  not ;  one  third  of  the  troops  were  up  at 
their  posts.    At  half  past  2  o'clock  the  right  column  of  the  ene- 
my approached,  and  though  enveloped  in  darkness  ^black  as  his 
designs  and  principles,,  was  distinctly  heard  on  our  left,  and  promt- 
ly  marked  by  our  rousquetry  under  Major  Wood,  and  cannon  un« 
der  Captain  Towson.     Being  mounted  at  the  moment,  I  repaired 
to  the  point  of  attack,  where  the  sheet  of  lire  rolling  from  Tow- 
son's  battery  and  the  musquetry  of  the  left  wing  of  the  21st  in- 
fantry, under  Major  Wood,  enabled  me  to  see  the  enemy's  co- 
lumn of  about  1500  men  approaching  on  that  point;  bis  advance 
was  not  checked  until  it  had  approached  within  10  feet  of  our  in- 
fantry.    A  line  of  loose  brush,  representing  an  abbattis,  only  in- 
tervened ;  a  column  of  the  enemy  attempted  to  pass  round  the 
abbattis  through  the  water,  where  it  was  nearly  breast  deep..... 
Apprehending  that  this  point  would  be  carried,  I  ordered  a  de- 
tachment of  riflemen  and  infantry  to  its  support ;  but,  having 
met  with  the  gallant  commander.  Major  Wood,  was  assured  by 
him  that  he  could  defend  his  position  without  reinforcements;  At 
this  moment  the  enemy  were  repulsed,  but  instantly  renewed  thje 
charge  and  were  again  repulsed^ 

My  attention  was  now  called  to  the  right,  where  our  batteries 
and  lines  were  soon  lighted  by  a  nliost  brilliant  fire  of  cannon  and 
musquetry ;  it  announced  the  approach  of  the  centre  and  left  co- 
lumns of  the  enemy,  under  Colonels  Drummond  and  Scott ;  the 

*  I  KTcnl  times  hranl,  uhI  many  of  our  ofllcers  heard,  onIi-r>  giron   *  to  give  thf  dttmntd  yankes 
t^\cttU  no  qumitn.'" 


'f'Wl 


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S«KE1'CUCS  eif 


1 

Mimi 

i  , ! 

f  * '  if 


latter  was  received  by  the  veteran  9th,  under  the  command  ai 
Captain  Foster,  and  Captains  Boughton  and  Harding's  companies 
of  Newyork  and  Pennsylvania  volunteers,  aided  by  a  6  pounder, 
judiciously  posted  by  Major  M'Kee,  chief  engineer,  who  was 
most  active  and  useful  at  this  point ;  they  were  repulsed.  That 
of  the  centre,  led  by  Colonel  Drummond,  was  not  long  kept  in 
check ;  it  approached  at  once  every  assailable  point  of  the  fort, 
and  with  scaling  ladders  ascended  the  parapet,  but  was  repulsed 
with  dreadful  carnage.  The  assault  was  twice  repeated,  and  as 
often  checked;  but  the  enemy  having  moved  round  in  the  ditch 
covered  by  darkness  added  to  the  heavy  cloud  of  smoke  which 
had  rolled  from  our  cannon  and  musquetry,  enveloping  surround- 
ing objects,  repeated  the  charge,  re*a8cended  the  ladders ;  their 
pikes,  bayonets  and  spears  fell  upon  our  gnllant  artillerists.  The 
gallant  spirits  of  our  favourite  Capt.  Williams  and  Lieuts.  Macdo- 
nuugh  and  Watmough,  with  their  brave  men,  were  overcome.... 
The  two  former,  and  several  of  their  men,  received  deadly 
wounds.  Our  bastion  was  lost.  Lieutenant  Macdonough,  being 
severely  wounded,  demanded  quarter.  It  was  refused  by  Co!. 
Drummond.  The  lieutenant  then  seized  a  handspike,  and  nobly 
defended  himself  until  he  was  shot  down  with  a  pistol  ^by  the 
monster  who  had  refused  him  quarter,  who  often  reiterated  the 
order,  **  give  the  damned  Yankees  no  quarter."  This  officer, 
whose  bravery,  if  it  had  been  seasoned  with  virtue,  would  have 
entitled  him  to  the  admiration  of  every  8oldier....thi8  hardened 
murderer  soon  met  his  fate.  He  was  shot  through  the  breast, 
while  repeating  the  order  to  "  give  no  quarter." 

The  battle  now  raged  with  increased  fury  on  the  right,  but  on 
the  left  the  enemy  was  repulsed  and  put  to  flight.    Thence,  and 
from  the  centre,  I  ordered  reinforcements.     They  were  promptly 
sent  by  Brigadier  General  Ripley  and  Brigadier  General  Porter. 
Captain  Fanning,  of  the  corps  of  artillery,  kept  up  a  spirited  and 
destructive  fire,  with  his  field  pieces,  on  the  enemy  attempting 
to  approach  the  fort.    Major  Hindman's  gallant  efforts,  aided  by 
Major  Trimble,  having  failed  to  drive  the  enemy  from  the  bas- 
tion with  the  remaining  artiUerists  and  infantry  in  the  fort,  Capt. 
Birdsall,  of  the  4th  rifie  regiment,  with  a  detachment  of  rifle- 
men, gallantly  rushed  in  through  the  gateway  to  their  assistance, 
and  with  some  infantry  charged  the  enemy ;  but  was  repulsed, 
and  the  captain  severely  wounded.    A  detachment  from  the  1 1th, 
19th  and  22d  infantry,  under  Captain  Foster  of  the   11th,  was 
ibtroduced  over  the  interior  bastion,  for  the  purpose  of  charging 
the  enemy.     Major  Hall,  assistant  inspector  general,  very  hand- 
somely tendered  his  services  to  lead  the  charge.     The  charge 
was  gallantly  made  by  Captain  Foster  and  Major  Hall,  but  owing 
to  the  narrowness  of  the  passage  up  to  the  bastion  admitting  only 
two  or  three  men  abreast^  it  failed.    It  was  often  repeated,  an^ 


■Vim  WAR. 


37 


iS  often  checked.  The  ciiem>*s  force  ia  the  bastion,  was,  how- 
ever, much  cut  to  pieces  and  diminished,  by  our  artillery  and 
small  arms.  At  this  moment,  every  operation  was  arrested  by  ' 
ibe  explosion  of  some  cartridges  deposited  in  the  end  of  the  stone 
building  adjoining  the  contested  bastion.  The  explosion  was  tre- 
mendous....it  was  decisive ;  the  bastion  was  restored.  At  this 
moment  Captain  Biddle  was  ordered  to  cause  a  field  piece  to  be 
posted  so  as  to  enfilade  the  exterior  plain  and  salient  glacis.  The  v 
captain,  though  not  recovered  from  a  severe  contusion  in  the 
shoulder,  received  from  one  of  the  enemy's  shells,  promptly  took 

his  position,  and  served  bis  field  piece  with  vivacity  and  effect 

I  Captain  Tanning's  battery  likewise  played  upon  them  at  this  time 
with  great  effect.  The  enemy  were  in  a  few  moments  entirely 
defeated,  taken  or  put  to  flight,  leaving  on  the  field  221  killed, 
174  wounded,. and  186  prisoners,  including  14  officers  killed,  and 
7  wounded  and  prisoners.  A  large  portion  are  so  severely  woun- 
I  ded  that  they  cannot  survive ;  the  slightly  wounded,  it  is  pre- . 
sumed,  were  carried  off. 

To  Brigadier  General  Ripley  much  credit  is  due  for  the  judi- 
cious disposition  of  the  left  wing  previous  to  the  action,  and  for 
the   steady  disciplined  courage  manifested  by  him  and  his  imme- 
diate command,  and  for  the  promptnes  with  which  he  complied 
I  with  my  orders  for  reinforcement  during  the  action.     Brigadier 
I  General  Porter,  commanding  the  Newyork  and  Pennsylvania  vo- 
I  iunteers,  manifested  a  degree  of  vigilance  and  judgment  in  his 
preparatory  arrangements,  as  well  as  military  skill  and  courage 
I  Id  action,  which  proves  him  to  be   worthy  the  confidence  of  his 
country,  and  the  brave  volunt«;ers  who  fought  under  him.     Of 
the  volunteers.  Captains  Boughton  and  Harding,  with  their  de- 
I  tachments,  posted  on  the  right  and  attached  to  the  line,  com- 
manded by  Ca|»tain  E.  Foster  of  the  veteran  9th  infantry,  hand^ 
somely  contributed  to  the  repulse  of  the  left  column  of  the  ene-' 
my  under  Col.  Scott. 

The  judicious  preparations  and  steady  conduct  of  Lieutenant' 
Colonel  Aspinwall,  commanding  the  first  brigade,  merit  approba^ 
tion.  '  • 

To  Major  M'Kee,  chief  engineer  the  greatest  credit  is  due  for 
the  excellent  arrangement  and  skilful  execution  of  his  plans  for 
fortifying  and  defending  the  right,  and  for  his  correct  and  season- 
able suggestions  to  regain  the  bastion.  Major  Wood,  of  the  en- 
gineers, also  greatly  contributed  to  the  previous  measures  of  de<^' 
fence.  He  had  accepted  the  command  of  a  regiment  of  infantry, 
(the  21st.)  for  which  he  has  often  proved  himself  well  qualified, 
but  never  so  conspicuously  as  on  this  occasion. 

Towson's  battery  emitted  a  constant  sheet  of  fire.  Wood's 
small  arms  lighted  up  the  space,  and  repulsed  five  terrible  charges 
made  between  the  battery  and  the  lake. 


,#,- 


1       If  1 1 ,1.-  ■  '*'.■ 


■it   'l^i 

ymm 


a74 


SKSTCH£S  OV 


Brigadier  General  Ripley  speaks  in  high  terms  of  the  otKceru 
and  men  engaged,  particularly  Captains  Marston  and  Ropes; 
Lieutenants  Riddle  (of  the  15th,  doing  duty  with  the  21st,)  and 
Hall ;  Ensigns  Benn,  Jones,  Cummings  and  Thomas,  of  the  Ust 
and  Keally  and  Green  of  the  10th. 

Major  Hindman,  and  the  whde  of  the  artillery  under  the  com- 
mand of  that  excellent  officer,  displayed  a  degree  of  gallantry 
and  good  conduct  not  to  be  surpassed.  The  particular  situation 
of  Captain  Towson,  and  the  much  lamented  Captain  Williams 
and  Lieutenant  Macdonough,  and  that  of  Lieutenant  Watmougb, 
as  already  described,  with  their  respective  commands,  rendered 
them  most  conspicuous.  The  courage  and  good  conduct  of  Lieu- 
tienants  Zantzinger  and  Childs,  is  spoken  of  in  high  terms  by  Ma* 
jor  Hjndman  and  Captain  Towson,  as  also  that  of  Serjeant-Major 
Denhon.  Captains  Biddle  and  Fanning,  on  the  centre  and  right 
of  their  entrenchments,  threw  their  shot  to  the  right,  left  and 
front,  and  annoyed  the  Indians  and  light  troops  of  the  enemy  ap^ 
proaching  from  the  woods.  Lieutenant  Fontaine,  in  his  zeal  tq 
meet  the  enemy,  was  unfortunately  wounded  and  made  prisoner. 
Lieutenant  Bird  was  active  and  useful ;  and,  in  fact,  every  indi- 
vidual of  the  corps  did  their  duty. 

The  detachment  of  Scott's  gallant  brigade,  consisting  of  part; 
of  the  9th,  nth  and  22d  infantry,  did  its  duty  in  a  manner  wor- 
thy the  high  reputation  the  brigade  had  acquired  at  Chippewa  and 
at  the  falls  of  Niagara.  The  9th,  under  the  command  of  Capt. 
Edmund  Foster,  was  actively  engaged  against  the  left  of  the  ene- 
my, and  with  the  aid  of  Lieutenant  Douglass'  corps  of  bombard- 
iers, commanding  the  water  battery,  and  of  that  of  the  volun- 
teers, under  Captains  Boughton  and  Harding,  eifected  their  re- 
pulse. The  good  conduct  of  Lieutenants  Childs,  Cushman  and 
Foot,  and  Ensign  Blake,  deserves  commendationi 

The  officers  killed  are  Captain  Williams  and  Lieutenant  Mac- 
donough of  the  artillery ;  wounded.  Lieutenant  Watmough  of 
the  artillery;  Ensign  Cisna,  10th;  Lieutenant  Bushnell,  2J8t; 
Lieutenants  Brown  and  Belknap,  23d  ;  and  Captain  Birdsall,  4thi 
rifle  regiment....all  severely. 

Lieutenant  Fontaine,  of  the  artillery,  writes  from  the  British 
camp,  that  be  fortunately  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  Indians,  who, 
after  taking  his  money,  treated  him  kindly.  It  would  seem  then, 
that  these  savages  had  not  Joined  in  the  resolution  to  give  no 
quarter. 

To  Major  Jones,  assistant  adjutant-general ;  Major  Hall,  assis- 
tant inspector-general;' Captain  Harris,  of  the  dragoons,  volunteer 
aid-de-camp ;  and  Lieutenant  Belton,  aid-de-camp,  much  credit  is 
due  for  their  constfint  vigilance  and  strict  attention  to  every  duty 
previous  to  the  action,  and  the  steady  courage,  zeal  and  activity 
which  they  manifested  during  the  action. 


THK  WAR. 


8/5 


The  surgeons,  Doctors  Fuller,  23d,  and  Troubridge,  21st,  with 

I  their  mates.  Doctors  Gale  of  the  23d,  and  Everitt  and  Allen  of 

the  2l8t,  deserve  the  warmest  approbation  for  their  indefatigable 

exertions  and  humane  attention  to  the  wounded  of  our  army,  as 

well  as  to  the  prisoners  who  fell  into  their  hands. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir,  your  very  obedient  servant, 

£•  P.  GAINES,  Brig.  gen.  commanding. 

The  American  Loss  in  this  affair  was  17  killed,  56  wounded, 
\ini  11  missing..». total  84.* 

The  British  loss,  according  to  their  official  statement,  was  51 
I  killed,  (among  whom  were  Colonel  Scott  and  Lieutenant  Colonel 
iDrummond,)  262  wounded,  and  468  mi88ingu.*total,  799.f 

General  Gaines,  in  a  letter  to  the  secreary  of  war,  dated  the 
|20th  of  August,  states,  that  in  the  battle  of  the  15th  he  inadver- 
luDtly  omitted  the  names  of  Captain  Chunn,  of  the  19th,  Lieuts. 
JBowman  and  Lamed,  of  the  21st,  and  Lieutenant  Jewett,  of  the 
lllth  infantry;  as  also  his  brigade  Major,  Lieutenant  Gleason.... 
leach  of  whom  bore  a  conspicuous  part  in  the.  action,  and  were 
Irecommended  to  the  secretary's,  notice.  Lieutenants  Bowman 
lind  Lamed  commanded  companies  in  the  2l8t,  which  so  gallant- 
lly  beat  the  enemy's  right  column.  Captain  Chunn,  with  his  com> 
Ipany,  was  doing  duty  in  the  same  regiment.  This  regiment  pur- 
jiued  the  enemy's  right  upwards  of  a  mile,  and  took  nearly  100 
kisoners;  his  left  was  likewise  pursued,  and  more  than  a  hundred 
jprisoners  were  taken  beyond  our  works. 

During  the  cannonade  and  bombardment  of  the  fort  by  the  en- 
Itmy,  on  the  13th  and  14th  of  August,  the  American  loss  was  9 
Ilnlled  and  36  wounded.  The  bombardment  commenced  at  sun- 
Ime  on  the  morning  of  the  13th,  and  continued  until  8  o'clock  in 
pe  evening.  At  daylight,  on  the  14th,  it  re-commenced  with 
[ioereased  warmth,  and  continued  until  within  one  hour  of  the 
{commencement  of  the  action  of  the  15th. 

Splendid  sortie  against  the  enemies  batteries On  the  2d  of 

[September,  General  Brown  having,  recovered  from  his  wounds. 
Ire-assumed  the  command  of  the  army  at  fort  Erie.  From  the  2d, 
Idntil  the  16th,  skirmishes  frequently  took  place  between  the  con- 
I  tending  troops,  in  which  the  losses  of  both  were  trifling. 

*yom««o/°f^r«AH7fodanr/Tooun(M->AniUery— C>pt.  tTillMmi  and  Lieut.  Maedonougb.  kil- 
m  Oeiending  the  battioii;  Lieut.  Watmogh,  wounded  dd.  leverely;  Lieut.  Fcmuine  niitdng, 
I  ihrown  from  the  bastion. 

1  M/an/ru— Eosigu  Ci$na,  i9threg;iment,dani«Tonsly  in  defence  of  the  fort:  Lieut.  Buihnell.  letk 
I  id  leverely  do. :  Lieot.  Uniwn,  23d  do-  leveRly  do. ;  Ueut.  Belknap,  23d  do.  teverely  in  deiendins 
Itliepiuuetguard,  which  he  commanded. 

I  ith  Rife  Hegitnentm'Ciipu  Oiidsall,  accidenully  wouaded,  whilst  defending  the  (brt,  by  one  of  hia 
■  •vatoldien. 

tThe  American  Inspector  General  reports,  that  the  enemy  lift  on  the  fiflil  3t2  killSl,  ai0  IT* 
'Ounded;    'Ike pi-isonet»  taken  amounted  to  about  400. 


:';--'f#-'^ 


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SKUTCUltS  OS 


On  the  17  th,  a  spleridid  tprtie  was  made  against  the  eocm)'  ^  .i 
batteries,  (which  he  had  been  busily  employed  in  erecting  for  a 
number  of  days,  within  a  short  distance  of  fort  Erie,)  and  which 
eventuated  in  a  great  slaughter  of  his  troops,  and  almost  tota^ 
destruction  of  his  works.  General  Brown,  in  a  letter  to  the  se- 
cretary of  war,  dated  the  18th,  gives  a  hasty  sketch  of  this  bril- 
liant achievement ;  but  in  a  subsequent  letter,  of  which  the  fol- 
lowing is  a  copy,  he  enters  more  minutely  into  a  detailed  ac 
count :  .  . 

Fort  Erie;,  September  20,  18M. 

Sir — In  my  letter  of  the  18th  instant,  I  briefly  informed  you  I 
of  the  fortunate  issue  of  the  sortie  which  took  place  the  day  pre- 
ceding.   But  it  is  due  to  the  gallant  officers  and  men,  to  whose 
bravery  we  are  indebted  for  our  success  on  this  occasion,  that } 
should  give  you  a  more  circumstantial  and  detailed  account  Ci| 
this  affair. 

r     The  enemy's  camp  I  had  ascertained  to  be  situated  in  a  field 
surrounded  by  woods,  nearly  two  miles  distant  from  their  battt-i 
ries  and  entrenchments,  the  object  of  which  was  to  keep  the  parts 
of  the  force  which  was  not  upon  duty,  out  of  the  range  of  our 
fire  from  fort  Erie  and  Black  Roqk.    Their  infantry  was  foiinedl 
into  three  brigades,  estimated  at  12  or  1500  men  each.   ,One  oi 
these  brigades,  with  a  detail  from  their  artillery,  was  stationed  at 
their  works,  (these  being  about  600  yards  distant  from  old  for; I 
£rie,  and  the  right  of  our  line*)     We  had  already  sufTered  mucl. 
from  the  fire  of  two  of  their  batteries,  and  were  aware  that  a 
third  was  about  to  open  upon  us*    Under  these  circumstances,  1 1 
resolved  to  storm  the  batteries,  destroy  the  cannon,  and  roughlj  f 
handle  the  brigade  upon  duty,  before  those  in  ictsrve  could  bi  I 
brought  into  action. 

On  the  morning  of  the  1 7th,  the  infantry  and  riflemen,  regu-l 
lars  and  militia,  were  ordered  to  be  paraded  and  put  in  readiness 
to  march  precisely  at  11^  o'clock.  General  Porter,  with  the  vol 
lunteers.  Colonel  Gibson  with  the  riflemen,  and  Major  Brookf 
with  the  23d  and  1st  infantry,  and  a  few  dragoons  acting  as  iu- 
fantry,  were  ordered  to  move  from  the  extreme  left  of  our  posi-| 
tiou;  upon  the  enemy's  right,  by  a  passage  opened  through  the! 
woods,  for  the  occasion.  General  Miller  was  directed  to  stationi 
Ins  command  in  the  ravine  which  lies  between  fort  Erie  and  thcl 
enemy's  batteries,  by  passing  them  by  detachments  through  thcl 
fikirts  of  the  wood  ;  and  the  2l8t  infantry,  under  General  RipIeyJ 
was  posted  as  a  corps  of  reserve  between  the  new  bastions  ot| 
fort  Erie ;  all  under  cover,  and  out  of  the  view  of  the  enemy. 

About  20  minutes  before  3,  P.  M.  I  found  the  left  oolumns^uii 
der  the  command  of  General  Porter,  which  were  destined  to  tuni| 
the  enemy's  right,  within  a  few   rods  of  the   British  entrench 
raents.     They  were  ordered  to  advance  apd  commence  the  f'c 


Tax  WAR. 


37; 


mmence  the  r'c 


ijDB.  t'atdiiig  down  the  ravine^  I  judged  from  the  report  of  mus- 
quetry,  that  the  action  bad  commenced  on  our  left ;  1  now  has- 
tened to  General  Miller^  and  directed  him  to  seize  the  moment, 
and  pierce  the  enemy's  entrenchments  between  batteries  No.  2 
aiid  3.  My  orders  were  promptly  and  ably  executed.  Within 
30  minutes  after  the  first  gun  was  fired,  batteries  No.  2  and  3, 
the  enemy's  line  of  entrenchments,  and  his  two  block  houses  were 
hi  our  possession. 

Soon  after,  battery  No.  1  was  abandoned  by  the  British.  The 
guns  in  each  were  spiked  by  us,  or  otherwise  destroyed,  and  the 
nuigazine  of  No.  3  was  blown  up. 

A  few  minutes  before  the  explosion,  I  had  ordered  up  a  reserve 
ODder  General  Ripley.  As  he  passed  me,  at  the  head  of  his  cq* 
lumn,  I  desired  him,  as  he  would  be  the  senior  in  advance,  to  as- 
certain, as -neat  as  possible,  the  situation  of  the  troops  in  general, 
and  to  have  a  care  that  not  more  was  hazarded  than  the  occa- 
sion required :  that,  the  object  of  the  sortie  efTected,  the  troop& 
would  retire  in  good  order,  &c.  General  Ripley  passed  rapidly 
on....80on  after,  I  became  alarmed  for  General  Miller,  and  sent 
an  order  for  the  21st  to  hasten  to  his  support,  towards  battery 
No.  1.  Col.  Upham  received  the  order,  and  advanced  to  the  aid  of 
Gen.Miller.  Gen.RipIeyhad  inclinedtothe  left, where  Maj. Brooks' 
command  was  engaged,  with  a  view  of  making  some  necessary 
enquiries  of  that  officer,  and,  in  the  act  of  doing  so,  was  unfor- 
tunately wounded.  By  this  time  the  object  of  the  sortie  was  ac- 
complished beyond  my  most  sanguine  expectations*  General 
Miller  bad  consequently  ordered  the  troops  on  the  right  to  fall 
back ;  observing  this  movement,  1  sent  my  staff  along  the  line, 
to  call  in  the  other  corps.  Within  a  few  minutes  they  retired 
from  the  ravine,  and  from  thence  to  camp. 

Thus  1000  regulars,  and  an  equal  portion  of  militia,  in  ore 
hour  of  close  action,  blasted  the  hopes  of  the  enemy,  destroyed 
the  fruits  of  5Q  days  labour,  and  diminished  his  effective  force 
1000  men  at  least,  i  am  af  a  loss  how  toexpress  my  satisfaction  at  the 
gallanteonduct  of  the  officers  and  men  of  this  division,  whose  valour 
has  shone  superior  to  every  trial.  Gen.  Porter,  in  his  official  re- 
port, herein  enclosed,  has  very  properly  noticed  those  patriotic  citi- 
zens who  have  done  so  much  honour  to  themselves,  by  freely  and 
v(4untarily  tenderilig 'their  services  at  a  dangerous  and  critical  pe- 
riod. 

As  the  scene  of  action  was  in  a  wood,  in  advance  c^  the  posl; 
tton  I  had  chosen  for  directing  the  movements  of  the  whole,  se- 
veral reports  of  the  commandants  of  corps  must  guide  me  in  no 
ticing  individuals.  , 

Gen.  Miller  mentions  Lieut.  Cols.  Aspinwall  and  Beedle,  Maj. 
Trimble,  Captain  Hull,  Captain  IngeraoU,  Lieutenant  Crawford, 

3  B 


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37d 


SKETCHES  OV 


B 

^ffip 

tMt^>wim'' 

Lieutenant  Lee,  and  particularly  Ensign  O'Fliag,  at  entitled  ic 
distinction. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  M'Donald,  upon  whom  the  command  of  the 
rifle  corps  devolved^  upon  the  fall  of  the  brave  and  generous  Gib- 
son, names  Adjutants  Shortridge  of  the  1st,  and  Ballard  of  the 
4th  regiment,  as  deserving  the  highest  applause  for  their  prompt- 
ness and  gallantry  in  communicating  orders.  Of  the  other  ofi]. 
cers  of  the  corps,  he  reports  generally,  that  the  bravery  and  good 
conduct  of  all  was  so  conspicuous  as  to  render  it  impossible  to 
discriminate. 

Major  Brookf,  to  whom  much  credit  is  due  for  the  distinguisl^ 
ed  manitcr  iA  which  he  executed  the  orders  he  received,  speaki 
in,  high  terms  of  Lieutenants  GoodelJ^  Ingersolt  and  Livingston, 
and  Ensigns  Brant  and  O'Fling,  of  the  23d....particularly  of  the 
latter.  Also  of  Captain  Simms,  Lieutenants  Bi8seU,.Shore  and 
Bridn6t,  of  the  Ist  inlantryy  and  Lieutenant  Watts,  of  the  dra> 
goons. 

Lieutenant  Colonel'  Upham,-  who  took  command  of  the  reserve 
after  General  Ripley  was  disabled,  bestows  great  praise  upon  Ma* 
Jor  Chambers  of  the  4th  regiment  of  riflemen,  attached  to  the 
2l8t  infantiy,  as  also  upon  Capt.  Bradford  and  Lieut.  Holding  of 
that  regiment. 

^  My  staff.  Colonel  Snelling,  Colonel  Gardner,  Major  Jones,  and 
my  aids-de-eamp.  Major  Austin  and  LieMtenant  Armstrong,  were, 
as  usual,  zealous,  intelligent  and  active ;  ihey  performed  every 
duty  required  of  them,  to  my  entire  satisfaction. 

Major  Hall,  assistant  inspector-general^  led  a  battalion  of  mili- 
tia, and  conducted  with  skill  and  gallantry.  Lieutenant  Kirby, 
aid-de-camp  to  General  Ripley,  wai  extremely  active  and  useful 
during  the.tipie  he  was  in  action.. 

Lieutenants  Frazer  and  Riddie  were  in  General  Porter's  staff; 
their  bravery  was  conspicuous,  and  no  ofScers  of  their  grade  were 
more  useful. 

The  corps  of  artillery^  commanded  by  Major  Hindman,  which 
hflft  been  so  eminently  distinguished  throughout  this  campaign, 
had  DO  opportunity  of  taking  a  part  in  the  sortie.  The  25th  io' 
fantry,  under  Colonel  Jessup,  was  stationed  in  fort  Erie«  to  hold 
the  key  of  our  position. 

Colonel  Brady,  on  whose  firmness  and  goou  conduct  every  re- 
liance could  be  placed,  was  on  command  at  Buffalo,  with  the  le- 
mains  of  the  22d  infantry.  Lieutenant  Colonel  M-'Bee  and  Lieu- 
tenant Cbionel  Wood  of  the  corps'of  engineers,  having  rendered 
to  this  army  servicetl  the  most  important,  I  must  seize  the  oppor* 
tunity  of  again  mentioning  them  particularly.  On  every  trying 
oceasioh  I  have  reaped  much  4)enefit  fronci  their  sound  and  excel- 
lent advice.    No  two  other  officers  of  their  grade  could  have  con- 


.     : .  i.   f 


THB  WAR. 


i79 


at  entitled  tc 


^nbuted  more  to  the  safety  and  bono  of  thii  army.  Wood,brave« 
generoui  and  enterprising,  died  as  he  had  lived,  without  a  feeling 

but  for  the  honour  of  his  country  and  the  glory  of  her  arms , 

His  name  and  example  will  live  to  guide  the  soldier  in  the  path 
of  duty,,  so  long  as  true  heroism  is  held  in  estimation.  M'Bee 
lives  to  enjoy  the  approbation  of  every  virtuous  and  generous 
mind,  and  to  receive  the  reward  due  to  his  services  and  high  mi* 
litary  talents. 

It  is  proper  here  to  notice,  that  although  but  one  third  of  the 
enemy's  force  was  on  duty  when  his  works  were  carried,  the 
whole  wrere  brought  into  action  while  we  were  employed  in  de- 
jitroyittg  his  cannon*     We  secured  prisoners  from  seven  regi- 
ments, and  know  that  the  6th  and  82d  suffered  severely  in  killed 
I  and  wounded  ;  yet  these  regiments  were  not  upon  duty. 

Lieutenant  General  Drummond  broke  up  his  camp  during  the 
I  night  of  the  21st,  and  retired  to  his  entrenchments  behind  Chip- 
pewa. A  party  of  our  men  came  up  with  the  rear  of  his  army 
It  Frenchman's  creek;  the  enemy  destroyed  part  of  their  stores^ 
m  setting  fire  to  the  buildings  from  which  they  w^re  employed 
ia  conveying  them.  We  found  in  and  about  their  camp,  a  con- 
liderable  quantity  of-  cannon  baU#  and  upwardis  of  100  stand  of 
I  arms. 

I  send  you,  enclosed  herein,  a  return  of  our  loss.  The  return 
|«f  piisoners  enclosed,  does  not  include  the  straggler.s  that  came 
|ia  after  the  action. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir^  very  respectfully,  your  most  obe- 
|dient  humble  servant, 

JACOB  BROWR 

The  following  is  the  report  from  Brigadier  General  Porter  to 
Major  General  Browo^  alluded  to  in  the.  foregoing  letter : 

Fort  Erie,  September  22,  1814.  ' 
Sir — In  executing  the  duty  you  have  imposed  on.  me,  of  re^ 
porting  the  conduct  of  the  officers  and  men  composing  the  left 
tolumn,  which  you^was  pleased  to  place  under  my  command  in 
the  sortie  of  the  1 7th  instant,  the  pleasure  I  derive  in  represent- 
ing to  you  the  admirable  conduct  of  the  whole,  is  deeply  chasten- 
|((1  by  sorrow  for  the  loss  of  many  brave  and  distinguished  men. 

Being  obliged,  from  the  nature  of  the  ground,  to  act  on  foot, 
it  was  impossible  that  my  own  personal  observation  should  reach 
to  every  officer.  Some  part  of  this  report  must  therefore  resj; 
ttpon  the  information  of  others. 

It  is  the  business  of  this  communication,  to  speak  of  the  con- 
duct of  individuals.;  yet  you.  Will  permit  me  to  premise,  although 
well  knpiwn  to  yourself  already,  that  the  object  of  the  left  C0|- 


'■ft 


'^ 


.  J: 


■^ 


'111 


j.M'iv  ■- 


(u: 


880 


SKSrCHI^S  0> 


lumn  wai  to  penetrate,  by  r  oireuitout  rout,  bet  wet  u  the  cut -j 
iny*t  batteriee,  where  one  third  of  hit  force  wai  alwayi  kept  on 
duty,  and  hii  main  camp,  and  that  it  wai  subdivided  into  3  divi- 
sioni....the  advance  of  200  riflemen  and  a  few  Indiana,  commaQ- 
ded  by  Colonel  Oibaoo«  and  two  columns,  moving  parallel  to,  and 
80  yards  distant  from  each  other.  The  right  column  was  com- 
manded by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Wood,  headed  by  400  infantry 
under  Mnjor  Brook  of  the  23d,  and  followed  by  500  .volunteers 
and  militia,  being  parts  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Dobbin's,  M'Bur- 
ney*s  and  Flemming*s  regiments,  and  was  intended  to  attack  the 
batteries.  The  left  column,  of  500  militia^  was  commanded  by  I 
Brigadier  General  Davis,  and  comprised  the  commands  of  Lieu* 
tenant  Colonels  Hopkins,  Churchill  and  Crosby,  and  was  intend- 1 
cd  to  hold  in  check  any  reinforcements  from  the  enemy's  camp; 
or  both  columns  (circumstances  requiring  it^  which  frequently 
happened)  to  co-operate  in  the  lame  object. 

After  carrying  by  storm,  in  the  handsomest  style,  a  strong! 
block  house  in  the  rear  of  the  third  battery,  making  its  garriflon} 
prisoners,  destroying  the  three  24  pounders  and  their  carriages 
in  the  third  battery,  and  blowing  up  the  enemy's  magazine,  and  I 
after  co-operating  with  General  Miller  in  taking  the  secondl 
battery^  the  gallant  leaders  of  the  three  divisions  all  fell  nearly  stl 
the  same  time...,Colonel  Gibson  at  the  second  battery,  and  Gene-I 
ral  Davis  aqd  Lieutenant  Colonel  Wood  in  an  assault  upon  tl(e| 
first. 

Brigadier  General  Davis,  although  a  militia  officer  of  little  ex-l 
pei'ience,  conducted  on  this  occasion  with  all  the  coolness  aod| 
bravery  of  a  veteran,  and  fell  while  advancing  upon  the  enemy'^ 
^'^^  entrenchments.    His  loss,  as  a  citizen  as  well  as  a  soldier,  Mrilll 
be  seveiely  felt  in  the  patriotic  county  of  Gennessee.    Colonelf 
Gibson  fully  sustained  the  high  military  reputation  which  he  had 
".'^  before  so  justly  acquired.    You  know  how  exalted  an  opinion 
'^ ''have  always  entertained  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Wood  of  the  enj 
^gineers.    His  conduct  on  this  day  wfas,  what  it  uniformly  ha^ 
been  on  every  similar  occasion,  an  exhibitbn  of  military  skill,  acute 
judgment  and  heroic  valour.    Of  the  other  regular  officers,  Lieu^ 
tenant  Colonel  M'Donald  and  Major  Brooks,  senior  in  commandJ 
will  report  to  you  in  relation  to  their  respective  divisions.    Pern 
init  mef,  however,  to  say  of  these  two  officers,  that  much  as  wa^ 
left  to  them  by  the  fall  of  their  distinguished  leaders,  they  were 

,' .   tble  to  sustain  their  parts  in  the  most  admirable  manner,  and 

'  "''they  richly  deserve  the  notice  of  the  government. 

^f    Of  the  militia,  I  regret  that  the  limits  of  a  report  will  not  perj 
**^mlt  me  even  to  name  all  of  those  who  on  this  occasion  establish] 

^  ed  claims  to  the  gratitude  of  their  fellow  citizens ;  much  less  to 
particularize  individual  merit.  Lieut.  Coloniela  Ifopkins,  M'Burj 
ney,  Churchill  and  Crosby,  and  Majors  Lee,Marcle,  WiltooJ 


i 


'-,4i 


THE  WAR, 


3tl 


't' 


liftwrcooe.  Burr,  Uunham,  Kellogg,  and  Gauiouj  art  entitled  to 
the  higbeit  praiie  for  their  gallant  oonduct,  their  iteady  and  per* 
•evering  exertiom.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Dobbin  being  prevented 
by  severe  indisposition  from  taking  the  field.  Major  Hall,  assist- 
ant inspector  general,  volunteered  bis  services  to  join  Major  Lee 
in  the  command  of  the  volunteer  regiment ;  and  Major  Lee  and 
every  other  officer  speaks  in  the  highest  terms  of  the  gallant  and 
good  conduct  of  this  young  ofticer. 

Captain  Fleming  who  commanded  the  Indians,  was  as  he  al- 
ways is,  in  the  front  of  the  battle.  There  is  not  a  more  intrepid 
soldier  in  the  army.  1  should  be  ungrateful  were  I  to  omit  the 
namM  of  Captains  Knapp  and  Hull  of  the  volunteers,  and  Capt- 
ain Parker  and  Lieutenant  Chatfield  of  the  militia,  by  whose  in- 
trepidity I  wAs,  during  the  action,  extricated  from  the  most  un- 
pleasant  situation.  Captains  Richardson,  Buel  and  Kennedy, 
Lieutenants  Parkhurst  and  Brown,  and  Adjutants  Dobbin,  Bates 
and  Robinson,  particularly  distingi^ished  thenyelves.  The  patri- 
otic conduct  of  Captain  Elliot  with  twenty  young  gentlemen,  who 
volunteered  from  Batavia,  and  of  Major  Hubbard  with  fourteen 
men  exempted  by  age  from  military  duty,  should  not  be  omitted.—- 
They  were  conspicuous  during  the  action. 

You  will  excuse  me,  if  I  am  partial  in  speaking  of  my  own 
iiamily  consisting  of  my  brigade  Major  Frazer,  my  volunteer  aid- 
de-camp  Riddle,  (both  lieutenants  in  the  13th  infantry.)  Captain 
Bigger,  of  the  Canadian  volunteers.  Messrs.  Williams  and  Del- 
apierre,  volunteer  aids  for  the  day,  all  of  whom  except  Mr.  Wil- 
liams were  wounded. 

Lieutenants  Frazer  and  Riddle  were  engaged  for  most  of  the 
preceding  day  with  fatigue  parties ;  cutting  roads  for  the  advance 
of  the  column  through  the  swamp,  and  falling  timber  to  the  rear, 
and  within  150  yards  of  the  enemy's  right ;  which  service  they 
performed  with  so  much  address  as  to  avoid  Miscovery  ;  and  on 
the  succeeding  day  they  conducted  the  two  columns  to  the  attack 
Frazer  was  severely  wounded  by  a  musket  ball,  whilst  spiking  a 
gun  on  the  2d  battery.  Riddle,  (with  quarter  master  Greene,  of 
the  volunteers,  whose  good  conduct  deserves  much  praise,)  after 
the  first  battery  ^m  carried,  descended  into  the  enemy's  maga- 
zine, and  after  securing  a  quantity  of  fixed  amunition,  blew 
up  the  maga2:ine,  and  suffered  severely  from  the  explosion.  I 
must  solicit,  thro^h  you,  sir,  the  attention  of  the  general  gov- 
ernment to  these  meritorious  young  men.  Captain  Bigger  is  an 
excellent  officer,  and  has  rendered  me  much  assistance,  but  was 
dangerously  wounded.  The  other  young  gentlemen  are  citizens, 
and  deserve  much  credit  for  their  activity,  and  for  having  volun- 
tarily encountered  danger.  My  aid-de-camp  Major  Dox,  was 
con^aed  at  Buifalo  by  siftkaessi 


:n 


^r.'V'l 


i^it! 

-^•, '  f  1 

■■'»"•',■ '•■ill' 

4;H 

''1 

if 
1 

".if  '.  i'.^  : 

i 


^9? 


SKETCHES  OF 


On  the  whoie^sir^  I  can  say  of  the  regubr  troops  attached  to 
the  leftcolumn^  and  oftbe  veteran  volunteers  of  Lieutenajit  Co- 
lonel  Dobbin's  regiment,  that  every  man  did  his  duty,  and  their 
conduct  on  this  occasion  reflects  a  new  lustre  on  their  former 
brilliant  achievements.  To  the  militia  the  compliment  is  justly 
due,  and  I  could  pay  them  no  greater  compliment  than  to  say  that 
they  were  not  surpassed  by  the  heroes  of  Chippewa  and  Niagara 
in  steadiness  and  bravery. 

The  studied  intricacy  of  the  enemy's  defences,  consisting  not 
only  of  the  breast-works  connecting  their  batteries,  but  of  succes- 
sive lines  of  entrenchments  for  a  hundred  yards  in  the  rear,  cover* 
lag  the  batteries  and  enfilading  each  other,  and  the  whole  ob* 
structedby  abattis,  brush  and  felled  timber,  was  calculated  to  pro< 
duce  confusion  among  the  assailanv;?,  and  led  to  several  contests 
at  the  point  of  the  bayonet.    But  by  our  double  columns  any  tem- 
porary irregularity  in  the  one  was  always  corrected  by  the  other. 
Our  success  would  probably  ha,ve  been  more  complete,  but  for  the 
rain  which  unfortunately  s^t  in  tx)on   after  we   commenced  our 
march,  rendering  the  fire  of  many  of  our  muskets  useless,  and  by 
obscuring  the  sun,  led  to  several  unlucky  mistakes.    As  an  instance 
of  this,  a  body  of  50  prisoners  who  had  surrendered,  were  order- 
ed to  the  fort  in  charge  of  a  subaltern  and  fourteen  volunteers ; 
(he  officer  mistaking  the.  direction,  conducted  them  towards  the 
British  camp  in  the  rout  by  which  we  had  advanced,  and  they  were 
retaken  with  the  whole  of  the  guard,  excepting  the   officer  and 
one  man,  who  fought  their  way  back.     Several  of  our  stragglers 
were  made  prisoners  by  the  same  mistake.    But,  sir,  notwith- 
standing these  accidents,  we  have  reason  to  rejoice,  at  our  signal 
success  in  inflicting  a  vastly  disproportionate  injury  on  the  enemy, 
and  in  wholly  defeating  all  his  pUns  of  operation  against  this  army. 
#  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  very  great  respeet,  your  obedient 
servant.  ,  »  P.  B.  PORTER,  Brig.  Gen. 

Commanding  volunteers  and  militia^ 

■  • 

The  following  particulars  of  an  extraordinary  adventure  and 
escape  of  Major  General  Porter,  in  the  sortie  of  the  17th  Sep- 
tember, are  derived  from  an  authentic  source,  and  are  deemed  in? 
teresting: 

"General  Porter's  command,  on  that  day,  consisted  of  two  co*. 
lumns.  The  right  column  was  to  attack  the  batteries  in  the  rear. 
The  left,  which  was  stationed  directly  back  of  it,  was  kept  in  re- 
serve to  meet  the  reinforcements  which  were  expected  from  the 
enemy's  main  army.  General  Porter  was  with  the  right  column 
until  the  block-house  and  third  battery  were  carried ;  he  then 
set  out,  accompanied  by  two  or  three  persons,  to  go  to  the  left 
column,  where  some  jrkirmishHig  had  already  commenced  with 


Tfil  WAK. 


^».'f 


saa 


the  reiiiforcements.  He  had  proceeded  but  a  short  distance  in 
the  woods,  when  he  found  himself  within  a  few  yards  of  a  party 
of  60  or  80  of  the  enemy,  who  had  just  emerged  from  a  ditch^ 
and  who,  discovering  probably  that  our  troops  were  in  their  rear, 
stood  formed  in  two  lines,  with  their  arms  at  rest,  apparently  he' 
litating  which  way  to  go,  or  how  to  act.  General  Porter  finding 
himself  within  their  power,  and  seeing  that  the  occasion  required 
resolution  and  decision,  instantly  left  his  company,  and  running 
to  them  with  the  greatest  boldness,  exclaimed,  "  that's  right,  my 
good  fellows,  surrender,  and  we  will  take  care  of  you" — and 
coming  up  to  the  man  on  the  left,  he  took  his  musket  out  of  his 
hand  and  threw  it  on  the  ground,  at  the  same  time  pushing  him 
forward  towards  the  fort.    In  this  way  he  proceeded  nearly 

I  through  the  first  line,  most  of  the  men  voluntarily  throwing  down 
their  arms  and  advancing  to  the  front ;  when,  on  a  sudden,  a 
loldier,  whose  musket  he  was  about  to  take,  stepped  back,  and 

I  presenting  his  bayonet  to  General  Porter's  breast,  demanded  his 
luirender.  The  general  seized  the  musket  and  was  wresting  it 
from  him,  when  he  was  assaulted  by  an  officer  who  stood  next  in 
the  ranks,  and  three  or  four  soldiers,  who,  after  a  short  scuffle^ 
brought  him  to  the  ground.  He  however  soon  recovered  his  feet, 
when  he  found  himself  surrounded  by  15  or  20  men  with  their 
guns  presented  to  him,  demanding  his  surrender.     By  this  time 

I  several  of  our  officers  were  advanaiog  with  some  of  their  men 
the  scene   of  action,  and  General  Porter   assuming  an  air 

I  of  composure  and  decision,  told  the  enemy  that  they  were  sur- 
rounded and  prisoners,  and  that  if  they  fired  a  gun  they  should 
ill  be  put  to  the  sword.  Without  venturing  to  fire,  they  still 
continued  to  vociferate,  ''surrender,  you  are  my  prisoner,'*  when 
Lieutenant  Chylfield,of  the  Cayuga  riflemen,  who  had  got  near 
the  spot,  ordered  his  men  to  fire.  This  drew  their  attention  from 
the  general,  and  after  a  momentary  scene  of  confusion  and  car- 

hage,  the  enemy  were  all  either  killed  or  taken  prisoners.  In  this 
iffair  Captain  Knapp,  of  the  Newyork  volunteers,  was  badl^ 
wounded  by  a  musket  ball  in  the  side,  and  General  Porter  in  the 

I  hand  by  the  cut  of  a  sword.***' 

The  loss  of  the  enemy,  on  the  17th  September,  was  computed 
ht  lOOOmen;  385  were  taken  prisoners,  and  the  remainder  ei- 
ther killed  or  wounded.  Among  the  prisoners  were  2  majors,  4 
jcaptains,  4  lieutenants,  1  ensign  and  1  assistant  surgeon. 

The  American  loss  was  70  killed,  216  wounded,  and  216  mis- 
|liDg....total,611.«  >**" 

*  tfanui  and  nmk  ^  iifflcaa.  kUM,  w§Hnded,  and  mittingi 
KHed—Ueat,  Col.  E.  D.  Wood,  captain  and  brevet  iKUtenant-culiNicI  ofengineen ;  Capt.  L> 
|Bndii»d»  2ttt  inOuitrjr ;  Oapu  H-  Hale,  ath  inbutry ;  Capt.  L.  U.  A.  Armistead,  itt  riflemen. 
I  "'tundM.— Staif.  Btig.  Oeii.  Mipley.Sd  brifCiide  ilani;en>u«l^,  (hot  tlirouKh  the  neck;  Itt.  Ueut. 
ICnwfani,  ttUi  inOwtry,  tariff,  nuu-  lit  brigade,  ilightty,  slivt  m  the  arm ;  Mb  uititntty,  14eu|.  C«U 


«  It  1 


t^  iM 


7:^v 


8  ^Ji 


iu 


flkSTCHBS  OS' 


On  the  2l8l  of  Sq>teinber«  the  British  forces  under  General 
Drummond  retreated  from  their  encampment  near  fort  Erie,  and 
fell  back  on  fort  George.  They  were  pressed  in  the  retreat  by 
troops  from  the  fort,  and  were  obliged  to  destrt^  a  bridge  at 
Frenchman's  creek,  and  burn  wbfiit  stores  they  had  at  that  place. 

Jrrival  of  General  Izard  on  th9  Niagara  ffontier.,.,.On  the 
16th  of  September,  General  Izard,  who  bad  previously  been  sta- 
tioned at  Plattsburgh,  arrived  at  Sachet's  Harbour,  at  the  head  of  | 
his  army  ;  about  the  Ist  of  October  he  proceeded  up  the  take,  and 
landed  at  Batavia  ;  on  the  3d  he  had  a  conference  with  General 
Brown ;  and  on  the  11th  he  crossed  the  Niagara  at  Black  Rock. 
He  was  soon  afterwards  joined  by  the  army  at  fort  Erie ;  Gen. 
Brown  having  gone  to  Sachet's  Harbour  to  assume  the  command  | 
of  the  land  forces  in  that  quarter. 

On  the  14th  of  October,  General  Izard  advanced  with  his  ar-  j 
my  as  far  as  Chippewa  plains,  having  to  replace  the  brid/^es  j 
which  the  enemy  had  destroyed,  and  succeeded  in  driving  on  his  | 
out-posts,  after  some  sharp  skirmishing  with  our  light  corps. 

On  the  15th,  the  enemy  appeared  in  force  at  the  village  of  I 
Chippewa,  but  showed  no  disposition  to  give  battle.  A  bridge,! 
^vhich  had  been  destroyed,  left  no  means  of  annoying  him  except  I 
by  artillery.  The  guns  under  command  of  Captains  Towson  and 
Archer  were  accordingly  brought  up ;  and  being  well  directed  soon  I 
disabled  his  batteries  and  nearly  silenced  his  artillery  ;  after  which  | 
the  army  returned  to  its  encampment. 

On  the  16th  our  army  again  showed  the  enemy  its  front,  inl 
order  of  battle ;  and  although  he  had  been  reinforced,  he  wai| 
not  disposed  to  hazard  a  contest. 

~  On  the  17th  the  enemy  changed  his  position,  and  retired  seveo] 
TTJIes  up  the  Niagara. 

j4ction  at  Lyon's  creek On  the   18th  of  October,  Generail 

Bisscll  was  ordered,  with  a  detachment  of  his  brigade,  encamped| 
at  Black  Rock,  to  attempt  the  seizure  of  some  provisions  intended 

A<pintm)1.  scTerelf.  left  arm  amputated;  Capt.  Increnon.  tlightly,  in  Um  head ;  lit  Lieut.  E.  Chilili,| 
M-vpKly,  bayonet  wound  through  the  thigh  :  Utli  ini'antrj.  1st  Lieut.  W.  F.  Hale,  dangerouily.  iIukI 
in  the  body:  2d  Lieut.  I.  Clark,  seveKiy,  in  the  body  ;  3d  Lieut  Meirenaoa,  wveidf ,  thmugb  thef 
ihight  3d  Lieut  Davit, dangerously,  through  the  body.  1 9th  Infantry,  Mi^.  Trimble,  jdangerouiljrJ 
«hot  tUrough  the  body ;  Kniign  Neclj-. slightly, diot  in  the  thigb.  Sist  iolantry,  KnrigaCuouningiJ 
m^vcnly,  in  the  arm.  33d  intantry,  ipt  Lieut.  Brown,  slightly,  in  the  arm :  Ensign  CFnag,  mon«l-l 
ly,  since  dead.  Ist  Riflemen,  Capt.  Harasey,  severely,  in  the  groin  :  3d  Lieut.  Cobb,Mt«niiy,  in  iM 
NMly .  4th  RiHcmen.  Cohiael  Jane*  Gibson,  mortally,  since  dead ;  1st  Lieut  Gfluit,  ievera  wounds  iB| 
vhe  arm  and  side. 

Mining  —Ist  Lieut.  Ballard,  adjutant  4th  Riflemen,  frboner. 

Of  the mUUitt—KiUcd—Htig.  Oen  Davit,  ot'voluntecr  brigade  ;  Capt  Duel,  of  Lieut  CoL  Cn 
by^  regt. ;    Ueut  Broirn.  of  Lieut.  Col   M*Biuniey'a  regt. ;  Lieub  W.  U«Uuiai>,  ^i^'  Lieut.  CoM 
J-lrming'sregt :  Ensign  Rhkesley,  of  Lt  Col.  M'Uurney's  rtgt-  I 

IfQundid-^uA'.  MtX.  Gen.  f .  B.  I^>rter,  sword  wound  in  the  band ;  Itt  Uent.  Franr,  ilth  inrj 
brig,  mai- severely  ia  the  kg  t  Itt  Ueut.  Riddle,  itth  iat  acting  at  aid  dtr-«an»i>,  slight  contusion  f 
Capt,  Bigger,  N.  V.  vol.  weSng  aid,  severely  throu^  the  breast  and  thaulder.  Lt  Col.  Dolmn^ 
regt— Cut  Knanp,  in  tlie  hip ;  Lt,  Bailey,  in  the  tide.  Lieut  CoL  Mmuroey't  regt— Capt.  iiv^ 
wounded  and  pntoncr.    Lt  Col.  Hopkint'^regt— Lt  Gillet,  through  the  thigh. 

Mitting—i't.  Col.  W.  L.  ChurehiU.  M^).  E.  Wilson,  Qr.  Mast  O.  Wilcoii,  Capt.  Crouch,  CaprS'' 
Cate,  Lt  Case,  Ent.  Chambers,Ens.  Clark,  £m.  Cbur(lt,inisuiKX». 


■?!■ 


lUB  WAR, 


385 


1  retired  seveDi 


:L  of  Lient.  Col  Ci 
|UH)P^  gf  LiCUt.  Com 


Cnpt.  Crottch,  Captsii 


for  the  British  troopi.  He  marched  with  parti  of  the  0tl|,  14th4 
15th  and  16th  infantry,  a  small  party  of  dragoons  and  a  company 
riflemen,  the  whole  about  OQO  raen....after  driving  before  him  the 
piquet,  of  which  they  made  the  commanding  officer  prisoner, 
they  encamped  for  the  night,  after  throwing  heyond  Lyon's  creek 
two  infantry  companies  under  the  eommaod  of  Captain  Dorman 
of  the  5th,  Lieutenant  Horreil  of  the  16th  infantry,  and  the  rifle< 
men  under  Captain  Irvine.  A  piquet  on  the  Chippewa  road, 
commanded  by  Lieutenant  GassawAy,  was  attacked  by  two  com- 
panics  ^f  Glengary  light  infantry,  which  were  beaten  back  wU|i 

loss.     •         '        "  .     .  '.  .      -y- 

On  the  morning  of  the  10th,  the  detachment  was  attacked  by 
select  corps  of  the  enemy,  not  less  than  1200  strong.  The  light 
infantry,  under  Captain  Dorman,  and  Irvine's  riflemep,  sustained 
the  whole  of  the  fire  of  the  enemy  for  fifteen  minutes,  during 
which  time,  the  5th  and  14tb  were  formed. 

The  5th  was  ordered  to  turn  the  enemy's  left  flank  while  the 
14th  charged  him  in  front.  This  was  executed  in  a  most  gallant 
manner  by  Colonel  Pinkney  of  the  5th  and  Major  Barnard  of  the 
14th  infantry,  who  greatly  distinguished  himself  in  the  officer  like 
style  in  which  he  conducted  hie  battalion.  The  enemy  were 
compelled  to  a  precipitate  retreat  and  hid  themselves  once  more 
behind  their  fortifications.  Brigadier  General  Bissell  particularly 
mentions  the  skill  and  intrepidity  of  Colonel  Snelling,  inspector 
general ;  Colonel  Pinkney,  commanding  the  5th ;  Major  Barnard, 
14th;  Major  Barker,  45th,  acting  with  the  5th  ;  Captain  Irvine 
|«f  the  riflemen;  Captain  Dorman  ;  Captain  Allison  whose  horse 
,  was  shot  under  him ;  and  Brigade  Major  Lieut.  Prestman,  5th 
infantry.  v  > 

Lieutenant  Anspack  of  the  light  dragoona  was  conspicuous  fcii* 
hif  alertness  in  communicating  the  brigadier  general's  orders  dur- 
ing the  action. 

I  A  number  of  prisoners  was  taken  among  whom  a  piquet  of 
dragoons  with  their  horses.  A  large  quantity  of  grain  also  fell 
into  our  hands.  The  brigadier,  after  completing  the  orders  he 
had  received,  and  burying  the  few  of  our  brave  soldiers  who  fell 
in  the  action,  and  the  dead  of  the  enemy  who  were  left  on  the 
ground  by  the  latter,  returned  to  the  camp  on  Black  Creek. 

The.American  loss  in  this  afl&ir,  was  \2  killed,  and  55  woun* 
ded  and  missing— total  €7.  That  of  the  British,  in  killed,  woun- 
ded and  prisoners,  was  estimated  at  nea/ly*  200. 

Nothing  of  importance  occuired  on  the  Niagara  frontier,  after 
this  action,  until  the  5th  of  November ;  when  fort  Erie,  according 
to  previous  arrangements,  was  blown  up,  and  the  whole  Americdn 
A)rce  recrossed  the  Niagara,  for  winter  quarters. 

a-c 


'.,-^i: 


iltli 


!»;#« 


'JSP 


SKVTCH«»  09 


■Ut^i-'^^ 


'■■(i 


Biographf  <if  Qfneral  ffroowi.... Jacob  Brown  l«  by  birtU  % 
PenDsylvaniaOk  He  was  born  ia  BmcMi  county,  a  few  inU«i  bviow 
tttnifmf  where  hit  father  was  for  many  >eari  a  respectable  far- 
mer* Hit  ancettort  both  pateriial  and  maternaly  had  been  for  ler 
verak  geperatkmt  of  the  toeiety  of  Quakerti  tome  pf  them  copsjr^icih 
out  in  the  circle  wherein'  they  moved  for  good  tente^  piety,  an^ 
moral  worth :  the  former  were  amo^g  the  earliett  scttlert  of  the 
ccrfooy,  having  emigrated  from  England  with  William  Penn,  and 
followed  bit  fortunes  to  his  infant  estaUithment  planted  amidst 
the  wildt  and  sayaget  of  the  new  world.  Like  Washingtoo, 
therefore,  and  Green,  Wayne  and  Putmaq,  and  the  other  distin- 
guished heroes  of  the  revolution,  the  subject  of  this  meiacHr  is  pure- 
ly American. 

'Of  the  early  years  of  young  Brown  we  know  but  little,    j^l 
'  ve  are  given  to  understand  is,  that,  considering  his  opportunities^ 
vhich  were  very  limited,  be  pursued  learning  with  zeal  and  per- 
^  severance,  and  acquired  it  with  facility. 

<  At  the  age  of  23,  he  removed  tqNewrYork,  where  he  casually 
became  acquainted  with  a  land  agent,  whose  concern  lay  on  the 
waters  and  in  the  vicinity  of  Lake  Ontario.  Having  negociated 
*  "with  that  gentleman  a  pcmtract  for  a  few  thousand  acres  of  whit 
^  was  then  a  wilderness,  he  set  put  in  the  year  179£>  to  form  a  set- 
^  tiemenf  on  his  new  purchase.  By  this  arrangement  a  foundation 
'  was  laid  (or  the  eminence  and  honours  he  hat  since  attained^  ] 
|tnd  the  substantial  benefits  be  hat  conferred  on  hit  country. 

Among  many  acquirements,  and  having  distingMished.himself  as  I 
an  enlightened  and  practical  farmer,  Mr.  Brown  was  elected  in 
the  year  1808,  a  member  of  the  Agricultural  and  Philosophical 
society  of  the  state  of  New-York.     From  about   this  period  may 
be  dated  the  commencement  of  his  public  character.   .  In  the 
course  of  the  succeeding  year,  he  was  appointed  to  the  command  I 
of  a  regiment  pf  militia,  the  ftrtt  military  station  he  had  ever  fill- 1 
ed.    Applying  himself  now  to  the  study  of  armt  with  the  samel 
ardour  which  had  hitherto  marked  hit  peaceful  pursuittj,  he  soon  I 
^^  manifested  talents  conclusive  of  the  fact,  that  he  yta  caleulatedl 
^  for  an  officer  of  no  ordinary  standing.    He  wat,  accordingly,  iD| 
^^  the  ipring  of  1811,  promoted  to  the  rank  of  brigadier  generaL 
The  present  war  having  com inenced  in  the  year    1812,  thcj 
country  around  lake  Ontario  being  a  frontier  and   important  situ-l 
ation,  wat  necessarily  destined  to  become  a  theatre  of  ^arly   aodj 
active   mHitary   operations.     Arrangementt  ytrere  consequently! 
made  by  government  to  meet  the  prettuve  pf  expected  events.. 
Of  the  first  detachment  of  New- York  militia  called  into  the  se^| 
^ce  of  the  United  States,  General  Brown  had  the  command  of 
brigade.     It  is  but  juttice  to  him  to  ttate,  that  he  wat  selected  tc 
thit  arduous  and  responsible  situation,  from  the  well  known  firm-j 
nets  and  efficiency  of  bis  character,  connected  with  bis  accural^ 


•r  ■ 
«  • 
-.3 
•♦ 


53* 


tut  War, 


38^ 


leraoir  u  pure* 


jtdowledge  of  the  country  that  was  likely  to  become  in  a  iehort 
dme  the  theatre  of  war.  He  was  not  regarded  as  a  iitn'shine 
pitriot,  a  mere  parade^lay  officer^  whose  ruling  passion  was  tlie 
vanity  of  being  gazed  at  in  military  dress.  He  w's  considered 
II  one  qualified  to  meet  the  shock  of  battle,  with  the  inteliigenoe 
of  a  commander  and  the  gallantry  of  a  soldier.  Nor  was  it  long 
till  events  occurred  to  prove  the  correctness  of  public  opinion. 

The  general's  first  command,  being  i^  far  too  extensive  for  the 
number  of  his  troops,  was,  in  aa  eminent  degree,  laborious   and 
embarrassing.     It  embraced  the  whole  Ime  of  frontier  from  Oswe- 
go to  St.  Regis,  a  distance  of  more  than  three  hundred  mile8.M«. 
Within  this  line  was  included  the  tra|)ortant  post  of  Sackett's  Har* 
bor,  the  security  ctf  which,  being  essential  to  the  success  of  ulteri* 
or  operations,  constituted  the  first  object  of  his  attention.    Having 
fortified  this  in  the  best  manner  his  time  and  scanty  means  would 
allow,  he  reconnoitered  in  person  the  shores  of  the  St.  Lawrence^ 
and,  with  equal  promptness  and  skill,  provided  as  far  as  practica- 
blie,  for  the  defence  of  the  country.      His  transportation,  a  short 
time  afterwards,  of  A  party  of  four  hundred  men  front  Sackett^s 
Harbor  to  Ogdensburgh,  manifested  a  firmness  of  purpose  and   aa 
intrepidity  of  spirit,  which  but  few  even  of  the  hardiest  soldiers 
possess.    The  roads  were  ioifMssible  for  baggage  and  artiilery, 
and  the  enemy  wete  in  undisputed  possession  of  the  lake  and  ri* 
ver.    On  the  subject  of  a  passage  by  water,  there  existed  but  one 
opinion  ;  an  atteaopt  at  it  was  considered  as  fraught  with  destruc- 
tion.    The  general^  however,  having  been  ordered  to  proceed^ 
was  beat  on  obedience^  and  neither  the  front  of  danger,  nor  the 
voice  of  renionstfance  could  shake  his  resolution.     He,  accord- 
mgly,  enfbarfced  with  his  troops  in  the  best  flotilla  be  could  pro- 
vide for  the  purpose,  and  determined  to  fight  his  way  through 
whatever  might  oppose  him,  arrived  in  safety  at  his  place  of  des- 
tination.    In  this  darmg  enterprize  he  actually  achieved  what  the 
boldest  might  well  have  hesitated  to  attempt.     While  stationed 
at  Ogdensburgh,  he  sO  galled  and  harassed  the  enemy,  in  their 
ilBvlgatioa  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  that,  impatient  of  further  an- 
BOjrence,  they  fitted  out  a  formidable  expedition  for  his  capture 
or  destrnetfon.    The  number  of  men  they  despatched  on  this  en- 
terprise was  upwards  of  800,  commanded  by  some  of  their  best 
officers,  and  provided  with  every  thing  deemed  necessary  to  in- 
sure success.    The  American  force  opposed  to  them  was  less  than 
400.    Notwithstanding  this  V9M  nameri^al  difference,  so  judicioua 
wl»re  the  arrangements  of  General  Brown,  and  so  deadly  the  fire 
with  which  he  received  the  enemy,  that  he  forced  him  to  retreat 
precifNtately  with  considerable  loss  in  boats  and  men,  not  one  of 
his  iMfty  having  received  even  a  wound.    No  ftirther  attempts 
were  made  to  dislodge  him  during  his  continuance  at  that  post. 

Hit  term  of  service  having  soon  ailterwards  expired,  the  gene- 
ral returned  to  bis  family  at  Browtoville,  and  resumed,  as  hereto^ 


■<:ial!StJ 


i 


m-!i 


■■•it  '^i'B^- 


,S    ii„ 


I' 


•t.i. 


dBr 


SKETCHES  Of 


iwt 


fi)re«  hit  agricultural  puriuiti.  But  with  the  talent!  and  qualiffca^ 
tioni  for  war  which  be  had  recently  exhibited,  it  was  not  to  be 
expected  that,  in  a  time  of  danger,  and  on  a  frontier  eafablish* 
inent,  he  would  be  suffered  to  remain  in  the  enjoyment  of  repose. 
He  waa  oftentimes  consulted  on  military  matters  by  the  officers 
commanding  in  the  distriet  wherein  he  resided,  to  whom  his  ad- 
vice was  essentially  serviceable,  and  who  never  failed  to  regard 
it  with  respect  and  deference.  But  on  occasions  of  emergency, 
warriors  must  act  as  well  as  counseh  We  accordingly,  in  the 
spring  of  181S,find  General  Brown  again  in  the  field,  and  once 
more  entrusted  with  the  defence  of  Sachet's  Harbour,  which  was 
menaced  by  a  serious  attack  from  the  enemy. 

All  the  regular  troops,  except  about  400,  who,  from  their  re- 
cent arrival  on  the  spot,  were  but  IHtlff  better  than  fresh  recruits, 
had  been  removed  from  the  harbour,  to  co-operate  in  the  medi- 
tated reduction  of  fort  George.  The  furniture  of  the  cannon  hav* 
ing  been  carried  off  to  complete  the  outfit  for  the  same  service, 
the  batteries  were  nearly  in  a  dismantled  state.-  Nor  could  any 
efficient  aid  be  derived  from  the  co-operation  of  the  fleet,  in  as 
much  as  that,  with  the  exception  of  two  small  schooners,  was  all 
employed  in  the  expedition  up  the  lake.  la  fact,  considering  its 
exposed  situation,  and  the  vital  importaBce  of  the  post,  Sacket*f 
Harbour  had  been,  to  the  astonishment  of  all  military  men,  left  in 
a  most  unprotected  and  periloos  condition.  To  aid  in  its  defence. 
General  Brown  embodied,  with  all  practicable  promptitude,  a  few 
hundred  militia  from  the  adjacent  distiict,  who  had  scarcely  arri- 
ved when  the  enemy  made  his  appearance.  The  general's  situa- 
tion was  critical  in  itself,  and  to  the  heart  of  a  soldier  trying  in 
the  extreme,  h  was  his  duty  to  meet  the  fire,,  perhaps  the  bayo- 
nets, of  veterans,  with  a  handful  of  raw,  undisciplined  troops, 
many  of  them  bu^  a  few  days  from  the  bosom  of  their  families, 
their  domestic  feelings  still  awake....and  their  habits  of  civil  life 
perfectly  unbroken,  and  none  of  whom  had  ever  before  faced  an 
enemy  in  the  field.  But  his  own  activity,  valour  and  skill,  aided 
by  the  determined  bravery  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Backus,  of  the 
regular  army,  supplied  all  deficiencies.  Arrangements  were 
made  to  receive  the  enemy  with  a  warm  and  galling  fire  at'  his 
place  of  landing,  and  to  contest  the  ground  with  him  in-  hit  ad- 
vance towards  the  fort. 

The  regiment  of  United  States*  troopi  were  stationed  in  the 
rear,  while  General  Brown,  at  the  head  of  his  new  levies,  occu- 
pied in  person  the  first  post  of  danger  On  the  second  fire  the 
militia  broke  and  flld  in  disorder,  but  were  rallied  again  by  the 
exertions  of  their  commander.  During  the  remainder  of  the  con- 
flict, which  was  warm,  and  continued  some  time  with-  varying 
success,  the  presence  of  the  general  was  every  where  felt>  ap^ 
plauding  the  brave^  encouraging  the  timid  and  rallying  the  flyiog. 


■  i 


TAB  WiUl. 


SS^ 


d  qualificft*- 
not  to  be 
r  eatablish* 
t  of  repose. 
he  officers 
lom  his  ad- 
I  to  regard 
rmergeney, 
gly,  in  the 
l>  and  once 
which  was 

tn  their  re- 

sh  recriiitSy 

a  the  medi- 

annon  hav- 

me  service, 

r  could  any 

fleet,  in  as 

er«,  was  all 

sidering  its 

)8t,  Sacket*f 

men,  leflin 

its  defence, 

tude,  a  few 

arcely  arri- 

eral's  situa* 

r  trying  in 

8  the  bayo- 

led  troops, 

ir  families, 

!>f  civil  life 

e  faced  an 

skill,  aided 

us,  of  the 

nta  were 

fire  at  his 

ia  hit  ad- 

led  in  the 
fiea,  occu* 
^d  fire  the 
lin  by  the 
)f  the  con- 
varying 
felt^  ap» 
[be  fiying» 


I  bis  efforts  weref  ultimately  crowned  with  victory.    In  conse^ 

|ience  of  the  firm  front  presented  by  the  regulars,  and  the  judi- 

disposition  of  a  body  of  militia  threatening  his  rear,  the  ene^ 

ijr  without  aocomplishing-  hit  object,  was  compelled  to  relinquish 

contest,  and  retreat  in  great  haste,  and  in  some  disorder, to  hir 

lee  of  embarkation. 

The  annals  of  warfare  afford  but  few  intsancei  where  the  success 
fa  battle  was  more  justly  attributed  to  the  talents  and  conduct  of 
commander  in  chief,  than  on  the  present  oceasion.    To  Gen- 
Brown,  in  person,  did  the  whole  arn^  concur  in   ascribing 
>  merit  and  honor  of  the  victory.     His  valor,  activity,  and  skill, 
ring  the  action  had  rendered  him  conspicuous  in  every  eye....* 
affair,  although  diminutive  in  itself,  when   compared   with 
'gigantic  battles  of  Europe,  was,  notwithstanding,  important  in- 
I  consequences,  inasmuch  as  it  saved  from  destruction  our  great 
ival  depot  on  the  lakes,  and  compelled  the  enemy  to  respect 
nr  arms. 

General  Brown,  returning  once  more  to  private  life,  amidst 
plaudits  and  congratulations  of  his  fellow  citizens,  and  accom- 
lied  by  a  pleasing  consciousness  of  having  contributed,  not  inef- 
etually,  «o  the  interests  of  his  country,  was  offered,  in  reward 
[his  services,- and  as  an  acknowledgment  of  his  worth,  the  com- 
ind  of  a  regiment  in  the  regular  army.    This  offer,  the  gener- 
I  unhesitatingly  declined,  from   motives  which  were   perfectly 
rrect  and  t^nounnble.  The  acceptance  of  it  would  have  necea- 
ily  contracted  his  sphere  of  action,  placed  him  below  officers 
)m  he  might  then  comflnand,  and,  as  the  regiment  in  his  offer 
u  yet  ta  be  raised,  a  considerable  time  must  have  elapsed  be« 
ire  he  could  possibly  hate  taken  the  field.    In  plain  terms,  he- 
possessed  of  the  pride  and  ambition  of  a  soldier,  he  felt  him- 
ilf  entitled  to  a  higher  rank.     Nor  was  it  long  till  the  govern- 
ent  of  his  country  concurred  with  him.  ih  opinion,  and  appoint- 
I  him  a  brigadier  general  in  the  army  of  the  United  States. 
The  first  service  in  which  General  Brown  was  engaged  under 
I  new  appointment,  was  novel  and  arduous,  and  required  for 
I  aceompHshment  the  exertions  of  not  only  a  man  of  ample  re- 
urces  of  mindf  but  of  one  accustomed  to  the  management  of 
portant  concerns.     It  was  the  superintendance  and  direction 
I  the  arrangements  for  transporting,  from  Sackett*s  Harbour, 
m  the  St.  Lawrence,  the  army  commanded  by  General  Wil- 
m,  in  the  autumn  of  the  year  1813,  in  the  abortive  expedi- 
for  the  reduction  of  Montreal.     For  the  completion  of  these 
angements  from  the  time  of  their  commencement,  only  three 
eks  were  allowed  ;  a  space  which  would  seem  utterly  insuffi^- 
at  for  the  performance  of  a  service  so  complicated  and  exten- 
But  talents,  system  and  industry  combined,  are  competent 
I  every  tiling  ihost  of  a  miracle :  and  it  was  such  a  combination 


ii 


Hi 


I  ■ 


300 


SJLXTCHBSOf 


"^i 


that  eaabled  General  Brown  to  peribrn  satttiactoriljr  tliii  m^i 
ncnily  difflciilt  and  respcMitible  duty^  in  even  lets  than  ^e  aliottc 
time; 

In  the  expedhioo  dow«  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  during 
course  of  the  winfer  that  sacoeeded,  the  duties  and  servicea  u 
which  General  Brown  wa«  engaged  were  of  the  utmost  imporJ 
tance  to  the  operalloas  and  well-being  of  the  arasy,  and  in  i]} 
of  them  he  acquitted  himself  with  distinguished  reputation. 

In  the  winter  of  1613-4,  the  enemy  having  gained  possenit 
of  fort  Niagara,  and  being  in  considerable  fcNTce  on  the  oppotitq 
shore,  a  determinatioh  was  formed  to  remove  once  more  xbi 
teat  of  war  to  that  frontier.    Perceiving  that  the  conflict  wot 
be  arduous  and  sanguinary,  and  that  the  master  ^irits  of  the 
my  alone  could  encounter  it  wifli  any  reaaonable  proepect  of 
oess,  the  executive  appointed  General  Brown  to  lead  the  expedij 
tion,  associating  with  him,  Scott,  Gaineq^  Miller  and  others,  who 
names  had  become  conspicuous  for  all  that  is  noble  in  the  prof 
Mon  of  arms. 

The  precedmg  campaign  being  darkened  by  disasters,  aa^ 
having  failed,  as  many  supposed,  from  the  inability  of  thoie 
whom  it  bad  been  conducted,  Gcberal  Brown  and  his  ofBoti 
were  fully  sensible  of  the  deep  stake  which  both  themselves  an 
their  country  held  on  the  issue  of  the  present.    Their  hearts  an^ 
minds  were  prepared,  accordingly,  to  meet  wiUi  firmness  lN 
force  of  the  crisis.    They  went  resolved  to  conquer  or  fell,  tl 
glory  or  the  grave  might  cover  them  from  cenaure. 

This  campaign  being  destined  to  form  a  fresh  epoch  in  fbe  iii^ 
tory  of  the  war,  presented  from  its  eommenoement  a  new  at 
The  movements  of  the  army  were  conducted  with  a  celerity, 
silence,  and  a  vigour,  which  had  not  been  observed  on  any 
raer  ooca8k>n.    Accordii^ly,  General  Brown  had  advanced  on  I 
march  almost  to  Buffalo,  before  it  was  generally  known  that 
had  left  his  encampment  at  Sackefls  Harbour. 

The  first  achievement  of  General  Brovm,  on  entering  the  en^ 
my's  territory,  was  the  rednetion  of  fort  £rie,  the  garrison 
which  surrendered  with  but  little  resistance.    He  Aen  deelare| 
martial  law,  and  made  known  his  views  in  a  proclamation  e< 
tially  different  from  those  that  had  been  issued  by  some  of  h| 
predecessors.    Instead  of  being  mariced  with  empty  boastioj 
and  threats  whieh  he  was  utterly  unable  to  execute,  it  breathe 
the  principles  tod  sentiments  of  an  upright  man  and  an  honour 
ble  warrior. 

No  sooner  had  the  general  made  the  necessary  arrangement 
in  relation  to  the  occupancy  and  security  of  fort  Brie,  than  ' 
marched  to  attack  the  enemy,  who  lay  entrenched  in  his  wor^ 
at  Chippewa.  This  was  by  every  one  considered  as  a  daring,  \ 
many,  as  a  rash  and  hazardous  measure.  But  something  npt 
being  necessary  to  redeem  the  reputation  which  had  been  Icy '. 


'*' ;,  ■■■• 


THE  WAR. 


f  ui|^ 

Stl 


.'v 


lilie  event!  of  foriiMr  canaipaigQs,  difficultiei  and  dangers  and   re- 
InoMtrances  were  disregarded.    They  even  increased  the  anxiety 

action^  inasmuch  as  they  would  add  to  the  glory  of  victory 

be  general's  plans  and  determinations  were  formed,  and  nothing 
IjlMt  hHman  re8olution>  aided  by  all  the  means  in  his  power,  was    * 
Iftpable  of  surmounting,  could  restrain  him  from  boldly  attempting 
llheir  exjecution.    The  wished-for  moment  at  length  arrived..... 
enemy  venturing  from  behind  his  entrenchments,  the  battle 
II  fought  on  an  opeq  plain,  and,  though  not  of  long  duration. 
It  severe  and  sanguinary.    The  result  is  known.    The  soldiers 
officers  of  Wellington,  who  had  wrested  the  laurels  from 
ke  veterans  of  France,  were  defeated  by  a  detachment  from  the 
lerican  army.    The  only  troops  engaged,  on  the  part  of  Gener. 
Brown,  were  General  Scott's  brigade,  and  a  corps  of  volunteers 
imanded  by  General  Porter.     The  remainder  of  the  army,  al- 
ough  burning  ibr  combat,  had  no  opportunity  of  coming  into  ac* 
llion. 
From  dueenston  where  he  bad  been  for  a  short  time  afterwards 
tioned.  Gen.  Brown  marched  with  a  part  of  his  army  down  to* 
lards  fort  George.    His  object  in  this  movement,  besides  recon* 
3ring  the  enemy,  was  to  be  near  to  the  shores  of  lake  Onta- 
hoping  that  he  might  there  receive  some  intelligence  respect- 
|ii  Commodore  Chauncey  and  the  fleet.    Being  disappointed  in 
btB  expectation,  he  returned  after  a  few  days  to  his  statbn  at 
|(lueenstown.    The  enemy,  in  the  mean  timie,  were  not  inactive, 
iviftg  received  large  supplies  and  no  inconsiderable  addition  to 
heir  numbers,  they  concentrated  their  forces  in  the  peninsula  be- 
reen  Burlington  and  ^rie,  and  felt  themselves  in  a  condition  to 
it  battle.    The  proposal  was  eagerly  accepted  by  the  Ameri- 
an  general  and  his  brave  associates.    The  battle  of  Bridgewater 
|ncceeded.....the  xesult  of  which  is  already  known. 
General  Brown  having  been  severely  wounded  in  the  engage* 

Dent,  was  compelled  to  a  temporary  retirement  from  service 

lit  in  the  space  of  a  few  \veeks,  we  find  him  agaia  at  the  head 
'h|s  army>  no  longer  mdeed  iq  the  field,  but  within  the  walls  of 
Erie.  In  the  interim  our  troops  in  that  fortress  had  been 
Ducfa  harrassed  and  pressed  by  the  enemy,  now  become  superior 
a  still  higher  degree  by  reinforcements,  and  exasperated  to 
lliadness  by  their  late  defeats.  An  assault  of  the  works  had 
[keen  attempted^!  but  was  gallantly  repelled  i>y  the  American  for- 
|«es  then  under  the  command  of  General  Gaines.  Not  long  af- 
Brward^,  that  excellent  officer  received  a  serious  wound  from 
[the  bursting  of  a  shell,  which  (;^liged  Isim  to  retire,  for  a  time, 
[from  the  service  of  bis  country. 

Menaced  in  front  by  a  powerful  enemy,  and  having  a  river  of 
l^cult  passage  |n  their  rear,  the  troqis  in  fort  Erie  began  to  be 
||(9nsidered  in  a  yery  perilous  situation ;  but  while  General  Drum* 


!    *. 


*m 


■  !■  >:f 


',t  )'. 


-■  V, 


i*  ^"i 


■'^iAM 


I',  ;?.  «  ( 


Sf2 


flKITCHES  or 


mond  was  engaged  in  fomidable  irranfementt  intended  for  the 
destruction  of  the  American  forces.  General  Brown  was  still  more  I 
actively  and  sagaciously  employed  in  divising  means  for  their  saft.l 
ty  and  glory. 

»  By  the  middle  of  September,  the  enemy  had  seaily  completed  I 
a  line  of  batteries  to  command  the  fort,  which,  when  in  full  operJ 
«tion,  would  have  rendered  the  position  of  the  Americans  at  leaitf 
unsafe,  if  not  untenable.  But  General  Drummond,  while  erect<l 
ing  this  extensive  work  of  annoyance,  was  little  aware  of  tbel 
disaster  and  mortification,  he  was  preparing  for  himself  and  thel 
ilaurels  he  was  cultivating  for  the  brow  of  his  adversary.  On  thsl 
17th  of  September,  the  day  before  the  fire  from  the  batteries  Mvail 
to  commence,  another  scene  of  glory  opened  on  the  Americanl 
commander  and  his  brave  associates.  His  plan  being  matured,! 
and  his  troops  in  readiness,  their  spirits  wound  up  to  the  hardiettl 
«nterprize.  General  Brown  made  a  sortie,  not  in  the  form  of  al 
*'  night  attack,"  of  which  a  distinguished  British  officer  had  io| 
bitterly  complained,  but  in  the  face  of  day,  drove  the  enemy  froml 
Ilia  strong  hold  with  the  loss  of  more  than  eight  hundred  inea,| 
spiked  his  cannon,  and  destroyed  his  works.  Thus  was  the  la- 
tior  of  thousands,  continued  unintermitingly  for  many  weeks,  fn 
trated  in  an  hour  by  the  skilful  and  well  timed  enterprise  of  al 
commander,  and  the  valour  and  heroism  of  a  few  gallant  tolij 
4iers.      .  .      ^ 

For  brilliancy  and  eflUbct,  this  eortie  challenges  a  eomparitonl 
with  any  thing  recorded  in  the  annals  of  wan  It  is  of  itself  nif'f 
ficient  to  gain  for  a  commander  a  name  in  arms. 

Shortly  after  the  destruction  of  his  works.  General  Drummoodl 
retreated  from  before  fort  Erie,  and  fell  back  on  fort  George,  leavj 
ing  the  American  army  in  the  enjoyment  of  security  and  repowJ 
as  the  reward  of  their  valor.  The  conflict 'in  that  quarter  beingj 
now  apparrently  at  an  end.  General  Brown  was  transferred  fromj 
the  Niagara  frontier  to  the  command  of  Sacket's  Harbor. 

The  achdevements  of  the  American  army  during  the  campaigi 
of  1814,  in  Upper  Canada,  considering  the  circumstances  uj)der| 
which  they  were  effected,  need  no  comment.  They  are  theirl 
own  best  interpreters,  speaking  in  a  language  which  cannot  bel 
misunderstood.  They  announce  in  the  commander,  talents,  pertej 
verance  and  daring  enter|»^ize,  and  in  hie  brave  associates,  pa-l 
ttence  and  gallantry,  invincible  firmness  and  military  discipline  iBj 
Its  highest  style.  They  will  be  selected  hereafter  by  the  hand  oi] 
history,  to  enrich  and  emblazon  some  of  her  choisest  pages.  To 
triumph  with  inferior  numbers,  and  in  open  conflict,  over  troop 
that  had  defeated  the  veteran  legions  of  France,  is  of  itself  suf 
■cient  to  consummate  the  glory  of  any  commander;  and  suchhii 
heea  the  fortune  of  General  .Brovvn.,...[Pore  Folio.] 


THE  WAR. 


CHAPTER  XXXH. 

\ljake  Ontario Michigan  Territory Captain  Hoimes^  expedi- 
tion  MiohiUimaokinac Lake  Huron General  M*Arthur^s 

expedition. 

On  the  24th  of  April,  the  Lady  of  the  Lake,  which  had  been 
kept  cruising  by  Commodore  Chauncey  as  a  look-out  vessel,  run 
[dote  into  Kingston  harbour  and  showed  her  colours,  which  were 
Liwered  by  the  enemy's  fleet  and  batteries ;  and  after  taking  a 
iTJew  of  his  naval  force,  stood  for  Sacket's  Harbour. 

On  the  night  of  the  25th  two  American  guard  boats  fell  in 
with  three  of  the  enemy's  boats  in  the  bay.  Lieutenant  Dudley, 
(tbe  officer  of  the  guard,)  hailed  and  was  answered  "  guard 
loats ;"  this,  however,  not  being  satisfactory,  he  repeated  the 
iuil,  but  was  not  answered.  Finding  that  the  strange  boats  were 
llttempting  to  cut  him  off  from  the  shore,  he  fired  upon  them  ; 
|Ae  enemy  laying  upon  their  oars  a.  short  time,  pulled  in  towards 
lull  Rock  Point,  without  returning  the  fire.  Lieutenant  Dudley 
leturned  to  the  fleet,  and  got  a  reinforcement  of  boats ;   but  no- 

Ing  more  was  seen  of  the  enemy  that  night.  On  the  morning 
of  the  26th,  Commodore  Chauncey  directed  both  shores  of  Sher- 
BODt  bay  to  be  examined,  to  see  whether  the  enemy  had  not  se- 
creted himself  in  some  of  the  small  creeks.  Nothing,  however, 
was  discovered,  but  six  barrels  of  powder,  found  in  the  water 
war  the  shore,  where  our  guard-boats  fired  upon  the  enemy. 
These  barrels  were  all  slung  in  such  a  manner  that  one  man  could 
take  two  across  his  shoulders  and  carry  them«  Each  barrel  had  a 
hole  bored  in  the  head  of  about  an  inch  in  diameter,  with  a 
wooden  plug  in  it.  These  barrels  of  powder  were  evidently  fitted 
ibr  the  purpose  of  blowing  up  our  large  ship,  if  the  enemy  could 
have  got  m  undiscovered,  by  placing  them  under  the  ship's  bottom, 
and  putting  a  piece  of  slow  match  or  short  fire  in  the  hole  in  the 
head,  which  would  burn  a  sufficient  time  to  allow  the  party  to 
Uioape  before  the  fire  could  communicate  to  the  powder.  This 
also  accounts  for  the  enemy  not  returning  the  fire  of  our  boats  ; 
ibr,  having  so  much  powder  in,  he  was  apprehensive  of  accidents, 
which  no  doubt  induced  him  to  heave  it  overboard,  to  be  prepare  : 
I  ed  to  return  the  fire  if  he  was  pursued., 

On  the  evening  of  the  12th  of  May,  a  part  of  the  British  fleet - 
I  was  discovered  standing  towards  Charlotte,  near  the  mouth  of ' 
the  Gennessee  river,  where  about  160  volunteers  were  stationed, 
with  one  piece  of  artillery.  Captain  Stone,  the  commanding  offi-  ^ 
c(r,  immediately  despatched  expresses  with  the  information  to 
Colonel  Hopkins  at  Boyle,  to  General  Hall  at  Bloomfield,  and  to ' 
General  Porter  at  Canandaigua.    On  the  I3tb,  at  12  o'clock,  the 

3D 


.^1(1  ;i 


i! 


■ifj 


'%■ 


304 


SKETCHES  OV 


commodore*!  new  thip  came  to  anchor  ofTthe  mouth  of  the  rivfrl 
and  sent  an  officer  aihore  with  a  flag,  demanding  a  lurrendtr  of| 
the  place  :  and  promising  to  respect  private  property  in  caie  no  re- 
siitance  should  be  made,  and  all  public  property  faithfully  difcloi.| 
ed  and  given  up.  General  Porter  (who  left  Canandaigua,  38 1 
miles  distant,  at  7  o'clock  in  the  morning,  with  Major  Noon,)  ar- 
rived while  the  flag  was  on  shore,  and  returned  for  answer  to  I 
this  disgraceful  proposal,  that  the  place  would  be  defended  to  the 
last  extremity.  On  the  return  of  the  flag,  two  gun-boats  with 
from  two  to  three  hundred  men  on  board,  advanced  to  the 
mouth  of  the  river,  which  is  about  a  mile  frcm  the  town  andbat< 
tery,  and  commenced  a  heavy  cannonade  directed  partly  totb(| 
town,  and  partly  to  bodies  of  troops  who  had  been  placed  in  ra< 
vines  near  the  mouth  of  the  river,  to  intercept  the  retreat  of  the  | 
gun-boats  in  case  they  should  enter. 

At  the  expiration  of  an  hour  and  a  half,  during  which  time  I 
they  threw  a  great  number  of  rockets,  shells,  and  shot  of  variout 
descriptions  from  grape  to  66  pounds,  a  second  flag  was  sent  from 
the  commodore's  ship,  requiring,  in  the  name  of  the  conimander 
of  the  forces,  an  immediate  surrender,  and  threatening,  that  if 
the  demand  was  not  complied  with,  he  would  land  1200  regular 
troops  and  400  Indians.... that  if  he  should  lose  a  single  man,  he 
would  raze  the  town,  and  destroy  «very  vestige  of  property.,., 
and  that  it  was  his  request  .that  the  women  and  children  might 
be  immediately  removed,  as  he  could  not  be  accountable  for  tbe| 
conduct  of  the  Indians.     He  was  told  that  the  answer  to  this  de- 
mand had  already  been  explicitly  given....that  we  were  prepared! 
to  meet  him,  our  women  and  children  having  been  disposed  of....  | 
and  that  if  another  flag  should  be  sent  on  the  subject  of  a  surren- 
der, it  would  not  be  protected.    The  flag  returned  with  the  gun- 
boats to  the  fleet,  the   \yhole  of  which   came  to  anchor  about  a  1 
mile  from  shore,  where  they  lay  until  8  o'clock  on  the  morning 
of  the  14th,  and  then  left  the  place. 

General  Porter  speaks  in  the  highest  terms  of  the  good  con- 
duct of  the  ofRcers  and  men  composing  the  volunteer  corps,  and  of  I 
Colonel  Hopkins,  and  the  militia  who  had  rallied  for  the  occasion, 
and  vvere  placed  under  his  command.  The  American  force  at  12 
o'clock  on  the  14th,  was  300,  and  was  increased  to  500  during 
the  night.  Dispositions  were  go  made,  that  if  the  gun-boats  had 
entered  the  river  as  was  expected,  they  must  have  been  cut  off  { 
before  they  could  have  been  reinforced^  Every  man  was  at  his 
post  during  the  night,  in  constant  expectation  of  an  attack.  The 
British  squadron  consisted  of  four  ships,  two  brigs,  and  five  -gun- 
boats. 

About  the  middle  of  June,  Commodore  Chauncey  dispatched 
Lieutenant  Gregory,  with  three  gigs,  having  only  their  crew  and 
one  settee  in  each  boat,  with  orders  to  proceed  down  the  St.  Law* 


'H 


THI  WAR. 


305    } 


timet,  lecrete  himself  in  aome  of  the  ialandf,  and  watch  •  fa* 
vourable  opportunity  to  lurprlze  a  brigade  of  store- boati  belong- 
ing to  the  enemy,  and  either  bring  ^hem  off  or  destroy  them.  In 
complying  with  these  orders,  the  lieutenant  saw  two  brigades  of 
koats,  one  up  the  river  with  troops,  of  course  too  strong  for  hit 
little  party  ....the  other  down  the  rivfr,  empty,  and  not  worth 
tiking. 

On  the  10th  of  June,  Lieutenant  Gregory  found  he  had  been 
jiicovered  by  the  enemy's  look  out  boats,  and  that  a  gun-boat  had 
been  tent  in  pursuit,  which  was  then  close  upon  him.  He  instant- 
ly formed  the  bold  design  to  board  her,  which  he  did,  and  carried 
ber  without  losing  a  man,  one  of  the  enemy  being  badly  wound- 
id.  She  proved  to  be  a  fine  gun-boat,  mounting  one  18  pounder, 
ind  manned  with  18  men,  chiefly  royal  marines.  Lieutenant 
Gregory  manned  his  prize  and  proceeded  up  the  St.  Lawrence, 
but  wai  toon  discovered  and  pursued  by  a  very  large  gun-boat, 
mounting  two  heavy  guns,  and  rowed  with  upwards  of  40  oars, 
which  overhauled  him  fast.  He  kept  possession  of  his  prize  until 
the  enemy  threw  their  shot  over  him  :  he  then  very  reluctantly 
took  all  his  prisoners  out,  and  scuttled  the  gun-boat,  which  sunk 

ioitamly,  and  escaped  the  enemy,  although  so  heavily  loaded 

The  lieutenant  arrived  safe  at  Sacket'i  Harbour,  with  all  hit  pri- 
soners, on  the  day  following. 

On  the  28th  of  June,  Lieutenant  Gregory  again  performed  a 
brilliant  exploit.  Having  under  his  command,  two  large  gigs, 
with  their  crewt,  he  succeeded  in  destroying,  by  stratagem,  the 
frame  of  a  large  schooner  on  the  ttocks  at  Presque-Isle,  belonging 
to  the  enemy.  She  was  a  stout,  well-built  vessel,  to  mount  14 
guns,  and  would, probably  have  been  launched  in  ten  days.  Lieu* 
tenant  Gregory  afterwards  arrived  safely  in  port. 

On  the  7th  of  August,  Commodore  Chauncey  gave  chase  to, 
ind  ran  one  of  the  enemy's  vessels  ashore,  about  4  miles  from 
Niagara.  The  wind  being  freth,  the  fleet  lay  off  with  the  inten- 
tion of  getting  her  when  the  wind  lulled.  The  enemy  probably 
anticipating  the  design,  set  fire  to  her,  and  in^a  little  time  the 
blew  up.  She  wai  a  brig  formerly  called  the  Prince  Regent, 
carrying  14  guns,  and  laden  with  lupplies  for  the  garrison  of  Ni- 
agara. 

On  the  98th  of  September,  Commodore  Chauncey  discovered 
two  of  the  enemy's  ships  standing  out  of  Kingston  under  a  great 
press  of  tail.  He  immediately  stood  for  them;  when  the  enemy 
discovering  that  Chauncey  neared  him,  nfade  all  tail,  and  beat  in' 
to  his  anchorage. 

On  the  30th  of  September,  a  gig  belonging  to  the  American 
squadron,  with  an  officer  and  4  men,  captured  near  the  mouth  of 
the  St.  Lawreoce,  6  boats,  manned  with  35  men,  (armed)  and  )a- 


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den  with  wide,  brandy,  crates  6nd  dry  goods,  bound  to  King»tonj, 
and  brought  them  safe  into  port.  The  boats  and  their  cargoei 
were  estimated  at  12,000  dollars. 

Michigan  Territory. ...Captain  Holmes*  pxpedition On  the 

21st  of  February,  General  Harrison  dispatched  Captain  Holmes^ 
of  the  24th  regiment  of  United  States'  infantry,  with  a  detach- 
ment of  troops,  to  pursue  the  enemy  on  his  retreat  up  the  river 
Thames.  Tbey  were  overtaken  on- the  4th  of  March,  about  20 
pniles  from  the  Delaware  towns ;  when  an  engagement  ensued, 
which  terminated  in  their  total  defeat.  Captain  Holmes*  force 
consisted  of  160  rangers  and  mounted  infantry.  The  enemy, 
iVoni  his  own  acknowledgment,  had  236.  His  fine  light  compa- 
ny of  royal  Scotts  was  totally  destroyed ;  they  led  the  attack 
most  gallantly,  and  their  commander  fell  within  ten  paces  of  our 
fVont  line.  In  killed,  wounded  and  prisoners,  the  enemy  lost  up- 
wards of  80.  The  American  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  was  7. 
This  great  disparity  in  the  loss  on  each  side,  is  to  be  attributed  to 
the  very  judicious  position  occupied  by  Captain  Holmes,  who  com- 
pelled the  enemy  to  attack  him  at  great  disadvantage.  Captain 
Holmes  was  afterwards  brevelted  a  major. 

Michillitnackinac..,»Ahoui  the  commencement  of  July,  an  ex- 
pedition was  fitted  out  from  Detroit,  under  the  command  of  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Croghan  and  Major  Holmes,  with  a  view  of  re- 
capturing Michillimackinac.  On  the  20th  of  July,  the  troops 
were  landed  at  St.  Joseph's  and  the  fort,  which  had  been  evacu- 
ated, set  on  fire.  Major  Holmes  was  then  ordered  to  the  Sault 
St.  Mary's,  for  the  purpose  of  breaking  up  the  enemy's  establish- 
ment at  that  place.  He  arrived  the  day  after ;  but  the.  North- 
west agent  bad  received  notice  of  his  approach,  and  succeeded  in 
escaping  with  a  considerable  amouof  of  goods,  after  setting  fire 
to  a  vessel  above  the  falls :  the  design  of  this  latter  measure  was 
frustrated.  The  vessel  was  brought  down  the  falls  on  the  25th, 
but  having  bilged^  was  destroyed.  Considerable  property  belong- 
ing to  the  enemy  was  taken. 

On  the  4th  of  August,  a  landing  of  the  troops  under  Croghan 
and  Morgan  was  effected  at  Mackinac ;  but  the  strength  of  the 
enemy's  works  rendered  it  impossible  to  carry  the  place,  with  a 
small  number  of  troops  only,  by  storm  ;  and  after  a  severe  con* 
fiict,  a  retreat  became  indispensable,  and  waa  accordingly  ef- 
fected. 

This  affair,  which  cost  many  valuable  lives,  leaves  us  to  lament 
the  fall  of  that  gallant  officer.  Major  Morgan.  Captain  Van- 
horn  of  the  19th,  and  Lieutenant  Jackson  of  the  24th  infantry,, 
both  brave,  intrepid  young  men,  fell  mortally  wounded  at  the 
head  of  their  respective  commands.  v-^r 


<  YH£  WAlfc. 


3fr? 


;  ti- 


iccordiDgly  ef- 


Although  this  expedition  proved  unsuccessful  in  its  issuey  it» 
Allure  was  not  ascribabie  to  any  misconduct  on  the  part  of  the 
commanding  officer.  Every  thing  was  done  that  vigilance,  bra^ 
fery  and  perseverance  could  achieve. 

The  American  loss  was  13  killed,  51  wounded,  and  2  missing 
••"loss  of  the  enemy  not  known. 

After  this  affair.  Colonel  Croghan  determined  to  remain  on  lake 
Huron  for  a  time,  with  three  companies,  for  the  purpose  of  break- 
ing up  any  depots  which  the  enemy  might  have  on  the  east  side 
of  the  lake. 

He  was  fortunate  enough  to  learn,  that  the  only  line  of  com- 
nunication  from  York  to  Mackinac,  &c.  was  by  the  way  of  lake 
Sitnieoe  and  Nautauwasaga  river,  which  empties  into  lake  Huron 
about  100  miles  S.  £.  of  Cabot's  Head. 

On  the  13th  of  August,  the  fleet  anchored  off*  the  mouth  of 
that  river,  and  the  troops  were  quickly  disembarked  on  tHe  penin- 
sula formed  between  the  river  and  lake,  for  the  purpose  of  fixing 
I  camp. 

On  reconnoitering  the  position  thus  taken,  it  was  discovered 
that  the  enemy's  schooner  Nancy  was  drawn  up  in  the  river  a 
few  hundred  yards  above,  under  cover  of  a  block-house,  erected 
on  a  commanding  situation  on  the  opposite  shore. 

On  the  following  morning,  a  firer  for  a  few  minutes  was  kept 

up  by  the  shipping  upon  the  block-house,  but  with  little  effect 

At  12  o'clock  two  howitzers  being  placed  within  a  few  hundred 
yards,  commenced  a  fire,  which  lasted  but  a  few  minutes,  when 
the  block  house  blew  up ;  at  the  same  time  fire  was  communica- 
ted to  the  Nancy,  (by  the  bursting  of  one  of  our  shells,)  which 
was  so  quickly  enveloped  in  flames  as  to  render  any  attempts 
which  might  have  been  made  to  save  her,  unavailing,  giving  the 
enemy  barely  time  to  make  his  escape,  before  an  explosion  took 
place. 

The  loss  of  the  Nancy  was  severely  felt  by  the  enemy ;  her 
cargo  consisting  (at  the  time  of  her  being  on  fire)  of  several  hun- 
dred barrels  of  provisions,  intended  as  a  six  months'  supply  for  the 
garrison  at  Mackinac. 

Colonel  Croghan  afterwards  returned  to  Detroit. 

During  the  month  of  August,  Captain  Sinclair  had  succeeded  in 
destroying  the  whole  of  the  enemy's  naval  force  on  lake  Huron  ; 
but  owing  to  the  negligence  of  the  officer  who  was  entrusted  with 
the  command  of  the  fleet  in  the  absence  of  the  captain,  the  ene- 
my succeeded  in  capturing,  in  the  month 'of  October,  with  their 
boats,  two  small  American  vessels,  (the  Tygress  and  Scorpion)  af- 
ter a  warmly  contested  action. 

General  M*Arthur^s  expedition,„..On  the  22d  of  October,  Ge- 
neral M'Arthur,  with  600  voluateers>30  rangers  and  70  Indians, 


(I 


w  if: 


•  ,•   ! 


dod 


SKETCHES  or 


mm 


left  Detroit  and  proceeded  on  n  secret  expedition  agajost  the  ene^ 
my.  The  troops  crossed  the  St.  Clair  river,  and  proceeded  dowir 
the  Scotch  settlement  on  the  Beldoon,  up  Bear  creek  about  thirtv 
miles,  and  crossed  to  the  Moravian  towns,  a  few  miles  above  the 
lower  settlement  on  the  Thames,  where  they  arrived  on  the  30th 
of  October. 

On  General  M*Arthur'«  arrival  at  this  place,  he  was  fortunate 
iu  taking  a  British  sergeant,  who  was  proceeding  to  Burlingtoo 
Heights  with  the  information  that  the  detachment  had  passed  into 
the  enemy's  territory.  This  enabled  our  troops  to  reach  Dels- 1 
ware  undiscovered.  On  approaching  the  Thames,  the  rangers 
were  detached  to  move  across  below  the  settlement,  pass  in  the 
rear  of  it,  and  guard  the  diflferent  roads  leading  into  the  interior, 
while  the  troops  were  engaged  in  swimming  their  horses  and  ] 
transporting  their  baggage. on  lafts.  They  were  thus  enabled  to 
arrive  at  the  town  of  Oxford,  150  miles  distant  from  Detroit,  be- 
fore the  inhabitants  knew  that  a  force  was  approaching. 

On  the  succeeding  day,  (the  5th  November,)  the  d6tachmeot 
proceeded  to  Burford.  A  few  hours  before  its  arrival,  the  enemy 
had  retreated  to  Malcom*s  mills,  ten  miles  distant.  It  was  the 
intention  of  General  M' Arthur  to  have  crossed  Grand  river,  with- 
out regarding  the  force  at  the  mills,  and  attack  Burlington :  but 
upon  arriving  at  that  river,  it.  was  found  impossible  to  ford  it.  It 
was  therefore  determined  to  attack  and  disperse  the  militia  at 
Malcolm's  mills. 

The  enemy  was  found  to  consist  of  4  or  500  militia  and  a  few 
Indians,  fortified  on  a  commanding  gro.und  beyond  a  creek,  deep 
and  difficult  of  passage,  except  at  a  bridge  immediately  m  their 
rear  The  Ohio  troops,  with  the  advance  guard  of  Indians,  were  I 
accordingly  throWn  across  the  creek,  under  cover  of  a  tbitk  wood, 
to  approach  the  enemy  in  rear,  while  the  Kentucky  troops  were 
to  attack  iu  front  as  soon  as  the  attention  of  the  enemy  was  en- 
gaged by  the  attack  in  the  rear.  The  enemy  would  probably 
have  been  completely  surprized  and  captured,  had  not  an  unfortu- 
nate yell  b}^  one  of  our  Indians,  announced  the  approach  Of  the 
detachment  destined  to  attack  their  rear  :  they  were,  however, 
defeated  and  dispersed  with  the  loss  of  1  captain  and  17  privates 
killed,  9  privates  wounded,'  and  three  captains,  5  subalterns,  and 
103  privates  made  prisoners  ;  while  our  loss  was  only  1  killed  and 
6  wounded.  After  this,  a  number  of  the  enemy  were  made  pri- 
soners in  the  march  of  our  army  on  the  road  to  Dover,  and  five 
valuable  mills,  employed  for  the  use  of  their  army  in  the  peninsula, 
destroyed. 

On  the  8th  of  November  the  army  commenced  its  return,  and 
arrived  without  accident  at  Detroit  on  the  1 7th, 


THE  WAR. 


309 


CHAPTER  XXXIU. 

f^ake  Champlain»»Repulse  of  the  ene^r^y  at  the  mouth  of  Otter 
Creek..„Gallant  exploit.,..Siege  of  Plattsburgh...,Capture  of 
the  Britishjieet,  ^c. 

On  the  10th  of  May,  1814,  the  British  flotilla,  consisting  of 
five  sail  and  eight  row  gallies,  manned  with  about  1000  sailors 
and  marines,  passed  Cumberland  head.  On  the  14th,  they  ap- 
peared off  the  mouth  of  Otter  Creek,  and  commenced  a  cannon* 
ade.  The  .fire  was  returned  with  great  bravery  and  skill,  by 
I  Captain  Thornton  of  the  artillery,  and  Lieutenant  Cassin  of  the 
gavy ;  and  after  a  cannonade  of  two  hours  and  a  half,  during 
I  which  time  their  gallies  suffered  very  considerably,  the  enemy 
retired  from  their  position,  and  returned  to  their  own  posts. 

The  American  force  consisted  of  140  infantry  and  50  artille> 

riits,  placed  in  a  position  surrounded  by  water,  and  assailable  by 

aoy  part  of  the  enemy's  fleet,  at  till  points  except  at  the  battery. 

I  Commodore  Macdonough's  fleet  could  not  be  got  in  readiness  in 

time  to  aid  the  battery. 

No  damage  was  done  on  our  side,  except  the  dismounting  of 
I  one  gun  in  the  battery,  by  which  two  men  were  slightly  woun< 

Gallant  exploit On  the  18th  of  July,  at  2  o'clock  in  the  mor- 

aing,  one  of  the  piquet  guards  of  the  army  at  Plattsburgh,  under 
I  the  command  of  Lieutenant  Shelburne,  consisting  of  20  men^ 
I  was  attacked  by  about  70  voltigeurs  and  Indians.    The  latter 
commenced  th'*  attack  by  surprsing  and  shooting  a  centinel ;  up- 
on w  hich  Lieutenant  Shelburne  pardded  his  guard  and  received 
the  fire  of  the  whole  Bri|ish  force,  and  returned  it  with  great  bra 
very. .  On  the  first  fire,  two  Americans  were  killed,  and  Lieut.  S. 
received  a  wound  in  the  hip ;  he  nevertheless  kept  up  a  well  di- 
rected .fire,  and  stood  his  ground  until  he  received  two  other 
wounds,  one  in  the  neck  and  the  other  in  the  right  breast ;  he 
I  then  made  a  retrogade  movement,  but  continued  his  fire  on  the 
enemy  until  a  reinforcement  arrived  to  his  assistance  from  camp  : 
when  a  charge  was  made.  Lieutenant  S.  still  accompanying  his 
men,  until,  being  faint  with  the  loss  of  blood,  he. fell.    The  ene- 
my were  driven  from  their  position,  and  two  prisoners   taken, 
from  whom  it  was  learnt   that  Lieut.  ^  had  killed  20  of  their 
number,  and  wounded  6,  including  one  lieutenant :  15  were  af- 
terwards found  dead  on  the  field,  and  3  wounded.     Our  loss  was 
3  killed  and  4  wounded,  including  Lieutenant  Shelburne. 

It  is  worthy  of  remark,  that  while  Lieutenant  Shelburne  was 
ih  pursuit  of  the  enemy,  and  after  he  bad  received  his  three 


400 


;:»KETCHEb  OV 


vTouflds,  he  was  attacked  by  an  Indian,  who  sprung  upon  him  froic 
the  bushel,  and  gave  him  a  slight  cut  with  his  tomahawk,  upon 
the  head.  After  a  skirmish.  Lieutenant  S.  succeeded  in  dispatch- 
ing him  with  his  sword,  by  a  thrust  through  the  body.  He  then 
fell  for  want  of  blood,  and  was  carried  from  the  field.  He  has 
since,  we  understand,  recovered. 

Siege  of  Plattsburgh Nothing    of   importance  occurred^, 

after  this,  either  with  the  land  or  naval  forces  in  the  vicinity  of 
Champlaiuy  until  the  latter  part  of  August ;  when  the  advance 
of  the  British  army,  under  General  Bridl)ane,  entered  Champlaio 
and  encamped  on  the  north  side  of  the  Great  Chazy,  where  he 
soon  began  offensive  operations. 
*  The  following  letter  from  General  Macomb,  commanding  the 
American  force  at  Plattsburgh,  to  the  secretary  of  war,  details 
the  events  which  transpired  subsequent  to  the  enemy^s  invasion : 

H.  Q.  Plattsburgh,  Sept.  16,  1814. 
SIR....I  have  the  honor  to  communicate  for  the  information  of  | 
the  war  department,  the  particulars  jf  the  advance  of  the  enemy 
into  the  territory  of  the  United  States,  the  circumstances  attend- 
ing the  siege  of  Plattsburgh^  and  the  defence  of  the  posts  entrusted 
to  my  charge.  . 

The  Governor  General  of  the  Canadas,  Sir  George  Prevost, 
having  collected  all  the  disposable  force  in  Lower  Canada,  with  a 
view  of  conquering  the  country  as  far  as  Crown  Point  and  Ticoa- 
deroga,  entered  the  territory  of  the  United  States  on  the  first  of  | 
the  month,  and  occupied  the  village  of  Champlain ;  there  avowed 
his  intentions,  and  issued  orders  and  proclamations  tending  to  dis* 
suade  the  people  from  their  allegiance  and  inviting  them  to  fur- 
nish his  army  with  provisions.  He  immediately  began  to  impress 
the  waggons  and  teams  in  the  vicinity,  and  loaded  them  with  his 
heavy  baggage  and  stores.  From  this  Fwas  persuaded  he  inten* 
ded  to  attack  this  place.  I  bad  but  just  returned  from  the  lines, 
where  I  had  commanded  a  fine  brigade,  which  was  broken  up  to 
form  the  division  under  Major  Generel  Izard,  ordered  to  the  west- 
ward. Being  senior  officer  he  left  me  in  command,  except  the 
four  companies  of  the  6th  regiment,  I  had  not  an  organized  bat- 
tallion  among  those  remaining.  The  garrison  was  composed  of 
convalescents  and  recruits  of  the  new  regiment«....all  in  the  great- 
est confusion,  as  well  as  the  ordnance  and  stores^  and  the  works 
in  no  state  of  defence. 

To  create  an  emulation  and  zeal  among  the  officers  and  men 
in  completing  the  works,  I  divided  them  into  detachments,  and 
placed  them  near  the  several  forts ;  declaring  in  orders,  that  each 
detachment  was  the  garrison  of  its  own  work,  and  bound  to  de- 
fend it  to  the  last  extremity,    . 


THK  WAR. 


401 


f  war,  details 
ny*8  invasion : 


The  eneihy  advanced  cautiously  and  by  short  marches,  and  our 
loldiers  worked  day  and  night ;  so  that  by  the  time  he  made  hi» 
appearance  before  the  place,  we  were  prepared  to  receive  him. 

General  Izard  named  the  principal  work  fort  Moreau,  and  to 
remind  the  troops  of  the  actions  of  their  brave  countrymen,  I  call- 
ed the  redoubt  on  the  right  fort  Brown,  and  that  on  the  left  fort 
Scott.  Besides  these  three  works,  we  have  two  block  houses 
strongly  fortified. 

Finding,  on  examining  the  returns  of  the  garrison^  that  our 
force  did  ijot  exceed  fifteen  hundred  effective  men  for  duty,  and 
well  informed  that  the  enemy  had  as  many  thousands,  I  called  oa 
General  Mooers,  of  the  New  York  militia,  and  arranged  with  him 
plans  for  bringing  forth  the  militia  en  masse.  The  inhabitants  of 
the  village  fled  with  their  families  and  effects,  except  a 
few  worthy  citizens  and  some  boys,  who  formed  themselves  into 
a  party,  received  rifles,  and  were  exceedingly  useful.  By  the 
fourth  of  the  month.  Gen.  Mooers  cc^^cted  about  700  militia,  and 
advanced  seven  miles  on  the  Beekmanto^vn  road,  to  watch  the 
motions  of  the  enemy,  and  to  skirmish  with  him  as  he  advanced  ; 
also  to  obstruct  the  roads  with  {&\iin  trees,  and  to  break  up  the. 
bridges. 

On  the  lake  road  at  Dead  Creek  bridge,  I  posted  200  men  un- 
der  Captain  Sproul  of  the  13th  regiment,  with  orders  to  abbatis 
the  woods,  to  place  obstructions  in  the  road,  and  to  fortify  himself; 
to  this  party  I  added  two  field-pieces.  In  advance  of  this  position, 
was  Lieut.  Col.  Appling  with  110  riflemen,  watching  the  move- 
ments of  the  enemy,  and  procuring  intelligence.  It  was  ascer- 
tained that  before  day-light  on  the  6th,  the  enemy  would'advance 
in  two  columns  on  the  two  roads  before- mentioned,  dividing  at 
Sampson's,  a  little  below  Chazy  village.  The  column  of  the  Beek- 
mantown  road  proceeded  most  rapidly  ;  the  militia  sVirmished  with 
bis  advanced  parties,  and,  except  a  few  brave  men,  fell  back 
most  precipitately  in  the  greatest  disorder,  notwithstanding  the 
British  troops  did  not  deign  to  fire  on  them,  except  by  their  flank- 
ers and  advanced  patroles.  The  night  previous  I  ordered  Major 
Wool  to  advance  with  a  detachment  of  ^50  men  to  support  the 
militia,  and  set  them  an  example  of  firmness.  Also  Capt.  Leon- 
ard, of  the  light  artillery,  was  directed  to  proceed  with  two  pieces, 
to  be  on  the  ground  before  day,  yet  he  did  not  make  his  appear- 
ance until  8  o'clock,  when  the  enemy  had  approached  within  two 
miles  of  the  village  ;  with  his  conduct,  therefore,  I  am  not  well 
pleased.  Major  Wool,  with  his  party ,^ disputed  the  road  with 
great  ol»tinacy,  but  the  militia  coula  not  be  prevailed  on  to  stand, 
notwithstanding  the  exertions  of  their  general  and  staff oflScers ; 
although  the  fields  were  divided  by  strong  stone  walls,  and  they 
were  told  that  the  tnemy  could  not  possibly  cut  them  off.  The 
state  dragoons  of  New- York  wear  red  coats,  and  thfy  being  on 

3  E 


f   ■ 

III'  'M 

iiffei 


'';\  '■■i^i. 


:  U' 


ll:'!'S' 


'^11 


402 


SK&TCUfiS  0» 


the  heights  to  watch  the  enemy,  gave  coostant  alarm  to  the  mWl 
tia,  who  mistook  them  for  the  enemy,  and  feared  his  getting  in 
their  rear. 

Finding  the.  enemy's  columns  hail  penetrated  within  ft  mile  of 
Plattsburgh,  I  dispatched  my  aid-de-camp,  Lieut.  Root,  to  bring 
off  the  detachment  at  Dead  Creek,  ond  to  inform  Lieut.  Applinf; 
that  I  wished  him  to  fall  on  the  enemy's  right  flank.  The  colo« 
nel  fortunately  arrived  just  in  time  to  save  his  retreat  and  to  fall 
in  with  the  head  of  a  column  debouching  from  the  woods.  Here 
he  poured  in  a  destructive  fire  from  his  riflemen  at  rest,  and  con- 
tinued to  annoy  the  column  until  he  formed  a  junction  with  Ma- 
jor Wool.  The  field  pieces  did  considerable  execution  among  the 
enemy's  columns.  So  undaunted,  however,  was  the  enemy,  that 
he  never  deployed  in  his  whole  march,  always  pressing  on  in  col- 
umn. Finding  that  every  road  was  full  of  troops  crowding  on  us 
on  all  sides,  I  ordered  the  field  pieces  to  retire  across  the  bridge 
and  form  a  battery  for  its  protection,  and  to  cover  the  retreat  of 
the  infantry,  which  was  accordin^y  done,  and  the  parties  of  Ap- 
pling and  Wool,  as  well  as  that  of  Sproul,  retired  alternately^ 
keeping  up  a  brisk  fire  until  they  got  under  cover  of  the  works. 
The  enemy's  light  troops  occupied  the  houses  near  the  bridge,  and 
kept  up  a  constant  firing  from  the  windows  and  balconies,  and 
annoyed  us  much.  I  ordered  them  to  be  driven  out  with  hot  shot, 
which  soon  put  the  houses  in  flames,  and  obliged  these  sharp  shoot- 
ers to  retire.  The  whole  day,  until  it  was  too  late  to  see,  the 
enemy's  light  troops  endeavoured  to  drive  our  guards  from  the 
bridge ;  but  they  suffered  dearly  for  their  perseverance.  An  at- 
tempt was  also  made  to  cross  the  upper  bridge,  where  the  militia 
handsomely  drove  them  back. 

The  column  which  marched  by  the  lake  road  was  much  impe- 
ded by  the  obstructions,  and  the  removal  of  the  bridge  at  Dead 
Creek,  and,,  as  it  passed  the  creek  and  beach,  the  galltes  kept  up  a 
lively  and/  galling  fire- 

Our  troops  being  now  on  the  south  side  of  the  Saranac,  I  direct- 
ed the  planks  to  be  taken  off  the  bridges,  and  piled  up  in  the  form 
of  breastworks,  to  eover  our  parties  intended  for  -  disputing  the 
passage,  which  afterwards  ena jled  us  to  hold  the  bridges  against 
very  superior  numbers.  *. 

-  From  the  7th  to  the  l-lth,  the  enemy  was  employed  in  getting 
on  his  battering  train,  and  erecting  his  batteries  and  approaches, 
and  const^antly  skirmishing  at  the  bridges  and  fords.  By  this  time 
the  militia  of  New- York,  and  the  volunteers  of  Vermont,  -yvere 
pouring  in  from  all  quarters.  I  advised  General  Mooeu  to  keep 
his  force  along  the  Saranac  to  prevent  the  enemy's  crossing  the 
river,  and  to  send  a  strong  body  in  his  rear  to  harraas  him  day 
and  night,  and  keep  him  in  continual  alarm. 


I 


n  ft  mile  of 
ty  to  bring 
;ut.  AppUnp; 
The   colo- 
t  and  to  fall 
lods.     Here 
8t,  and  con- 
>n  with  Ma- 
I  among  the 
enenny,  that 
ig  on  in  col- 
I w  ding  on  ub 
B8  the  bridge 
[le  retreat  of 
)artie8  of  Ap- 
l  alternately^ 
f  the  works, 
e  bridge,  and 
alconies,  and 
vith  hot  shot, 
e  sharp  shoot- 
te  to  see,  the 
irds  from  the 
nee.     An  at- 
re  the  militia 

much  knpe- 
dge  at  Dead 
ies  kept  up  a 

,nac,  I  direct- 
in  the  form 
[isputing  the 
[idges  againsf 

U  in  getting 

1  approaches, 
By  this  time 

|rmont,  -veK 
361 «  ts  keep 
crossing  the 

Irass  him  day 


THE  WAR. 


40!i 


The  militia  behaved  with  gi-eat  spirit  after  the  first  day,  and 
:he  volunteers  of  Vermont  were  exceedingly  serviceable.  Our 
regular  troops,  notwithstanding  the  skirmishing  and  repeated  en- 
deavours of  the  enemy  to  cross  the  river,  kept  at  their  work  day 
aud  night,  strengthening  the  defences,  and  evinced  a  determina^ 
tion  to  hold  out  to  the  last  extremity. 

It  was  reported  that  the  enemy  only  waited  the  arrival  of  his 
flotilla  to  make  a  general  attack.  About  eight  in* the  morning  of 
the  11th,  as  was  expected,  the  flotilla  appeared  in  sight  round 
Cumberland  Head,  and  at  nine  bore  down  and  engaged  our  ilotiU 
la  at  anchor  in  the  bay  off  the  town.  At  the  same  instant  the 
batteries  were  opened  on  us,  and  continued  throwing  bomb-shells, 
sbrapnells,  balls  and  congieve  rockets  until  sun-set,  when  the 
bombardment  ceased ;  every  battery  of  the  enemy  being  silenced 
by  the  superiority  of  our  fire.  The  naval  engagement  lasted  but 
two  hours,  in  full  view  of  both  armies.  Three  efforts  were  made 
by  the  enemy  to  pass  the  river  at  the  commencement  of  the  can- 
nonade and  bombardment,  with  a  vievyr  of  assaulting  the  works, 
and  had  prepared  for  that  purpose  an  immense  number  of  scaling 
ladders.  One  attempt  to  cross  was  made  at  the  village  bridge, 
and  another  at  the  upper  bridge,  and  a  third  at  a  ford  about  three 
miles  from  the  works.  At  the  two  first  he  was  repulsed  by  the 
I  regular8....at  the  ford  by  the  brave  volunteers  and  militia,  where 
he  suffered  severely  in  kille4j|  wounded  and  prisoners  ;  a  consider- 
able body  having  crossed  the  stream,  but  were  either  killed,  taken, 
I  or  driven  back.  The  woods  at  this  place  were  very  favourable  to 
the  operations  of  the  militia.  A  whole  company  of  the  76th  regt. 
was  here  destroyed....the  three  lieutenants  and  twenty  seven  men 
I  prisoners,  the  captain  and  the  rest  killed. 

I  cannot  forego  the  pleasure  of  here  stating  the  gallant  conduct 
I  of  Captain  M'Glassio,  of  the  15th  regiment,  who  was  ordered  to 
I  ford  the  river,  and  attack  a  party  constructing  a  battery  on  the 
right  of  the  enemy's  line,  within  500  yards  of  Fort  Brown,  which 
he  handsomely  executed  at  midnight,  with  SO  men  ;  drove  off 
the  working  party,  consisting  of  150,  and  defeated  a  covering 
party  of  the  same  number....killing  one  ofiiQer  and  six  men  in  the 
{charge,  and  wounding  many. 

At  dusk  the  enemy  withdrew  his  artillery  from  the  batteries, 
I  and  raised  the  aiege....and  at  9,  under  cover  of  the  night,  sent  off 
in  a  great  hurry  all  the  baggage  he  could  find  transport  Jbr,  and 
all  his  artillery.  At  2  the.  next  morning  the  army  precipitately 
retreated,  leaving  the  sick  and  wounded  to  our  generosity  ;  and 
the  governor  left  a  note  with  a  surgeon,  requesting  the  humane 
|attentionof  the  commanding  general. 

Vast  quantities  of  provisions  were  left   behind  and  destroyed, 
UUo  an  immense  quantity  of  bombshells,  cannon  balls,  grape  shot, 
ammunition,  flints,  &c.  &c.  intrenching  tools  of  all  sorts^  also  tents 


"iim 


404 


SKKTCHKS   OV 


and  marquees.  A  great  deal  has  been  found  concealed  in  the 
ponds  and  creeks,  and  buried  in  the  ground,  and  a  vast  quantity 
carried  off  by  the  inhabitants.  Such  was  the  precipitancy  of  his 
retreat,  that  be  arrived  at  Chazy,a  distance  of  eight  miles,  before 
we  discovered  he  had  gone.  The  light  troops,  volunteers  and  mi- 
litia pursued  immediately  on  learning  of  his  flight ;  and  some  of 
the  mounted  m^  made  prisoners  five  dragoons  of  the  19th  regt. 
and  several  others  of  the  rear  guard.  A  continual  Ml  of  rain, 
and  a  violent  storm  prevented  further  pursuit.  Upwards  of  three 
hundred  deserters  have  come  in,  and  many  are  hourly  arriving. 

We  have  buried  the  British  officers  of  the  army  and  navy  with 
the  honors  of  war,  and  shown  every  attention  and  kindness  to 
those  who  have  fallen  into  our  hands. 

The  conduct  of  the  officers,  non-commissioned  officers,  and 
soldiers  of  my  command,  during  this  trying  occasion,  cannot  be 
represented  in  too  high  terms,  and  I  feel  it  my  duty  to  recommend 
to  the  particular  notice  of  government,  Lieut.  Col.  Appling  of  the 
Ist  rifle  corps ;  Maj.  Wool,  of  the  29th  ;  Maj.  Totten  of  the 
corps  of  engineers ;  Capt.  Brooks  of  the  airtillery;  Capt.  M*G las- 
sin  of  the  15th ;  Lieiits.  De  Russy  and  Trescott  of  the  corps  of  en- 
gineers ;  Lieuts.  Smythj  Mountfbrd,  and  Cromwell,  of  the  artille- 
ry ;  also  my  aid-de-camp,  Lieut.  Root,  who  have  all  distinguished 
themselves  by  their  uncommon  zeal  and  activity,  and  have  been 
greatly  instrumental  in  producing  the  happy  and  glorious  result  of 
the  siege. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  sentiments  of  profound  respect, 
sirj,  your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

ALEXANDER  MACOMB. 


The  loss  of  the  enemy  in  killed,  wounded,  prisoners  and  desert- 
ers, since  his  first  appearance,  cannot  fall  short  of  2500....including 
many  officers,  among  whom  is  Col.  Wellington  of  the  BuflTs. 

The  American  loss,  from  the  6th  to  the  11th  of  September, 
was  37  killed,  62  wounded,  and  20  missing....total9  119.* 

By  an  official  statement  given,  it  appears  that  the  enemy 

brought  into  the  field,  at  the  siege  of  Plattsburgh,  14,000  men, 

commanded  by  Sir  George  Prevost,  and  seconded  in  command 

4by  Lieutenant  General  De  Rottenburgh.     The  commanders  of 

I/brigades  consisted  of  Major  Generals  Robertson,  Powers  and  Bris 

bane. 

The  following  interesting  particulars  of  the  movements  of  the  I 
British  army,  and  the  American  measures  of  defence,  from  the 


listioneil  Ogktr*.—lMat  G.  W.  Runk  or  the  6th  regt.  wounded  on  the  7th  and  died  on 
L>)>teinbcr ;  Lt  R.  M.  Hanri$on,  of  the  iSth  rpgiment,  wounded  in  the  abopMer  ;  Lieut>  H  I 
'ilw  3itli  t«iFiinL-nt.  wounded  iu  the  knee.  I 


*  Coinm 

the  8th  St'pteinbcr  i  a>(   n.  m.  mwnum,  iH  UK  ■«[! 

Taylor  of  tlie  34th  Kguni-nt,  wounded  iu  the  knee 


•  ■^••t™  4CiuW-^    ■•-■> 


i 


THti  WAR. 


405 


Wtt  iavasloii   to  the   retreat  of  the  enemy^  are  derived  from  an 
I  authentic  source : 

On  the  31  St  of  August  the  advance  of  the  British  army  under 
ISeneral  Brisbane,  entered  Champlain,  and  encamped  on  the  north 
hide  of  the  Great  Chazy  river,  and  on  the  same  day  Maj.  Gen. 
Mooers  ordered  out  the  militia  of  the  counties  of  Clinton  and  Es- 
sex. The  regiment  from  Clinton  county,  under  Lieut.  Col  Miller, 
immediately  assembled,  and  on  the  2d  Sept.  took  a  position  on 
the  west  road  near  the  village  of  Chazy ;  and  on  the  3d  General 
Wright  with  such  of  hi»  brigade  as  had  arrived,  occupied  a  poii-  ' 
tion  on  the  same  road  about  eight  miles  in  advance  of  Plattsburgh. 
I  Oq  the  4th  the  enemy  having  brought  up  his  main  body  to  Cham- 

ain,  took  up  his  line  of  march  for  that  place.  The  rifle  corps 
I  under  Lieut.  Col.  Appling,  on  the  lake  road,  fell  back  as  far  as 
Dead  Creek,  blocking  up  the  road  in  such  manner  as  to  impede  the 
advance  of  the  enemy  as  much  as  possible.  The  enemy  advan- 
ced on  the  Sth  within  a  few  miles  of  Lieut.  Col.  Appling's  positioi, 
aod  finding  it  too  strong  to  attack,  halted  and  caused  a  road  to 
be  made  west  into  the  Beekmantown  road,  in  which  the  light 
brigade  under  Gen.  Powers  advanced,  and  on  the  morning  of  the 
6th,  about  7  o'clock,  attacked  the  militia,  which  had  at  this  time 
iocreascd  to  nearly  700,  under  Gen.  Mooers,  and  a  small  detach* 
ment  of  regulars  under  Maj.  Wool,  about  7  miles  from  Plattsburgh. 
After  the  first  fire,  a  considerable  part  of  the  militia  broke  and  fled 
ia  every  direction.  Many,  however,  manfully  stood  their  ground, 
and,  with  the  small  corps  of  Major  Wool,  bravely  contested  the 
ground,  against  five  times  their  number,  falling  back  gradually 
and  occupying  the  fences  on  each  side  the  road,  till  they  arrived 
within  a  mile  of  the  town,  when  they  were  reinforced  by  two 
pieces  of  artillery  under  Captain  Leonard,  and  our  troops  occupy- 
ing a  strong  position  behind  a  stone  wall,  for  some  time  stopped 
the  progress  of  the  enemy :  being  at  length  compelled  to  retire, 
they  contested  every  inch  of  ground  until  they  reached  the  south 
bank  of  the  Saranac,  where  the  enemy  attempted  to  pursue  them 
but  was  repulsed  with  loss.  The  loss  of  the  British  in  this  skir- 
mish was  Colonel  Wellington  and  a  Lieutenant  of  the  3d  BufTs, 
and  two  lieuts.  of  the  58tb  killed,  and  one  captain  and  one  lieut. 
of  the  58th  light  company  wounded,  together  with  about  100  pri- 
vates killed  and  wounded ;  while  that  on  our  part  did  not  exceed 
twenty-five.  The  corps  of  riflemen  undjer  Colonel  Appling,  and 
detachment  under  Captain  Sproul,  fell  back  from  their  position  at 
Dead  Creek  in  time  to  join  the  militia,  &c.  just  before  they  enter* 
ed  the  village,  and  fought  with  their  accustomed  bravery.  Th^ 
British  got  possession  of  that  part  of  the  village  north  of  the  Sara- 
nac about  1 1  o'clock,  but  the  incessant  and  well  directed  fire  of 
our  artillery  and  musketry  from  the  forts  and  opposite  bank  com- 


•m 


%-,i>. 


,.:l:rr^ 


,..::M 


406 


SKKTCHCS  Of 


pelled  them  to  retire  before  night  beyond  the  reach  of  our  gant. 
The  enemy  arrived  towards  night    with  his  heavy  artillery  an4 
baggage  on  the  lake  road  and  crossed   the  beachj  where  he  met 
with  a  warm  reception  fiom  our  row-gallies,  and  it  is  believed 
suffered  a  heavy  lots  in  killed  and  wounded.    On  our  side.  Lieu- 
tenant Duncan,  of  the  navy,  lost  an  arm  by  a  rocket  and  ^  or  4 
men  were  killed  by  the  enemy's  artillery.    The  enemy  encamped 
on  the  ridge  west  of  the  town,  his  right  near  the  river,  and  occu- 
pying an  extent  of  nearly  three  miles,  his  left  resting  on  the  lake 
about  a  mile  north  of  the  village.     From  the  6th,  until  the  room- 
ing of  the  11th,  an  almost  continual  skirmishing  was  kept  up  be- 
tween the  enemy's  pickts  and  our  militia  stationed  on  the  river; 
and  in  the  mean  time  both  armies  were  busily  engaged....ours  in 
strengthening  the  works  of  the  forts,  and  that  of  the^  enemy  iq 
erecting  batteries,  collecting  ladders,  bringing  up  his  heavy  ord- 
nance, and  making  other  preparations  for  attacking  the  fort.    On 
the  morning  of  the  7th,  a  body  of  the  enemy  under  Captain  Noa- 
die,  attempted  to  cross  at  the  upper  bridge,  about  7  miles  west  of  j 
Plattsburgh,  but  were  met  by  Captain  Vaughan's  company  of  about 
25  men,  and  compelled  to  retire  with  the  loss  of  two  kUled  and 
several  wounded,  (one  officer  shot  in  the  ancle.)     On  the  morn- 
ing of  the  11th,  the  enemy's  fleet  came  round  the  bead   with  a 
light  breeze  from  the  noith,  and  attacked  ours,  which  lay  at  an- 
chor in  Cumberland  bay,  two  miles  from  the  shore,  east  of  the 
fort.    The  action  was  long  and  bloody,  but  decisive ;  and  the 
event  such  as  we  believe  it  will  always  be  (except  by  accident) 
when  our  navy  contends  with  any  thing  I?\^  an  equal  force.  The 
enemy  commenced  a  simultaneous  boml>i*rdment  of  our  works 
from  seven  batteries,  from  which  several  hundred  shells  and  rock- 
ets were  discharged,  which  did  us  very  little  injury,  and  our  artil- 
lery had  nearly  succeeded  in  silencing  all  before  the  contest  on  the 
lake  Was  decided.     The  enemy  attempted  at  the  same  time  to 
throw  his  main  body  in  rear  of  the  fort,  by  crossing  the  river  S 
miles  west  of  the  town,  near  the  scite  of  Pike's  cantonment.    He 
succeeded  in  crossing,  after  a  brave  resistance  by  the  Essex  mili- 
tia and  a  few  of  the  Vermont  volunteers,  in  all  about  35Q,  sta* 
tioned  at  that  place,  who  retired  back  a  mile  and  a  half  from  the 
river,  continually  pouring  in  upon  them  an  incessant  fire  from  be- 
hind every  tree,  until  Lieutenant  Sumpter  brought  up  a  piece  of 
artillery  to  their  support,  when  the  enemy  commenced  a  precipi< 
ttLie  retreat.    The  Vermont  volunteers,  whoi,had  hastened  to  the 
scene  of  action  on  the  first  alarm,  fell  upon  the  enemy's  left  flank 
and  lucceeded  in  making  many  prisoners,  including  three  officers. 
Had  the  British  remained  on  the  south  side  of  the  river  30  minutes 
longer^  they  must  have  lost  nearly  the  whole  detachment  that 
crossed.     Our  loss  in  this  affair  was  5  killed  and  8  or  10  wound- 
edf  some  mortally.     Immediately  on  ascertaining  the  loss  of  the 


THE  WAA. 


i; 


h  of  our  guDi. 
r  aitillery  and 
where  he  met 
it  is  believed 
our  side,  Lieu' 
(et  and  2i  or  4 
>niy  encamped 
iver,  and  occu- 
ng  on  the  lake 
mtil  the  morn- 
vas  kept  up  be- 
1  on  the  river; 
;aged....our8  in 
'  the^  enemy  iq 
his  heavy  ord- 
j;  the  fort.    On 
>r  Captain  Noa- 
7  miles  west  of 
)mpany  of  about 
two  killed  and 
On  the  morn- 
ae  head  with  a  i 
rhich  lay  at  an- ' 
)re,  east  of  the 
cisive ;  and  the 
spt  by  accident) 
qual  force.  The 
t  of  our  works 
shells  and  rock- 
and  our  arlil- 
contest  on  the 
same  time  to 
ing  the  river  a 
ntonment.    He 
the  Essex  mill- 
about  350,  sta- 
half  from  the 
t  fire  from  be- 


feet,  Sif  George  ordered  preparations  to  be  made  for  the  retreat 
if  the  army,  and  set  off  himself  with  a  small  escort,  for  Canada^ 
I  little  after  noon.    The  maiu  body  of  the  enemy,  with  the  artil- 
liry  and  baggage,  were  taken  off  in  the  afternoon  and  night,  and 
the  rear  guard,  consisting  of  the  light  brigade,  started  at  daybreak, 
lod  made  a  precipitate  retreat,  leaving  their  wounded  and  a  large 
fiantity  of  provision,  fixed  ammunition,  shot,  shells  and  other 
public  stores  in  the  different  places  of  deposit  about  their  camp. 
jThey  were  pursued  tome  distance  by  our  troops,  and  many  pri« 
ijoners  taken  ;  but  owing  to  the  very  heavy  and  incenant  rain, 
Le  were  compelled  to  return.    The  enemy  hav.e  lost,  upon  land. 
Lore  than  2000  n^en  in  killed,   wounded,  prisoners  and  desert- 
Itrs;  while  our  aggregate  loss  does  not  exceed  ISO. 
Among  the  many  acts  of  valour  performed  by  the  Vermont 
olunteers,  we  notice  the  following  brave  exploit : 
The  inhabitants  of  Orwell,  to  the  amount  of  240,  had  march- 
I,  on  the  first  report  of   approaching  danger,  to  Plattsburgh, 
d  tendered  their  services  to  the  commanding  general.    Among 
lis  number  was  a  small  but  brave  corps  of  cavalry  of  about  20 
len,  raised  principally  through  the  exertions  of  Captain  A.  Sco- 
11  of  Orwell,  and  Captain  Ketchum  of  Sudbury,  in  which  many 
tinguished  citizens  were  enrolled.    The  corps  selected  for  their 
immander.  Captain  Scovell ;  and  on  their  arrival  at  Plattsburgh, 
iding  the  enemy  had  decamped,  they  did  not  wait  for  general 
decs,  or  to  be  joined  by  other  forces,  but  pursued  the  enemy, 
irprised  his  rear  guard  at  Chazy,  captured  7  dragoons  with  their 
irses  and  equipments,  took  the  contents  of  two  baggage  wag- 
IDS,  and  returned  with  the  loss  of  only  one  horse  killed. 


Capture  of  the  British  Jteet.,.,Jihe  following  letter  from  Com* 
lore   Macdonough  to  the  secretary  of  the  navy,  contains  the 
irticulars  of  the  capture  of  the  British  fleet  on  lake  Champlainr 

U.  S.  Ship  Saratoga,  Plattsburgh  Bay,  Sept,  13,  1814. 
S1R....I  have  the  honour  to  give  you  the  particulars  of  the  ac> 

bo.which  took  place  on  the  1 1th  inst.  on  this  lake. 

I  For  several  days  the  enemy  were  on  their  way  to  Plattsburgh 
'  land  and  water  ;  and  it  being  well  understood  that  an  Attack 
lid  be  made  at  the  same  time  by  their  land  and  naval  forces,  I 


up  a  piece  of  Wermined  to  await  at  anchor  the  approach  of  the  latter. 


^nced  a  precipi 
fastened  to  the 
^my's  left  flank 

three  officers. 
Ever  30  minutes 
Itachment  that 

or  10  wound- 
Ithe  loss  of  the 


At  8,  A.  M.  the  look-out  boat  announced  thel  approach  of  the 
emy.    At  9  he  anchored  in  a  line  ahead,  at  about  300  yards 

mce  from  my  line  ;  his  ship  opposed  to  the  Saratoga,  his  brig 
[the  Eagle,  Captain  Robert  Henly,  his  gallies  (13  in  number)  to 

schooner,  sloop,  and  a  division  of  our  gallies.    Our  remaiii- 

gallies  with  the  Saratoga  and  Eagle. 


-^i^'- 


J! 


'•«, 


.',  1^ 


,l^tJ 


408 


SK£'rCH18  Of 


hi 

COj*] 

lod 
T 

my\ 
1 

tbei 

t9thi 

djeat 
Hq 

Th. 

th«B, 


In  tliis  aituatiuu,  the   whole  force   on  both  sides  bccnime  6ti' 
gaged ;  the  Saratoga  suffered   much  fiom  the  heavy  fire  of  the 
C6nfiance  :  I  could  perceive,  at  the  same  time,  however,  thai 
our  fire  was  very  destructive   to  her.     The  Ticoiideroga,  Lieutc 
nant  CommaDdaut  Cassin,  gallantly  sustained  her  full  share  of  tht 
action.     At  half  past  10  o'clock,  the  Eagle,  not  being  able  to 
bring  her  guns  to  bear,  cut  her  cable  and  anchored  in  a  more  eli 
gible  position,  between  my  ship  and  the  Ticonderoga,  where  the 
very  much  annoyed  the  enemy,  but  unfortunately  leaving  me  ex- 
posed to  a  galling  fire  from  the  enemy's  brig.     Our  guns,  on  the 
starboard  side,  being  nearly  all  dismounted^  or  not  manageable, s| 
stern  anchor  was  let  go,  the  bower  cable  cut,  and  the  ship  wind 
ed  with  a  fresh  broadside  on  the  enemy's  ship,  which  soon  alilt; 
surrendered.     Our  broadside  was  then  sprung  to  bear  on  thebrigj 
which  surrendered  in  about  15  minutes  after. 

The  sloop  that  was  opposed  to  the  Eagle,  had  struck  some  timi 
before,  and  drifted  down  the  line ;  the  sloop  which  was  with  thei 
gallies  having  struck  also.  Three  of  their  gallies  are  said  to 
sunk,  and  the  others  pulled  oflT.  Our  gallies  were  about  obc)riD^. 
with  alacrity  the  signal  to  follow  them,  when  all  the  vessels  wcvl[''^t 
reported  to  me  to  be  in  a  sinking  state :  it  then  became  necesiarwf"^  ^ 
to  annul  the  signal  to  the  gallies,  and  order  their  men  to  tbK^P' 

I  could  only  look  at  the  enemy's  gallies  going  oflT  in  a  shattef^      T 
ed  condition,  for  there  was  not  a   mast  in  either  squadron  t 
could  stand  to  make  sail  on;  the   lower  rigging,  being  nearl 
all  shot  away,  hung  down  as  though  it  had  been  just  placed  ovi 
the  ma»t  heads. 

The  Saratoga  had  55  round  shot  in  her  hull ;  the  Confiai 
105.     The  enemy's  shot  passed  principally  just  over  our  heads, 
there  were  not  20  whole  hammocks  in  the  nettings  at  the  cli 
of  the  action,  which  lasted,  without  intermission,  2  hours  and 
minutes.  _        - 

The  absence  and  sickness  of  Lieutenant  Raymond  Perry,  1^''  **•*'* 
me  without  the  services  of  that  excellent  officer ;  much  ought^fi 
ly  to  be  attributed  to  him  for  his  great  care  and  attention  in 
ciplinmg  the  ship's  crew,  as  her  first  lieutenant.     His  place 
filled'  by  a  gallant  young  officer.  Lieutenant  Peter  Gamble,  wl 
I  regret  to  inform  you,  was  killed  early  in  the  action.     Aci 
Lieutenant  Valette  worked  the  Ist  and  2d  divisions  of  guns 
able  effect.     Sailing-master  Brum's  attention  to  the  springs, 
in  the  execution  of  the  order  to  wind  the  ship,  and  occasionil  t*)ie 
at  the  guns,  meets  my  entire  approbation  ;  also  Captain  Yoifaantg. 
commanding  the  acting  marines,  who  took  his  men  to  the  gi 
Mr.  Beale,  purser,  was  of  great  service  at  the  guns,  and  in 
rying  my  orders  throughout  the  ship,  with  Midshipman  ModI 
mery.     Master's  Mate  Joshua  Justin,  had   command  of  the 


icoadfl 
reble. 


pe-aux.; 


Hhit  b  •  I 


Nuring 


I  „ 


Tkl  WAR. 


400 


II  becrtme  tt* 
ivy  fire  of  the 
however,  th»! 
deroga,  Lieute 
uU  »haie  ofthtl 
t  being  able  to] 
d  in  a  more  eVi 
■oga,  vvheie  ihe| 
r  leaving  me  ex 
lur  guns,  on  thel 
)t  manageable, al 
id  the  «hip  windj 
which  soon  afte^ 
,  bearonthebiigJ 

gliuck  some  tima 
ch  was  with  theiil 
ies  are  said  to  I 
ere  about  obeying 
U  the  vessels  wet^ 
became  necesiar 
their  men  to  th 

,g  off  in  a  shattej 

ther  squadron  lb" 

ing,  being  nean 

n  just  placed  ov« 

ill ;  the  Confian 
over  our  heads,, 
ttings  at  the  do 
)n,  2  hours  and  I 


yihond  Perry, 
;  muchought/« 
id  attention  in 
nt.    His  place 
eter  Gamble,  wl 


ivldon ;  hii  conducr,  duriog  the  actioii,  wti  that  of  a  brav^  and 
correct  officer.  Midshipmen  Monteatb|  Oiaham,  Winiaiiifon« 
I^ttt,  Thwiof ,  and  acting  midihipman  Baldwin,  all  behaved  well, 
•ad  gave  evidence  of  their  making  valuable  offioera. 

The  Saratoga  was  twice  aet  on  lire  by  hot  abot  from  the  cn6- 
oy'i  abip. 

1  close,  sir,  thia  communication  with  feelinga  of  gratitude  for 
I  ibe  able  aupport  I  received  from  every  officer  and  man  attiiched 
I  to  the  squadron  which  I  fiave  the  honour  to  boAmand. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  great  respect,  sir,  your  most  obe- 
dient servant,  T.  MACDONOUOH. 

Hon.  Wm.  Jonei,  secretary  of  the  navy. 

The  following  is  a  comparative  view  of  the  force  and  loss  of 
I  the  British  and  American  fleets : 


BRITISH. 


ILirge  ship, 

[Brig  Linnet, 
loop,  formerly  Growler, 
^oop,        do.    Eagle, 

[Is  Oun-boats, 

Total, 


ratogft,  ship, 

Igle^  brig, 

ticoaderoga,  schooner, 
Preble,  sloop, 
K  6un«boats, 


Ouns,    Men, 

Killed,^ 

Winmded, 

30          300 

50 

00 

le           120 

80 

30 

11            40 

0 

10 

U             40 

8 

i6 

18           5S0 

8 

probably  sunk 

85         1060 

84 

110 

AMERICAN. 

Ouns*    Men, 

icaied. 

Wounded. 

80          2ld 

88 

88 

80          180 

13 

80 

17           110 

0 

6 

7            30 

2 

0 

16          850 

3 

3 

Total,      80  880 


58 


88 


the  action. 


Act! 


lisions  of  guns 
]to  the  springs, 
lip,  and  occasioni 

ilso  Captain  Ycv 
lis  mento  the  g« 

le  guns,  and  in 
iidshipman  Mod< 

lommand  of  the] 


The  British  officers  killed,  we^e  Comndodoi^e  Downey,  and  3 

itenants.  The  Anaerican  officers  killed,  were  Lieutenants  Qam- 

and  Stansbury  ;  the  latter  of  whom  was  knocked  overboard 

not  (bond.    Commodore  Macdonough  escaped  without  in- 

The  Brifish  officers  taken  were  Captain  ip'iing  nnd  6or  8  lieu- 
lants.    The  wounded  were  paroled  and  sent  by  a  flag  to  the 
-aux'Noix. 

Thii  i*  a  ttMameat  of  wtet  vera  found  on  boftrd  tbe  Brkbh  veuelt.    Mut  wete  thrown  over< 
ni  during  the  ketiua}  and  it  W41  luppotcd  th*  whole  Dumber  of  killed  mh  wouoM  •mounted 

S  P 


^'#lll 


mil 


infflfflOFK 


•  "  ,.'■'    I 


410 


SKETCHIS,  ftc. 


m 


W^'-  "1 


f;^- 


The  British  large  ship  proved  to  be  a  fine  vessel  of  her  cfmy 
having  two  gun-decks  in  her  bow  and  stern,  and  mounting,  among 
her  guns,  28  long  24  pounders,  a  battery  which  few  fiigatvg  of 
tiie  British  navy  can  boast. 

On  the  13th  of  September,  the  interment  of  the  American  and 
British  officers,  who  fell  in  the  memorable  battle  of  the  lith 
took  place  at  Plattsburgh,  in  a  manner  to  do  honour  to  the  brave- 
ry with  which  they  defended  their  respective  flags.  The  coffini 
of  the  American  oiHcersr,  covered  with  the  iiags  of  their  vessels 
were  taken  on  board  a  boat  from  the  commodore's  ship,  and  fol. 
lowed  by  him  and  his  officer*,  in  another  boat,  to  the  British  ship^ 
where  they  took  on  board  the  deceased  British  officers,  covered 
with  the  flags  of  their  own  vessels,  and  proceeded  to  the  shore, 
followed  by  their  surviving  officers.  During  the  procession,  mi- 
nute guns  were  fired  from  the  commodore's  ship. 

At  the  land  they  were  received  by  an  escort  of  infantry  and  ar' 
tillery,  and  Joined  by  a  large  number  of  the  officers  of  the  army ; 
and  while  they  proceeded  to  the  public  burying  ground,  minute 
guns  were  also  fired  from  the  fort.  At  the  grave,  a  discharge  ol 
musquetry  and  artillery  closed  the  scene. 

Commodore  Macdonough  is  the  son  of  Doctor  Macdonougb,  oL 
Newcastle  countv,  state  of  Delaware.    He  was  a  midshipman  oo-| 
der  Decatur  at  Tripoli^  and  one  of  the  gallant  band  that  destroye 
the  Philadelphia  fi-igatie.    At  the  time  of  the  engagement  on  laki 
Charaplain,  h«  wa«  about  28  years  of  age.     In  this  action  he  ba 
frequently  to  work  his  own  guns,  when  his  men  at  them  wen 
shot ;  and  three  times  he  was  driven  across  the  deck  by  splinters. 
At  one  time  all  the  guns,  excepting  two,  on  one  side  of  his  shipi 
were,  dismounted,  when  he  wore  ship;  the  enemy  endeavoriiij 
to  do  the  same,  failed,  and  gave  Macdonough  an  opportunity  t 
rake  him. 

The  following  amount  of  property  was  said  to  have  been  takei 
from  on  board  theenemyl  fleet,  at  the  time  of,  and  subsequei 
to  its  capture :....!  7,000  wt;  of  powder,  exclusive  of  fixed  ami 
munition  for  the  ships ;  between  80  and  ttO,000  wt.  of  balls,  &c. 
600  muskets  ;  600  suits  of  sailor*8  clothing  ;  and  the  winter  clot! 
ing  for  the  whole  oif  the  land  army. 

In  the  beginning  of  Novembei,  six  tons  of  8  inch  tbelU  wei 
taken  out  of  the  lake  at  Chazy  by  the  Americans,  which  had  beei 
secreted  by  the  enemy  in  his  incursion.    A  transport  sloop  wi 
also  raised  at  Isle  la  Mott,  which  had  been  sunk  by  the  eneni; 
loaded  with  naval  stores  and  various  instruments  of  war. 


Deprt 
Dis 
han 
port 
ams. 
fFoi 
tnet 


f/*iV 


On 

etrryin 
tod  4  I 
ding  sqi 
on  the 
miles  at 
ced  the 
tants  ha 
of  the  V 
to  previ 
in  destn 
at  130,C 
other  ac 
proceed( 
On  th 
S20,  Ian 
^bout  00 
they  pro 
cotton  fa 
but  the  fi 
tiogttishe 


*^i^R?«f*^h» 


SKETCHES 


fjti^ 


o* 


THE  WA 


Vol    1 1 No.  2. 


VVuoLK  Number  8. 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

Depredations  of  the  enemy  m  Cotmectieut,  Massaehusetts  and  tht 
District  of  Maine,.,.Buming  <f  vessels  at  Pettipaug,  fVare* 
ham  and  Scituate..,.Attaek  upon  Stonington,.».Capture  of  East- 
port..,.Capture  of  Castine,ire,  and  loss  of  the  U,  S.  frigate  Ad- 
ams,...Chesapeake  bay»^,Battle  at  Bladensburgh^and  capture  qf 
Washington  City,».Surrender  qf  Alesandria„^Repulse  of  thw 
enemy  at  Baltimore, 

On  the  7th  of  April,  1814,  a  force  consisting  of  two  launches, 

letrrying  9  or  12  pound  carronades,  and  about  50  or  60  men  each, 

and  4  barges  with  about  25  men  each,  from  the  enemy's  block(^ 

mng  squadron,  entered  the  mouth  of  Connecticut  river,  and  early 

on  the  morning  of  the  8th,  arrived  at  Pettipaug  point,  about  0 

miles  above  Saybrook,  (Con.)  where  they  immediately  commeo- 

[ced  the  burning  of  a  number  of  merchant  vessels.    The   inhabi> 

tants  had  no  knowledge  that  the  enemy  were  near  before  some 

of  the  vessels  were  on  fire;  and  before  a  force  could  be  collected 

to  prevent  the  destruction  of  property,  the  enemy  had  succeeded 

in  destroying  4  ships,  4  brigs,  4  achooners,  and  9  sloops,  valued 

at  150,000  dollars.     Having  accomplished  this,  and  committed 

other  acts  of  outrage,  they  left  the  place  at  10  o'clock  A.  M.  and 

[proceeded  down  the  river. 

On  the  13th  of  June,  the  enemy,  in  0  barges,  to  the  number  of 
[220,  landed  with  a  flag  at  Warebam,  in  Plymouth  county.  Maw. 
jbout  00  miles  from  ^Mton ;  but  without  respecting  the  flag, 
they  proceeded  to  destroy  the  vessels  in  the  harbour,  as  also  a 
cotton  factory.  They  succeeded  in  burning  5  merchant  vessels; 
but  the  fire  which  had  been  communicated  to  the  factory  was  ex* 
tiogttished,  after  the  departure  of  the  enemy,  by  the  inhabitants. 


:{ 


Ik    '■ 


B-  ^ 


\ 


i 


412 


8K£TCHG8  Of 


About  this  time  the  euemy  entered  the  harbour  of  Scitu^te,  ^f^ 
miles  S.  £.  of  Boston,  and  burnt  0  small  vessels. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  0th  of  August,  a  British  ship  of  74 
guns,  a  frigate,  a  sloop  of  war,  and  an  armed  brig,  arrived  off 
Stonnington  harbour,  (Con.)  and  soon  commenced  bombarding  tin 
town. 

The  means  of  defence  at  Stonnington  >yere  small ;  but  such 
as  could  be  had  were  employed  to  the  best  advantage.  A  battery 
which  consisted  of  two  18  pounders  and  a  4  pounder,,  with  a 
elight  breast  wor|c  four  feet  high,  was  manned  by  volunteers,  and 
returned  the  fire  of  the  epemy  occasionally,  which  lasted  u|i;i) 
midnight. 

On  the  morning  of  the  10th,  the  approach  of  the  enemy  was 
announced,  by  a  discharge  of  congreve  rockets  from  several  bar* 
ges  and  a  launch,  which  had  taken  their  station  at  the  east  side 
of  the  town,  and  put  of  reach  of  the  battery.  Several  volunteers 
with  small  arms  and  the  4  pounder,  hastened  across  the  point, 
supposing  the  enemy  were  attempting  a  l^ndjqg;  Col.  Randall, 
who  at  the  time  was  moving  towards  the  battery  with  a  detach- 
ment of  militia,  ordered  them  to  assist  the  volunteers  in  drawing 
over  one  of  the  18  pounders  tp  the  extreme  end  of  the  point; 
the  iire  of  which,  in  a  few  minutes,  compelled  the  barges  to  seek 
safety  in  flight.  During  this  time,  the  brig  was  working  up  to- 
wards the  point,  and  soon  came  to  anchor^  short  of  half  a  mile 
from  the  battery ;  but  our  ammunition  being  soon  exhausted,  the 
guns  were  spiked,  and  the  men  who  fought  them  being  only  15 
or  20,  retired,  leaving  them  behind,  for  want  of  strength  to  drag 
them  off. 

The  brig  now  continued  to  pour  her  32^pound  shot  and  grape 
into  the  village  for  an  hour  ;  vvhen  a  fresh  supply  of  anomunition 
havmg  been  obtained,  the  18  pounder  was  withdrawn  from  the 

breast-work,  the  vent  drilled,  and  the  piece  taken  back  again 

A  well  directed  fire  being  now  kept  up,  the  brig  was  compelled 
to  slip  her  cable  and  haul  off,  with  her  pumps  going,  havmg  re- 
ceived several  shots  below  her  water  Ime^  and  considerable  dam- 
age in  her  spars. 

The  enemy  after  this,  continued  the  bombardment  from  their 
.  other  vessels,  occasionally,  until  the  13th;  when  they  relinquish- 
ed the  hope  of  burning  the  town,  weighed  anchor,  and  stood  offt 

During  this  time,  |^  or  6  of  the  militia  were  slightly  wounded, 
and  a  few  buildings  injured.  The  Iqm  of  the  enemy  was  suppos- 
ed to  have  been  8  or  10  killed^ 

Capture  of  Bastport On  the  evening  of  the  lltb  of  July, 

the  enemy  succeeded  in  capturing  Eastport,  in  the  District  of 
Maine,  by  surprise.  His  force  consisted  of  8  sail,  having  on  boarc) 
2.000  land  troops.    The  fort  at  Eastport  contained  six  24  pounderr 


■      •    '  V- 


1*' 


IHE  WAR. 


4it3 


citu^te,   T^h 

ship  of  74 

arrived  off 

obarding  tin 

]  ;  but  such 
>.  A  battery 
iDder^  with  a 
iunteers,  and 
lasted  upti) 

e  enemy  >ya8 
several  bar- 
:  the  east  side 
al  volunteers 
rost  the  point, 
Col.   Randall, 
with  a  detach- 
rs  ia  drawing 
of  the    point; 
barges  to  seek 
working  up  to- 
of  half  a  mile 
xhausted,  the 
being  only  15 
engtb  to  drag 

^hot  and  grape 

)f  anomuaitioD 

lawn  from  the 

[back  again 

ras  compelled 
|g,  having  re- 
liderable  dara- 

ient  from  their 
ley  relinquish - 

and  stoQd  off. 

itly  wounded, 
ly  was  suppos- 


iud  about  40  men,  under  the  command  of  Major  Putman,  of  the 
48th  regimentj  and  was  surrendered  without  firing  a  gun,  whicfi 
might  be  justified  from  the  overwhelming  force  sent  against  it, 
particularly  as  it  was  situate  on  an  island,  and  surroundi'd  by  the 
enemy.  The  vessels  in  the  harbour  were  immediately  confis- 
cated ;  and  the  inhabitants  allowed  4  days  either  to  take  the  oath 
of  allegiance  to  the  king  of  England,  or  remove  from  the  island* 
The  British  soon  after  commenced  fortifying  the  place. 

Bastport  is  on  an  island  (called  Mjose  Island)  five  miles  lone 
and  one  mile  broad,  containing  about  1 000  inhabitants,  is  situated 
on  the  western  side  of  the  Passamaquoddy  bay,  and  is  the  most  re* 
mote  town  on  the  eastern  territory  of  the  United  States,  opposite 
the  province  of  Newbrunswich.  The  principal  ship  channel  is  be- 
tween  Moose  Island  and  the  Indian  Island,  (the  latter  is  in  the  Bri- 
tish territory)  about  half  a  mile  wide.  The  water,  on  the  west- 
ern side  is  nbt  sufficient  for  the  passage  of  large  vessels  at  low 
tide. 

Toward  the  latter  part  of  August,  the  enemy,  in  several  bar- 
ges, attacked  ^ewharbour,  (Maine,)  but  were  b^eaten  o^  with 
pon  side  r able  loss. 

Capture  of  Castine,  §-c.,...Oa  the  1st  of  September,  between 
20  and  30  sail  of  the  enemy's  vessels,  having  on  board  between 
1 2  and  3000  troops  entered  the  Penobscot  river.  The  small  garri- 
son in  the  fort  at  Castine  dischafged  their  guns,  blew  up  the  fore 
ind  retired.  The  enemy  then  took  possession  without  opposition. 
They  next  sent  600  men  to  Belfast,  which  place  submitted.  The 
following  day  they  proceeded  up  the  river  to  Hampden,  where 
the  U.  S.  frigate  Adams  Jay,  distant  35  miles.  Captain  Morris  pre* 
[pared  himself  ta receive  them  as  well  as  he  could,  by  landing  his 

guns  aiid  erecting  batteries.    A  considerable  militia  force  had  by 
[  this  time  assembled  ;  but  they  disgracefully  fled  on  the  approach 

of  the  enemy.    He,  therefore,  after  a  few  fires,  spiked  his  guns, 

barnt  his 'stores  and  prize  goods,  and  blew  up  the  ship.     He  for? 

tunately  succeeded  in  effecting  the  escape  of  himself  and  crew,' 

without  loss. 
The  British  afterwards  took  possession  of  a  number  of  other 

townis  in  tho  District  of  Maine,  without  much  opposition  ;    and 

remained  in  quiet  possession  of  all  until  after  the  treaty  of  peace. 


Chesapeake  bay During  the  spring  and  sunimer  of  1814,  the 

enemy,  who  had  constantly  kept  a  blockading  squadron  in  the 
Chesapeake  bay,  committed  many  depredations  on  the  shores  of 

11th  of  Julyil  the  bay  and  the  numerous  rivers  and  creeks  which  empty  into  it ; 

he  District  of  I  often  plundering  inofiensive  inhabitants  of  the  necessaries  of  life, 

ving  on  boarfl  I  destroying  private  property,  and  comnaittiog  other  acts  of  aggres- 

lix  24pounderfr  • 


'V,  «■ 


•I  .!;:  .   IWiBV 

Ipilill 


IS;- 


414  SWITCHES  09 

tion,  of  a  wanton  and  barbarous  nature.  Tbesn  proceedings  wer« 
sanctioned  by  the  British  commander,  Cockburn,  and  he  was  often 
found  at  the  head  of  parlies  entering  the  country  for  plunder  and 
rapine. 

-S.  Attempts  were  repeatedly  made  by  British  vessels  to  captures 
flotilla  of  gun-boats^  &<:.  under  Commodore  Qarney  ;  and  altho' 
engagements  fequently  took  place,  yet  the  efforts  of  the  enemy 
proved  unsucces8ful....the  flotilla  at  times  running  up  small  creekt, 
out  of  the  reach  of  the  enemy's  guns,  and  at  other  times  com- 
pelling him  to  abandon  his  object,  by  its  superior  gunnery. 


siiiim- 


^1 


J^ 


Battle  at  Bladensburg  and  capture  of  JVaskington On  the 

16th  and  17th  of  August,  the  British  fleet  in  the  Chesapeake  wai 
reinforced  by  a  formidable  squadron  of  ships  and  vessels  of  vari- 
ous sizes.     A  large  portion  of  these  entered  the  Patuxent  river, 
and  landed  their  troops  and  marines  chiefly  about  Benedict  (the 
head  of    navigation  for  frigates)  about  40  miles . southeast  ofi 
Washington  city.     Others  entered  the  Potomac,  on  the  banks  of  I 
which  Georgetown,  Alexandria,  Washington,  &c.  stand.      Itg 
mouth  is  from  15  to  20  miles  distant  from  that  of  the  Patuxent. 
Brigadier  General  Winder,  who  had  been  appointed  to  the  com- 
mand of  the   10th  military  district,  and  of  the  respective  quotas , 
of  militia  which  had  been  ordered  to  be   held  in  readiness  in  the 
states  of  Pennsylvania  and  Maryland,  immediately  made  requiti- 
tions  on  the  governors  of  these  states,  on  various  oflficerc  of  the  I 
militia ;  and  the  militia  of  the  District  of  Columbia  were  ordered 
out  en  masse.     On  the  19th,  Colonel  Monroe,  with  Colonel  Thorn- 
ton's troop  of  horse,  proceeded  to  find  and  reconnoitre  the  eo» 
my ;  on  the  same  day  the  militia  of  Georgetown  and  the  city  of 
Washington  were  mustered.     On  the  20th,  about   1  o'clock,  P.  [ 
M.  this  and  some  other  forces  commenced  their  line  of  march  to- 
vwards  Benedict,  and  encamped  that  night  about  4  miles  from  the 
eastern  branch  bridge  of  the  Potomac,  on  the  road  to  Upper 
'Marlborough.     On  this  day.  Colonel  Monroe  communicated  the] 
^  intelligence  of  the  arrival  of  the  enemy  at  Benedict  in  force. 
''Same  day.  Captain  Tilgbman  and  Captain  Caldwell,  with  tbeirl 
commands  of  horse,  were  ordered  and  despatched  to  annoy  thef 
^«nemy,  to  impede  his  march,  to  remove  and  destroy  forage  andj 
provisions  before  him* 

On  the  morning  of  the  2l8t,  the  troops  under  General  Win- 
der were  mustered.     At   12  o'clock,  a  body  of  marines  under] 
Captain  Miller  joined  the  army;  the  regulars  of  the  30th  and 
38tb  regiments  also  joined  at  the  Wood  Yard,  7  miles  in  advance 
(and  13  miles  from  Washington)  to  which  the  main  body  of  our  J 
troops  were  marched  and  encamped  at  night.    Two  letters  fronif 
Colonel  Monroe,  on  the  2l8t,  one  stating  that  he  had  viewed  the!  time, 
enemy  near  Benedict, enumerating  27  square-rigged  vessels,  some!  Wing 


''    c 


THE  WAR. 


415 


iay  craft  and  barges ;  and  the  other  dated  from  Nottingham  (on 
the  Patuxent,  20  miles  south-east  from  Washingtoa)  stating  the 
advance  of  the  enemy  upon  that  place  by  land  and  water^  and 
recooMnending  the  commanding  general  to  dispatch  5  or  600 
men  to  fall  upon  the  enemy.  Colonel  Monroe  and  Colonel  BeaU 
both  joined  the  army  at  night,  and  gave  an  account  that  the  ene- 
my had  been  viewed  by  them.  Early  on  the  morning  of  the  22d 
a  light  detachment,  composed  of  regulars,  cavalry  and  militia,  un- 
der Lieutenant  Colonel  Scotland  Major  Peter,  was  ordered  to  meet 
the  enemy.  This  detachment  marched  on  the  road  to  Notting- 
ham about  9  o'clock ;  the  remainder  of  the  army  marched  about 
a  mile  in  advance  to  an  elevated  position :  the  commanding  gen- 
eral, with  hi| staff,  accompanied  by  Colonel  Monroe,  proceeded  in 
advance  to  reconnoitre  the  advance  of  the  enemy.  Commodore 
Barney  had  joined  the  army  with  his  fiotilla  men,  besides  the  ma- 
rines under  Captain  Miller ;  the  horse  preceded  the  advance  of  a 
detachment  of  our  forces,  met  the  enemy  and  retired  before  them. 
This  induced  the  advance  corps  to  take  a  position  to  impede  the 
march  of  the  enemy;  but  the  advance  detachment  was  ordered 
to  retrograde  and  join  the  mfain  body  of  the  army  that  had  re- 
mained some  hours  in  line  of  battle,  expecting  the  enemy  to  come 
that  rout  to  the  city ;  but  who  took  the  road  to  Upper  Marlbo- 
rough, turning  to  his  right,  after  having  come  within  a  few  roilea 
of  our  forces;  upon  which  the  commanding  general  fell  back 
with  his  whole  forces  to  ihe  Battalion  Old  Fields,  about  8  milet 
f^om  Marlborough,  and  the  same  distance  from  the  city  of  Wash- 
ington. At  this  time,  heavy  explosions  in  the  direction  of  Marl* 
borough  announced  the  destruction  of  the  flotilla  under  command 
•f  Commodore  Barney.  The  enemy  arrived  at  Upper  Marlbo- 
Irough  about  2  o'clock^  and  remained  there  until  late  next  day,  to 
be  joined,,  it  is  presumed,  by  a  detachment  .which  had  been  sent 
against  the  flotilla.  i 

The  commanding  general  proceeded  to  Marlborough  and  found 
the  enemy  encamp«d;  and,  after  making  observations  till 
the  close  of  the  day,  he  returned  to  the  army.  Late  in 
the  evening  of  this  day,  the  president^  with  the  secretaries  of 
war  and  navy,  and  attorney-general,  joined  General  Winder  at 
the  Battalion  Old  Fields,  and  remained  with  him  till  the  evening 
of  the  23d.  In  the  morning  the  troops  were  drawn  up  and  re- 
viewed by  Ihe  president.  The  most  contradictory  reports  pre- 
vailed as  to  the  movements  and  force  of  the  enemy,  and  it  was 
doubtful  in  camp  whether  Annapolis,  fd'rl  Washington,  (with  a 
view  to  CO  operate  with  his  naval  forces)  or  the  city  of  Washing- 
ton was  his  object.  As  to  numbers,  rumours  vibrated- from  4  to 
12,000;  the  best  opinion  was  fVom  5  to  7000i  Our  forces  at  thit 
time,  at  the  Old  Fields,  were  upwards  of  3000  men,  in  the  fol* 
lowing  corps :  400  horse  under  the  tommand  of  Lieutenant  Col. 


S|» 


>::    ?!!,!ll»;i 


ifff ' 


•■.If 

m 


'\ 


4tff 


#KKT6U£8  Of 


Lavol,  Colonel  Tiigliman,  Captains  Caldwell,  Thornton,  Hubert, 
Williams,  &c. ;  400  regular  troops  under  the  command  of  Lieut' 
Colonel  Scott,  viz.  the  96tb,  38th,  and  Captain  Morgan's  compa- 
ny of  the  12th  infantry;  600  marines  and  flotilla  men,  under 
Commodore  Barney  and  CaptaiA  Miller,  with  five  pieces  of  heavy 
artillery  (two  18  pounders  and  three   12  pounders;)  18Q0  militia 
and  volunteers,  consisting  of  General  Smith's  brigade  of  George- 
town and  city  mMitia,  and  Maryland  militia  under  Colonel  Kra- 
mer, of  which  there  were  two  companies  of  artillery  under  Cap- 
tain Burch  and  Major  Peter,  with  six  6  pounders  each,  mahing 
an  aggregate  of  3,200,  with  17  piecrs  of  artillery.     The  enemy 
was  without  cavalry,  and  had  two  smalt  field  pieces  and  one  ho- 
witzer, drawn  by  men ;  and  the  whole  country  well  calculated 
for  defence,  skirmishing}  and  to  impede  the  march  or  an  enemy.; 
The  enemy  remained  at  Upper  Marlborough  tfll  after  12  o'clock, 
about  which  time  General  Winder  again  ordered  the  detachment 
under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Scott  and  Major  Peter  to  advance  and 
meet  the  enemy,  if  he  should  be  found  advancing,  or  to  attack  his 
positions.    About  this  time^^f  12  o*cloqk,j  tome  prisoners  were  ta- 
ken, anti  from  information  given  by  them  ?ind  the  observations  of 
the  videts.  General  Winder  was  induced ,  to  believe  that  the  ene- 
my intended  to  remain  stationary  for  the  day,  which  induced  him 
to  think  of  uniting  with  the  forces  at  Bladensburg,  and  despatched 
others  to  General  Stansbury,  and  other  corps  at  Bladensburg,  to 
n<We  direct  for  Upper  Marlborough,  and  proceeded  himself  to- 
wards  Bladensburg,  to  meet  and  hurry  on  the  forces  to  form  a 
junction.    When  General  Winder  left  the  command  with  Gene- 
ral Smith,  and  proceeded  towards  Bladensburg,  with  several  troops 
of  cavalry^  he  left  orders  that  the  advanced, corps  «houl4  march 
upon  the  enemy,,  and  annoy  him  by  every  possible  me^ns  if  if 
march,  or  if  not,  then  in  his  position*;;  and  if  he  advanced  upon 
Bladensburg,  General  Smith,  with  the  main   body^  should  fall  up- 
on his  flank,  or  be  governed  by  ciroiimstances  in' other  movements. 
r  Captain  Cadwell  joined  the  advaqped  corps  at.  2  o'docllj  P-  M. 
An  express  brought  intelligence  that  the  enemy  had  le|^  Uppe;r 
Marlborough;  that  our  advance  had  met  the  enemy  about  six 
miles  in  advance  of  our  Torces,  and  after  a  skirn^ish,  in  which 
Captain  StoU^s  company  had  about  4  or  5  rounds,  was  compelled 
to  retreat,  and  that  the  enemy  w$s  advancing.    One  of  the  aids 
of  General  Smith  was  despatched  for  General  Winder :  the  whole 
army  was  placed  in  a  favorable  attitude  of  defence,  in  which  po- 
sition it  continued  until  about  sunset,  when  General  Winder,  who 
bid  arrived  some  time  previous,  ordered  the  army  to  march  to 
the  C4ly  «f  Washington.     The  enemy  were  about  three  miles  dis- 
tant, and  r^teaTned  Itiere  that  night.      Having  remained  till  the 
going  down  of  the  sun,  the  retreat  to  the  city  was  induced  by  se- 
veral considerations,  stated  by  the  commanding  general.     1st,  To 


-•» 


TRB  VfAtL, 


417 


n,  HMbert., 
1  of  Lieut. 
D*8  coinpa- 
nen,  under 
>8  of  heavy 
8Q0  militia 
of  George- 
lolonel  Kra- 
under  Cap- 
ich,  making 
The  enemy 
and  one  ho: 
I  calculated 
an  enemy., 
r  12  o'clock, 
detachment 
advance  and 
to  attack  his 
lers  wereta- 
>8ervation8  of 
that  the  ene' 
i  induced  him 
id  despatched 
idensburg,  to 
himself  to- 
s  to  form  a 
ytxth  Gene- 
jeveral  troops 
|»hQul4  march 
lie  nir^ns  if  i» 
ivanced  upon 
ihould  fall  up- 
|r  movements* 
>'olo<*,  P.  M. 
left  Upper 
jy  aJjtout  six 
|h^  in  which 
[as  compelled 
te  of  the  aids 
X :  the  whole 
ID  which  po* 
indery  who 
to  march  to 
Iree  miles  dis- 
aioed  tUl  the 
Iduced  by  se- 
rai.    l«t,To 


effect  an  union  of  of  hisjwhole  forces.  2d,  The  fear  of  a  night  at- 
tack, from  the  superiority  of  the  enemy,  and  want  of  discipline  in 
his  troops.  And  3d,  In  a  night  attack  his  superiority  in  artillery 
could  not  be  used.  The  march  of  our  army  to  the  city  was  ex- 
tremely rapid  and  precipitate,  and  orders  occasionally  given  to 
the  captains  of  companies  to  hurry  on  the  men,  who  were  extreme- 
ly fatigued  and  exhausted  before  the  camping  ground  was  reach- 
edjt  near  the  Eastern  branch  bridge,  within  the  District  of  Co' 
lumbia. 

General  Stansbury  had  arrived  at  Bladensburg  on  the  22d,  and 
the  5th  Baltimore  regiment,  including  the  artillery  and  rifle  corps, 
on  the  evening  of  the  23d;  and  at  12  o'clock  at  night.  Colonel 
Monroe,  in  passing  through  Bladensburg  to  the  city  of  Washing- 
ton, advised  General  Stansbury  to  fall  upon  the  rear  of  the  enemy 
forthwith,  as  it  was  understood  that  he  was  in  motion  for  the  city. 
General  Stansbury  having  been  ordered  to  take  post  at  Bladens- 
burg, did  not  think  he  was  at  liberty  to  leave  it ;  but,  independent 
of  this  consideration,  the  fatigue  of  the  troops  under  Colonel  Sterret 
made  it  impracticable. 

On  the  morning  of  the  24th,  General  Winder  established  his 
bead  quarters  near  the  Eastern  Branch  bridge ;  detachments  of 
horse  were  out  in  various  directions  as  videttes  and  reconnoiter' 
ing  parties,  and  arrangements  made  to  destroy  the  Eastern  Branch 
bridge.  In  the.  mean  time  various  reports  were  brought  into  head 
quarters,  as  to  the  n^ovements  and  intentions  of  the  enemy  ;  and 
the  president  and  heads  of  departments  had  collected  at  head- 
quarters. Colonel  Monroe  had  left  there  upon  a  rumour  that 
gained  ground,  that  the  enemy  was  marching  upon  the  city  by 
the  way  of  Bladensburg,  with  a  view  of  joining  General  Stansbu- 
7,  advising  him  of  the  rumour,  and  to  add  him  in  the  formation 
of  a  line  of  battle  to  meet  the  enemy. 

General  Stansbury,  as  a'  precautionary  measure,  had  marched 
from  his  position  in  advance  of  Bladensburg,  and  occupied  the 
ground  west  of  that  village,  on  the  banks  of  the  eastern  branclf 
of  the  Potomac.  Here  the  front  line  of  battle  was  formed  by 
General  Stansbury  and  his  officers,  with  the  aid  of  Colonel  Mon- 
roe, which  consisted  of  Stansbury's  brigade,  and  the  command  of 
Colonel  Sterret,  including  the  command  of  Major  Pinkney  and 
Baltimore  artillery. 

There  is  a  bridge  oter  the  Eastern  branch  at  Bladensburgh, 
and  a  large  turnpike  road  leading  direct  to  the  city  of  Washing- 
ton. About  400  yards  from  this  bridge,  some  small  distance  to 
the  left  of  the  road,  the  Baltimore  artillery,  six  pieces  of  six  poun- 
ders, occupied  a  temporary  breast-work  of  earth,  well  calculated 
to  command  the  pass  over  the  bridge.  Part  of  the  battalion  of  ri- 
Semen,  under  Maior  William  Piukiiey,  and  one  other  company, 

3G 


•  t' 


ti. ''/;••;  !'■ 


.ir  ,..:'.  '■■■:■ 


1 . 

I.I'  ,,  ; 

r 

WW 

.  ;, , ! 

•'■^  ■A 

418 


SKETCHES  Otf 


took  position  on  the  right  of  the  artillery,  partly  protected  by  a, 
fence  and  brush ;  and  on  the  left  of  the  battery,  leading  to  the  rear 
of  a  barn,  two  companies,  from  the  regiment  under  Col.  Shutz,  and 
the  other  part  of  the  riflemen  from  Baltimore.     Col.  Regan  was 
posted  in  the  rear  of  Major  Pinkne}', his  right  resting  on  the  road; 
Col.  Shutz  continuing  the  line  on  the  left,  with  a  small  vacancy 
in  the  centre  of  the  two  regiments;  an/d  Col.  Sterret  formed  the 
extreme  left  flank  of  the  infantry.     At  this  moment.  Cols.  BeaU 
and  Hood  entered   Bladensburg,  with  the  Maryland  militia  from 
Annapolis,  crossed  the  bridge  and  took  a  position  on  a  most  com-^ 
manding  height,  on  the  right  of  the  turnpike,  about  three  hundred 
yards  from  the  road,  to  secure  the  right  flank.     In  the  mean  time, 
(about  11  o'clock)  certain  intelligence  was  received  at  head  quar- 
ters, that  the  enemy  was  in  full  march  towards  Bladensburg,  which 
induced  General  Winder  to  put  in  motion  his  whole  force,  except 
a  few  men   and  a  piece  of  artillery   left  at  the  Eastern  branch 
bridge  to  destroy  it.    The  day  was  hot,  and  the  road  dusty... .the 
march  was  rapid  to  Bladensburg.    The  cavalry  and  mounted  men 
arrived,  and  were  placed  on  the  left  flank,  and  some  small  distance 
in  its  rear.     General  Winder  now  arrived,  and  told  Gen.  Stans^ 
bury  and  Colonel  Monroe,  that  his  whole  force  was  marching  for 
Bladensburg,  and  approved  the  dispositions  which  had  been  made 
of  the  troops ;  at  which  moment,  it  Had  become  impracticable  in 
the  opinion  of  the  officers,  to  make  any  essential  change  ;  for  the 
two  armies  were  now  coming  to  the  battle  ground  in  opposite  di- 
rections ;  and  the  enemy  appeared   on   the    opposite    heights  of 
Bladensburg,  about  a  mile  distant,  and  halted  15  or  20  minutes. 
This  was  about   12  o'clock.    The  troops  from  the  city  were  dis- 
posed of  as  they  arrived.     Captain  Burch,  with  three  pieces  of  ar- 
tillery, was  stationed  on  the  extreme  left  of  the  infantry  of  the 
first  line;  and'a  rifle  company,  armed  with  muskets,,  near  the 
battery  to  support  it.     About  this  time  the  secratary   of  war  ar- 
rived, and  in  a  few  minutes  after  the  president  and  the  attorney 
general,  and  proceeded  to  examine  the  disposition  of  the  troops. 
In  the  mean  time,  as  the  enemy  advanced  into  Bladensburg,  the 
officers  were  forming  rapidly  the  second  line.     The  command  of 
Commodore  Barney  came  up  in  a  trot ;  and  formed  his  men  on 
the  right  of  the   main  road,  in  a  line  with  the  command  under 
Cols.  BeaU  and  Hood,  with  a  considerable  vacancy,  owing  to  the 
ground.     The  heavy  artillery  Commodore  Barney  planted  in  the 
road;  the  three  12  pounders  to  the  right  under  Captain  Miller, 
who  commanded  the  flotilla  men  and  marines,  as  infantry  to  sup" 
port  the  artillery.     Lieut.  Col.  Kramer,    with  a  battalion  of  Ma- 
ryland militia,  was  posted  in  a   wood,  in  advance  of  the  marines 
and  Cols.  BeaU  and  Hood's  command.     The  regiment  under  the 
command  of  Col.  Magrader,  was  stationed  on  the  left  of  Ccmmo 


TUB  WAR. 


419 


cted  by  ft, 

0  the  rear 
ihutz,  and 
Ugau  was 

1  the  road ; 
U  vacancy 
brmed  the 
Cols.  BeaU 
niliiia  from 

most  com- 
•ee  hundred 
mean  time, 
;  head  quar- 
burgi  which 
)rce,  except 
tern  branch 
dusty  ....the 
lounted  men 
nail  distance 
Gen.  Stans- 
narching  for 
1  been  made 
)racticable  in 
uge ;  for  the 
1  opposite  di- 
heights  of 
20  minutes, 
lity  vwere  dis- 
pieces  of  ar- 
antry  of  the 
ts,.  near  the 
of  war  ar- 
the  attorney 
of  the  troops, 
^ensburg,  the 
I  command  of 
|d  his  men  on 
jmand  under 
owing  to  the 
ilanted  ifl  the 
iptain  Miller, 
Ifantrytosup' 
talion  of  Ma- 
ihe  marines 
Dt  under  the 
ft  of  Commo 


dore  Barney,  in  a  line  with  him  and  Col.  Beall.  The  regiment 
under  command  of  Col.  Brent,  and  Major  Waring's  battalion,  and 
some  other  «mall  detachments,  formed  the  left  flank  of  this  se* 
tiond  line,  and  in  the  rear  of  Major  Peter's  battery  ;  and  Lieut, 
Col.  Scott,  with  the  regulars,  was  placed  in  advance  of  Col.  Ma- 
gruder,  and  to  the  left,  forming  a  line  towards  Major  Peter's  bat- 
tery^  but  in  such  a  manner  as  not  to  mask  it ;  other  small  detach- 
ments in  various  diiections. 

About  half  past  12  o'clock,  while  the  second  line  was  forming, 
the  enemy  approached,  and  the  battle  commenced :  the  Baltimore 
artillery  opened  a  "fire  and  dispersed  the  enemiy's  light  troops  now 
advancing  along  the  street  of  the  village,  who  took  a  temporary 
cover  behind  the  houses  and  trees,  in  loose  oider,  and  presented 
objects  only  occasionally  for  the  fire  of  the  cannon.  The  enemy 
commenced  throwing  his  rockets,  and  his  light  troops  began  to 
concentrate  near  the  bridge,  and  to  press  across  it  and  the  river 
which  was  fordable  above.  The  battalion  of  riflemen  under  Maj. 
Pinkney,  now  united  gallantly  with  the  fire  from  the  battery. 
For  some  minutes  the  fire  was  continued  with  considerable  ef- 
fect ;  the  enemy's  column  was  not  only  dispersed  while  in  the 
street,  but  while  approaching  the  bridge  they  were  thrown  into 
some  confusion,  and  the  British  officers  were  seen  exerting  them- 
selves  to  press  the  soldiers  on.  Having  no\y  gained  the  bridge, 
it  was  passed  rapidly,  and  as  the  enemy  crossed,  flaipked,  formed 
the  line  and  advanced  steadily  on,  which  compelled  the  artillery, 
and  battalion  of  riflemen  to  give  way,  after  which  Major  Pinkney 
was  severely  wounded.  He  exerted  himself  to  rally  his  men,  and 
succeeded  at  a  small  distance  in  the  rear  of  his  first  position,  and 
united  with  the  5th  Baltimore  regiment. 

It  appears  from  reports  of  several  officers,  Stansbury,  Pinkney, 
Law,  Sterret,  <9ic.  that  the  command  of  General  Stansbury  was 
3  or  400  yards  in  the  rear  of  the  battery,  and  Major  Pinkney's 
riflemen  and  some  other  small  corps  to  the  left  of  the  battery ;  of 
course  this  small  party  had  to  fight  with  the  whole  force  of  the 
enemy  until  they  retired,  and  the  enemy  occupied  the  ground 
they  left  without  any  considerable  resistance,  as  the  enemy  march- 
ed on  without  halting  after  the  bridge  was  passed.  Capt.  Burch 
and  Col.  Sterret  were  about  the  same  distance,  when  Col.  Ster- 
ret was  ordered  to  advance  to  support  the  first  line.  One  of  the 
pieces  of  artillery  was  abandoned,  but  spiked  previously.  The  en- 
emy soon  took  advantage  of  the  trees 'of  an  orchard  which  was 
occupied  or  held  by  the  force  which  had  just  retreated,  and  kept 
up  a  galling  fire  on  part  of  our  line.  Captain  Burch's  artillery 
and  a  small  detachment  near  it  now  opened  a  cross  fire  upon  the 
enemy.  Col.  Sterret,  with  the  5th  Baltimore  regiment,  was  or- 
dered to  advance,  and  made  a  prompt  movement  until  ordered  to 


r 


420 


SKETCHES  OI 


H>^] 


halt,  as  at  this  movement  the  roekett  assuming  a  more  horizontal 
direction  and  pasain;;  near  the  heads  of  Cols.  Schultz  and  Ragan'o 
regiments,  the  right  gave  way,   which  was  followed  in    a   few 
minutes  by  a  general  flight  of  the  two  regiment?,  in  defiance  of 
all  the  exertions  of  Generals  Winder,  Stansbury  and  other  officers. 
Burch's  artillery  and   the  5th  regiment  remained  with  firmness  : 
the  orchard  obstructed  their  fire  ;  but   qotwithstandiog,   the  ene- 
my*8  light  troops  were^  for  a  moment,  driven  back  by  them,  the 
enemy  having  gained  the  right  flank  of  the  5tb,  which  exposed  it, 
Burch's  artillery  and  Col.  Sterret,  who  commanded  the  5th,  were 
ordered  by  Gen.  Winder  to  retreat,  with  a  view  of  forming  at  a 
small  distance  in  the  rear;  but^  instead  of  retiring  in  ordt^r,  the 
5tli,  like  the  other  Jfwo  regiments  under  Gen.  Stansbury,  ir  ;}  ve* 
ry  few  minutes  were  retreating  in  disorder  and  confusion,  not- 
withstanding the  exertions  of  Colonel  Stei^ret  to  prevent  it.  From 
reports  of  various  officers,  exertions  were  made  to  rally  the  men 
and  to  bring  them  again  to  the  battle,  which  partly  succeeded  in 
the  first  instance,  but  ultimately,  and  in  a  short  time,  all  attemps 
were  vain,  and  the  forces  routed  ;  and  the  first  line,  together  with 
the  horse,  were  totally  routed,  and  recreated  in  a  road  which  fork- 
ed in  three  directions  ;  one  branch  led  by  Rock  Creek  Church,  to 
Tanleytown  and  Montgomery  court  house,  another  led  to  George- 
town, and  a  third  to  the  city  of  Washington.     It  does  not  appear 
that   any  movement  was  made  or  attempted  by  the   cavalry  or 
horsemen,  afthough  the  enemy  to  the  left  were  in  open  and  scat- 
tered order,  as  they  pursued  or  pressed  upon  our  lines,  and  a  most 
fortunate   moment  presented  itself  for  a  charge  of  cavalry   and 
horsemen. 

it  may  be  proper  h^re  to  observe,  that  General  Winder  states 
his  exertions  to  direct  the  retreating  line  to  the  capitol,  with  a 
view  of  rallying.  This  intention  is  corroborated  by  Colonel  Ster- 
ret ;  but  it  appears  that  this  determination  was  nof  generally  un^ 
derstood  by  the  officers  or  men.  Colonel  Kramer,  posted  on  the 
right  of  the  road  and  in  advance  of  Commodore  Barney,  was  next 
drawn  from  his  position  after  having  maintained  his  ground  vvith 
considerable  injury  tp  the  enemy,  and  retreated  upon  the  com- 
mand of  Colonels  Beall  and  Hood,  on  a  commanding  eminence  to 
the  right.  After  the  retreat  of  the  militia  under  Colonel  Kramer 
from  hie  first  position,  the  enemy's  column  in  the  road  was  expo- 
sed to  an  animated  discharge  from  Major  Peter's  artillery,  which 
continued  until  they  came  in  contact  with  Commodore  Barney  : 
here  the  enemy  met  the  greatest  resistance  and  sustained  the 
greatest  loss,  advancing  upon  our  retreating  line.  When  the  en- 
emy came  in  full  view,  and  in  a  heavy  column  in  thie  main  road. 
Commodore  Barney  ordered  an  18  pounder  to  be  opened  upon 
them,  which  completely^  cleared  the  road,  scattered  and  repulsed 


horizontal 
id  Ragan'd 
in   a   few 
leflance  of 
ler  ofRceri. 
\  firmness  : 
J,   the  enc- 
thero,  the 
L  exposed  it, 
B  5th,  were 
rming  at  a 
I  oTdf*T,  the 
iry,  ir  a  ve« 
ifution,  not- 
;nt  it.  From 
tlly  the  men 
succeeded  in 
,  all  attemps 
ogether  with 
i  which  fork- 
k  Church,  to 
id  to  George- 
?s  not  appear 
^  cavalry  or 
ten  and  scat- 
g,  and  a  most 
cavalry  and 


Vinder  states 
)itol,   with  a 
Colonel  Ster- 
;enerally  un< 
ited  on  the 
jy,  was  next 
ground  with 
ion  the  com- 
eminence  to 
jonel  Kramer 
id  was  expo- 
illery,  which 
jre  Barney  : 
lustained  the 
hen  the  en- 
main  road, 
[opened  upon 
ind  repulsed 


THli  WAR. 


421 


tue  enemy  for  a  moment.      In   several  attempts  to  rally  and  ad* 
vance,  the  enemy  was  repulsed,  which  induced    him  to  flank  to 
I  (he  right  of  our  lines  in  an  open  field. — Here  Captain  Miller  open- 
ed upon  him  vrith   the  three  12    pounders,   and  the  flotilla  men 
acting  as  infantry,  with  considerable  effect.      The  enomy  contin- 
ued flanking  to  the  right  and  pressed  upon  the  command  of  Ccls. 
Beall  and  Hoo(|,  which  gave  way  after  three  or  four  rounds  of  in* 
effectual  fire,  at  a  considerable  distance  from  the  enemy,  while 
Colonel  iBeall  and  other  officers   attempted   to  rally  the  men  on 
this  high  position.      The   enemy  very  soon  gained  the  flank  and 
even  the  rear  of  the  right  of  t(ie  second  line.     Commodore  Bar- 
ney, Captain  Miller  and  some  other  officers  of  his  command  be- 
ling  wounded,  his  ammunition  .waggons  having  gone  off  in  the  dis- 
lorder,  and  that  which  the  marines  and  flotilla  men  had  being  ejc- 
Ibausted ;  in  this  situation  a  retreat  was  ordered  by  Com.  Barney, 
[who  fell  himself  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy. 

The  second  line  was  not   exactly  connected,  but  posted  in  ad- 
vantageous positions  in  connection  with  and  supporting  each  oth- 
ler.     The  command  of  General  Smith,  including  the  Georgetown 
land  city  militia,  still  remained  in  order  and  firm  without  any  part 
■having  given  away,  as  well  as  the  command  of  Lieut.  Col.  Scott 
lof  the  regulars,  and  some  other  corps.     The  enemy's  light  troops 
Ibad  in  the  mean  time   advanced  on  the  left  of  the  road,  and  had 
Lained  a  line  parallel  with  Smith's  cornmand,  and  in  endeavour- 
Jkg  to  turn  the  flank.  Colonel  Brent  was  placed  in  a  position  cal- 
[eulated  to  prevent  it ;    the  enemy  also  advanced  and  came  witb- 
long  shot  of  part  of  Colonel  Magruder's  command,  which  open- 
led  a  partial  fire,  but  without  much  effect ;  and  at  this  moment 
^od  in  this  situation  General  Winder  ordered  the  whole  of  the 
Iroops,  then  stationary,  to  retreat,  \vhich  vvat  effected  with   as 
Luch  order  as  the  nature  of  the  ground  and  the  occasion  would 
ivait :  these  troops  after  retreating  5  or  QOO  paces,  were  halt- 
and  formed,  but  were  again  ordered  to  retreat  b}'  Gen.  Win- 
ner.   General    Winder  then  gave  order*  to  collect  and  form  the 
Iroops  on  the  heights  west  of  the  turnpike   gate,  about  one  mile 
nd  a  half  from  the  capitol,  which  order  was  in  part  executecj, 
id  the  forces  formed  by  General  Smith  and  the  other  officer^^ 
*ben  Colonel  George  Minor  came  up  with  his  regiment  of  Vir- 
ginia volunteers,    and    united    his  forces  with  General    Smithes 
ommand,    having    been  detained,  in  obtaining  arms,    ammu- 
lition,  &c. ;    but,    while    in  the  act  of  forming.  Gen.  Winder 
ave  orders  to  retire  to  the  capitol,  with  an  expectation  of  being 
lited  with  the  troops  of  the  first  line.    Colonel   Minor  was  or- 
ered  to  take  a  certain  position  and  disposition,  and  cover  the  re- 
jreat  of  all  the  forces  by  remaining  until  all  had  marched  for  the 
[apitol.    The  troops  were  again  halted  at  the  capitol  whi|e  Gen* 


4S2 


sxRtCHKs  or 


I  .(BE  I 


Winder  wat  ki  conference   with  Colonel   Monroe  and  Genenii 
Armstrong. 

The  first  line  and  the  cavalry,  except  one  troop  of  Col.  LavaW, 
had  taken  a  route  which  did  not  bring  them  to  the  capitol ;  the 
most  of  them  had  proceeded  north  of  the  district  of  Columbia, 
and  others  dispersed  and  returned  home,  and  sought' refreshmeot 
in  the  country.  The  commanding  general  represented  the  dimj. 
nution  of  his  force,  the  ditipersion  of  a  large  proportion  of  it,  the| 
want  of  discipline,  the  great  fatigue  of  the  troops,  and  believed  that 
it  would  be  impossible  to  make  eflfectual  resistance  to  the  invasion 
of  the  city :  nor  did  he  think  it  would  be  proper  to  attempt  to  de- 
fend the  capitol,  the  troops  being  without  provisions,  and  which 
would  leave  every  other  part  of  the  city  to  the  mercy  of  the  en 
emy,  and  the  prospect  of  losing  his  army.  In  this  consultation] 
the  secretaries  of  state  and  war,  it  appears,  concurred  in  theii 
views  with  General  Winder,  and  advised  hira  to  retire  and  rall^ 
the  troops  upon  the  heights  of  Georgetown ;  this  produced  an  or 
der  for  the  whole  forces  to  retreat  from  capitol  hill  thro*  George 
town.  On  receiving  this  order  the  troops  evinced  the  deepen 
anguish,  and  that  order  which  had  be«n  previously  maintaine 
was  destroyed.  General  Smith  in  his  report  uses  this  language... 
**  When  the  order  for  a  retreat  from  capitol  hill  was  received 
the  troops  evinced  an  anguish  beyond  the  power  of  language  to 
express."  The  troops  were  halted  at  Tenleytown,  and  an  attempt 
was  made  to  collect  them  together,  which  only  partially  succeed 
ed.  Some  returned  home ;  some  went  in  pursuit  of  refreshments 
and  those  that  halted  gave  themselves  up  to  the  uncontrolled  feel 
ings  which  fatigue,  exhaustion,  privation  and  disappointment  pro 
duced. 

A  small  party  of  the  enemy,  with  Admiral  Cockburn  and  6e 
neral  Ross,  entered  the  city.  The  male  population  was  chieflj 
in  arms  under  General  Winder,  and  many  of  the  women  an 
children  had  left  it.  The  navy-yard,  with  all  its  shipping  and 
stores,  and  the  nnagtaine  at  Greenleaf 's  Point*  had  been  destroy 
ed  by  our  own  people.  The  capitol,  and  president's  house,  witi 
all  the  public  offices  except  the  post-office,  (which  they  thought  i 
•private  building)  with  several  private  buildings,  were  fired  by  thi 
enemy .f  Cockburn  personally  went  to  have  the  office  of  the  Na 
tional  Intelligencer  burnt ;  but  was  prevailed*upon  by  sonie  ladie 


ofti 
accoi 
Mr.  ( 
neral 

Af 
and 
ried  8 
thefi 
men 
tnd  ( 
ny  w 
conve 
Itc. 

The 
loss  in 
both  p 

The 
(inolud 
4ensbu 
treat,) 
Our  lo 
180. 


Surr 
(rict  of 

ve  mil 
the  cap 
Alexani 
considei 
(he  def( 
poratioi 
mander 
pected  I 
ihlly  op< 
Cockbui 
respectc 
be  wani 

'Outt 
in  sight 
Washin 
Dyson, 
dismisse 


*  Thit  magacine  wai  but  partiaUjr  destroyed  by  our  people  -  tbe  British  loMteri  afterwanli  nor 
tifieGtually  rornpleted  iti  iltitniction.  In  a  dry  well  beluneine  tu  the  barraeki.  our  loldini  hi 
thrown  many  barrels  of  powder  for  concealment ;  and  the  British  soldiers,  ait'er  exploding  tlir  msti 
cinerasually  tlirew  hito  it  one  or  two  of  llieir  lighted  matches,  which  cominunicatrd  to  tbe  powderd  i  COUrt' 
posited  there.  The  effect  was  terrific  Kvery  one  of  the  soldiers  near,  wa*  blown  into  etertiitii 
many  at  a  great  diitance  wounded,  and  the  excavation  remains  an  evidence  of  the  great  Ibrce  of  th 
explotioD. 

t  All  the  public  papers,  with  the  specie  of  the  bunks,  &c   had  been  previotn?y  removed  by 
inhabitants.  t 


Oatfa 

poration 
tain  Gor 


THE  WAR. 


42;i 


}c  and  Otneni 


liovsty  remoTed  by  " 


of  the  adjoining  houMi  to  abandon  his  design.    A  number  of  his 

accomplices,  however,  entered  and  destroyed  every  thing  in  it 

Mr.  Gallatin's  house  was  burnt,  some  person  having  fired  on  Ge- 
neral Ross  from  the  windows,  by  which  his  horse  was  killed. 

After  committing  numerous  depredations,  the  enemy  privately 
tnd  prcipitately  retired  on  the  night  of  the  25th.  They  had  bu- 
ried some  of  their  killed  in  the  morning ;  but  left  many  lying  on 
the  field,  and  also  nearly  100  wounded  at  Bladensburg,  with  30 
men  to  take  care  of  them.  Among  the  former  were  two  colonels 
lod  one  major  :  the  latter  died  soon  af^er.  They  took  off  as  roa- 
oy  wounded  as  could  be  made  to  walk  and  all  that  the^  could 
convey  on  about  40  horses,  and  in  a  nu  ober  of  carts,  waggons^ 
kc. 

The  force  of  the  enemy  landed,  was  estimated  at  6000 ;  his 
bss  in  killed,  at  Bladensburg  and  in  the  city,  180;  wounded  at 
Doth  places,  300;  prisoners  and  deserters,  40a...  total,  880. 

The  American  force,  under  Winder,  amounted  to  about  5000> 
(including  several  hundreds  that  arrived  just  as  the  battle  of  Bla- 
densburg commenced,  and  joined  the  army  after  the  general's  re- 
treat,) but  only  about  1500  of  this  number  were  actually  engaged. 

Our  loss  was  20  killed,  40  wounded,  and  120  prisoners total, 

ISO. 

Surrender  of  Alfxandria The  city  of  Alexandria,  in  the  dis- 

I  frict  of  Columbia,  lies  on  the  southern  bank  of  the  Potomac,  and 
five  miles  S.  W.  from  the  city  of  W^ohington.  At  the  time  of 
the  capture  of  the  latter  place,  the  channel  of  the  Potomac,  near 
Alexandria,  was  commanded  by  Fort  Washington,  and  it  was 
considered  the  British  vessels  would  not  attempt  to  pass  it.  After 
(he  defeat  of  General  Winder  at  Bladensburg,  howev«>r,  the  cor- 
poration of  Alexandria,  by  committee,  waited  on  the  British  com- 
mander at  Washington,  to  know  what  treatment  was  to  be  ex- 
pected provided  Alexandi-ia  should  fall  into  his  hands,  thus  shame- 
folly  opening  the  way  fur  the  disgrace  which  followed.  Admiral 
Cockburn  assured  the  deputation  that  private  property  would  be 
respected;  that  probably  some  fresh  provisions  and  flour  might 
[be  wanted,  but  for  which  they  should  be  paid. 

*0u  the  27th  of  August,  several  of  the  enemy's  vessels  appeared 

I  io  sight  of  Alexandria  down  the  river,  and  towards  evening  fort 

Washington  was  blown  up  by  the  commanding  officer.  Captain 

Dyson,  without  firing*  a  gun,  and  abandoned.     He  has  since  been 

dismissed  from  the  service  of  the  United  States,  by  sentence  of 

I  a  court-martial. 

On  the  28th,  the  enemy's  squadron  passed  the  fort,  and  the  cor- 
Iporation,  by  deputation,  proceeded  to  the  commander's  ship,  (Cap- 
tain Gordon,)  and  requested  to  know  bis  intentions  in  reg'ard  t» 


^ff 


*  d 


% 


m 


SKETCtiES  of 


Alexandria  ;  which  he  proposed  to  communicate  when  he  should 
come  opposite  the  town,  but  promised  that  the  persons,  houses, 
and  furniture  of  the  citizens  should  be  unmolested,  \f  he  met  with 
no  opposition.     Next  day  (the  29th)   the  British  squadron  wad 

drawn  up  in  line  of  battle  so  as  to  command  the  whole  town 

The  commander  then  sent  tht  following  articles  of  capitulation  to 
the  corporation  of  the  city : 

H.  M.  Ship  Sea-Horse,  off  Atexandria,  Aug,  29th,  1814. 

GENTLEMEN....In  Consequence  of  a  deputation  yesterday  re- 
ceived from  the  city  of  Alexandria,  requesting  favourable  terms 
for  the  safety  of  the  city,  the  undernamed  are  the  only  conditions 
in  my  power  to  offer. 

The  town  of  Alexandria,  with  the  exception  of  public  worbgy 
shall  not  be  destroyed,  unless  hostilities  are  commenced  on  the 
part  of  the  Americans ;  nor  shall  the  inhabitants  be  molested  in 
any  manner  whatever,  or  their  dwelling  houses  entered,  if  the^ 
following  articles  be  complied  with : 

Article  1.  All  naval  and  ordnance  stores,  (public  or  private,) 
must  be  immediately  delivered  up. 

2.  Possession  will  be  immediately  taken  of  all  the  shipping,  aad 
their  furniture  must  be  sent  on  board  by  the  owners  without  do* 
Fay. 

3.  The  vessls  that  have  been  sunk  must  be  delivered  up  ia  the 
state  they  were  on  the  19th  of  August,  the  day  of  the  squadron 
passing  the  Kettle  Bottoms. 

4.  Merchandize  of  every  description  must  be  instantly  deliver- 
ed up,  and  to  prevent  any  irregularity  that  might  be  committed 
in  its  embarkation,  the  merchants  have  it  at  their  option  to  load 
the  vessels  generally  employed  for  that  purpose,  when  they  will 
be  towed  off  by  us. 

5.  All  merchandize  that  has  been  removed  from  Alexandria 
since  the  1 9th  inst.  is  to  be  included  in  the  above  articles. 

6.  Refreshments  of  every  description  to  be  supplied  the  ships, 
and  paid  for  at  the  market  price,  by  bills  on  the  British  govern* 
ment. 

7.  Officers  will  be  appointed  to  see  that  articles  No.  2, 3,  4  and 
3,  are  strictly  complied  with ;  and  any  deviation  or  non-compli- 
ance on  the  part  of  the  inhabitants  of  Alexandria,  will  render  the 
treaty  null  and  void. 

JOHN  A.  GORDON,  Capt<iin 
*of  his   majesty's  ship  Sea-Horse,  and 
senior  officer  of  his  majesty's  ships  oft 
Alexandria. 
;    To  the  common  council  of  the  town  of  Alexandria. 


THS  WAR. 


4^1^ 


fn  he  should 
Ions,  houses, 
he  met  with 
{uadrbn  was 

ale  town 

apitulation  to 


>9th,  1814. 
^resterday  re^ 
turable  terms 
ily  conditions 

tublic  worksy 
enced  on  the 
>  molested  in 
atered,  if  th^ 

c  or  private,) 

shipping,  and 
rs  without  do* 

;red  tip  va  the 
the  squadron 

;antly  deliver- 

Ibe  committed 

tption  to  load 

|hen  they  will 

Alexandria 
Iticles. 

]ied  the  ships, 
ritish  govern- 

Jo.  2, 3,  4  and 
ir  non-compli- 
lill  rendtr  the 

Capt<iin 
»a-Hor8e,  and 
[sty's  ships  off 


One  hour  was  allowed  the  corporation  to  decide  whether  they 
would  accede  to  the  ternoui  of  surrender  or  not.  It  was  stated  to 
the  British  officer^  that  the  common  council  had  no  power  to 
compel  the  return  of  merchandize  carried  into  the  country,  nor 
to  compel  the  citizens  to  aid  in  raising  the  sunken  vessels :  these 
two  points  were  yielded  by  the  enemy.  The  terms  being  thus 
modified,  the  enemy  commenced  their  work  of  plunder,  which 
was  indiscriminate,  and  not  confined  to  any  particular  class  of 
individuals  ;  non-residents  and  inhabitants  being  alike  included. 

The  vessels  taken  from  Alexandria  by  the  enemy,  were  14, 
laden  with  from  15  to  18,000  bbls.  flour,  800  hhds.  tobacco,  150 
bales  cotton,  some  small  quantities  of  sugar,  and  a  medley  of  oth- 
er  articles. 

While  the  enemy  were  employed  in  loading  a  vessel.  Captains 
Porter  and  Creighton,  of  the  United  States'  navy,  made  a  dash  in- 
to Alexandria  on  horseback,  rode  up  to  a  midshipman  who  was  su- 
perintending the  loading  of  a  boat,  and  Captain  C.  seized  him  by 
the  cravat  and  endeavoured  to  take  him  off;  but  his  cravat  gave 
way  and  he  escaped.  The  officers  immediately  galloped  off,  lea- 
ding the  iuhahitaiits  in  great  consternation. 

The  signal  of  aiarm  was  immediately  given  on  shore  to  all  (hose 
employed  ou  the  wharves,  who  promptly  embarked,  and  all  handc 
were  ordered  to  prepare;  for  action.  The  inhabitants  apprehended 
an  immediate  destruction  of  the  town ;  but,  a  deputation  being 
sent  from  the  corporation  to  state  that  the  act  was  unauthorised 
by  t!iem,  nor  done  by  any  inhabit^uit  of  the  place,  and  promising 
that  they  would  place  guards  at  the  intersection  of  each  street 
leading  to  the  water,  to  prevent  a  similar  occurrence,  the  com* 
manding  officer  said  he  would  averlook  it,  and  the  town  was  again 
quieted. 

We  have  been  thus  minute  in  stating  the  particulars  of  the  siir* 
render  of  Alexandria,  that  the  present  and  future  generations  may 
forever  behold  a  monument  of  the  eternal  disgrace,  infamy  and  hu* 
miliation  of  its  inhabitants  in  thus  inviting  and  quietly  submitting 
to  the  degrading  terms  and  insults  of  an  enemy.  Nothing  but 
the  most  Sunken  depravity  or  cowardly  disposition  could  have  in- 
duced the  government  of  the  city  to  have  thus  debased  it- 
self. 

A  series  of  desperately  (faring  exertions  were  made  by  Com* 
iqodores  Rodgers,  Porter  and  Perry,  with  the  men  of  the  two 
former,  and  some  of  the  Virginia  militia,  to  prevent  the  escape 
of  the  frigates  from  Alexandria  with  their  great  booty.  All  that 
nen  could  do,  with  the  means  they  had,  by  fire  ships,  barges,  an<' 
hastily  erected  batteries  was  done....but  the  enemy  got  off,  w\*'k 
lome  loss,  taking  all  the  property  with  him.  About  12  men  were 
killed  and  several  wounded  at  Porter's  batterv,...at  Perry's  only 

3H 


t 


i 


~  r-   -r^. 


4J26 


SKKTCH£S  OF 


I  &■ 


ope  was  wounded :  Rodgers  sufTeied  no  loss.  A  great  mislibi- 
tune  was  that  all  the  artillery  that  could  be  collected  for  the  sud- 
den occasion  were  too  light. 

^  Repulse  of  the  enemy  at  Ba/temore..... After  the  affair  at  Bla< 
densburg  and  capture  of  Washington,  an  attack  upon  Baltimore 
was  confidently  expected,  and  considerable  additions  were  accor- 
dingly made  to  the  defences  of  the  place.  Some  of  the  troops  of 
General  Winder's  command  had  repaired  to  the*place,and  a  con- 
siderable number  of  volunteers  from  the  adjacent  towns  had 
flocked  in  ;  the  Baltimore  brigade  wa^.  taken  en  masse  into  the 
service  of  the  United  States ;  and  the  whole  submitted  to  the  di- 
rection of  Major  General  Smith  of  the  Maryland  militia. 

On  Saturday  the  10th  of  September,  information  was  received 
that  the  enemy  was  ascending  the  bay,  and  on  Sunday  morning 
his-  ships  were  seen  at  the  mouth  of  the  Patapvco  river,  (which 
communicates  with  the  basin  on  which  Baltimore  stands)  in  num- 
ber from  40  to  50;  Some  of  his  vessels  entered  the  river,  while 
others  proceeded  to  North  Point,  ''at  the  mouth  of  the  Patapsco,) 
14  miles  from  Baltimore,  and  commenced  the  debarkation  of  their 
troops  in  the  night,  which  was  finished  early  next  morning.  The 
following  extracts  of  a  letter  from  General  Smith  to  the  secretary 
of  war,  give  an  account  of  the  events  which  followed : 

*  <*  Baltimore,  September  1 9,  1 8 1 4. 

'*  I  have  the  honour  of  stating,  that  the  enemy  landed  between 
7  and  8000  men  on  Monday  the  10th  instant,  at  North  Point,  14 
miles  distant  from  this  town.     Anticipating  this  debarkation.  Gen.  I 
Striker  had  been  detached  on  Sunday  evening  with  a  portion  ofl 
hh  brigade  on  the  North  Point  road.     Major  Randal,  of  the  Bal-I 
timore  county  militia,  having  under  his  command  a  light  corps  off 
riflemen  and  rousquetry  taken   from  General  Stanbury's  brigadej 
and  Pennsylvania  volunteers,  was  detached  to  the  mouth  of  Be&r 
Creek,  with  orders  to  co-operate  with  General  Strieker,  and  tol 
check  any 'landing  which  the  enemy  might  attempt  in  that  quar<[ 
ter.    On  Monday,  Brig.  Gen.  Strieker  took  a  good  pmition  at  the 
junction  of  the  two  roads  leading  from  this  place  to  North  PointJ 
having  his  right  flanked  by  Bear  Creek,  and  his  left  by  a  marsbj 
He  here  awaited  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  having  sent  on  an 
advance  corps  under  the  command   of  Major  Heath  of  the  5tU 
regiment.     This  advance  was  met  by  that  of  the  enemy,  and  ai^ 
ter  some  skirmishing  it  returned  to  the  line,  the  mam  body  of  tbd^ 
enemy  being  at  a  short  distance  in  the  rear  of  their  advance.  Bel 
tween  two  and  three  o'clock,  the  enemy's  whole  force  cameuf 
and  commenced  battle  by  some  discharges  of  rockets,  which  v/en 
suciseeded  by  the  oanaon  from  both  sides,  and  soon  after  the  actioa 


THE  ^AR. 


427 


became  general  along  the  line.  General  Strieker  gallantly  maia- 
tained  his  ground  against  a  great  superiority  of  numbers  during 
the  space  of  an  hour  and  20  minutes,  when  the  regiment  on  his 
left  (the  5l8t)  giving  way,  he  was  under  the  necessity  of  retiring 
to  the  ground  in  his  rear,  where  he  had  stationed  one  regiment 
as  a  reserve.  He  here  formed  his  brigade ;  but  the  enemy  not 
thinking  it  advisable  to  pursue,  he,  in  compliance  with  previous 
arrangements,  fell  back  and  took  post  on  the  left  of  my  entrench* 
ments,  and  a  half  mile  in  advance  of  them. 

**  In  this  affair  the  citizen  soldiers  of  Baltimore,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  51st  regiment,  have  maintained  the  reputation 
they  so  deservedly  acquired  at  Bladensburg,  and  have  given  their 
country  and  their  city  an  assurance  of  what  may  be  expected 
from  them  when  their  services  are  again  required.  I  cannot  dis^ 
miss  the  subject  without  expressing  the  heartfelt  satisfaction  I  ex- 
perience  in  thus  bearing  testimony  to  the  courage  and  good  con* 
duct  of  my  tellow  townsmen.  About  the  time  General  Strieker 
had  taken  the  ground  just  mentioned,  he  was  joined  by  Brigadier 
General  Winder,  who  had  been  stationed  on  the  west  side  of  the 
city,  but  was  now  ordered  to  march  with  General  Douglass'  bri- 
gade of  Virg:/)i£  '  il^tia  and  the  U.  S.  dragoons  under  Capt.  Bird, 
and  take  post  .  >  e  left  of  General  Strieker.  During  these 
movements,  the  L.i^ades  of  Generals  Stansbury  and  Foreman,  the 
seamen  and  marines  under  Commodore  Rodgers,  the  Pennsylva- 
nia volunteers  under  Colonels  Cobeau  and  Findley,  the  Baltimore 
artillery  under  Colonel  Harris,  and  the  marine  artillery  under 

Captain    Stiles,    manned   the  trenches   and  the   batteries all 

prepared  to  receive   the  enemy.     We  remained  in  this  situa- 
tion during  the  night. 

«  On  Tuesday,  the  enemy  appeared  in  front  of  my  entrench- 
ments, at  the  distance  of  two  miles,  on  the  Philadelphia  road, 
I  from  whence  he  had  a  full  view  of  our  position.  He  manoeuvred 
during  the  morning  towards  our  left,  as  if  with  the  intention  of 
making  a  circuitous  march,  and  coming  down  on  the  Hartford 
and  York  roadi.  Generals  Winder  and  Strieker  were  ordered  to 
adapt  their  movements  to  those  of  the  enemy,  so  as  to  baffle  this 
supposed  intention.  They  executed  this  order  with  great  skill  and 
Judgment,  by  taking  an  advantageous  position,  stretching  from 
my  left  acrots  the  country,  when  the  enemy  was  likely  to  ap- 
proach the  quarter  he  seemed  to  threaten.  This  movement  in- 
duced the  enemy  to  concentrate  hi!*  forces  (between  one  and  two 
o'clock)  in  my  front,  pushing  his  advance  to  within  a  mile  of  us, 
driving  in  our  videttes,  and  shewing  an  intention  of  attacking  us 
that  evening.  I  immediately  drew  Generals  Winder  and  Strieker 
nearer  to  the  left  of  my  entrenchments,  and  to  the  right  of  the 
•nemy,  with  the  intention  of  their  falling  on  his  right  or  rear. 


3 


H.' 


429 


SKElfCHES  Ot 


should  he  attack  me  ;  or  if  he  declined  it,  of  attaeliing  him  in  the 
morning.  To  this  movement  and  to  the  strength  of  my  defences^ 
which  the  enemy  had  the  fairest  opportunity  of  observing,  1  am 
induced  to  attribute  his  retreat,  which  commenced  at  half  past 
one  o'clock  on  Wednesday  morning.  In  this  he  was  so  favoured 
by  the  extreme  darkness  and  a  continued  rain,  that  we  did  not 
discover  it  until  daylight.  I  consented  to  General  Winder's  pur< 
suing  with  the  Virginia  brigade  and  the  U.  S.  dragoons ;  at  the 
same  time  Major  Randal  was  dispatched  with  his  light  corps  in 
pursuit  of  the  enemy's  right,  whilst  the  whole  of  the  militia  cav- 
alry was  put  in  motion  for  the  same  object.  All  the  troops  were, 
however,  so  worn  out  with  continued  watchiug,  and  with  being 
under  arms  during  three  days  and  nights,  exposed  the  great- 
er part  of  the  time  to  very  inclement  weather,  that  it  was 
found  impracticable  to  do  any  thing  more  than  pick  up  a  few  strag- 
glers. The  enemy  commenced  his  embarkation  that  evening,  and 
completed  it  the  next  day  at  one  o'clock.  It  would  have  been 
impossible,  even  had  our  troops  been  in  a  condition  to  act  offen- 
sively, to  have  cut  off  any  part  of  the  enemy's  rear  guard  during 
the  embark::;ion,  as  the  point  where  it  was  effected  was  defended 
from  onr  approach  by  a  line  of  defences  extending  from  Back  Ri- 
ver to  Humphrey's  Cre(rk  on  the  Pa tapsco^ thrown  up  by  ourselves 
previous  to  their  arrival. 

**  I  have  now  the  pleasure  of  calling  your  attention  to  the 
brave  commander  of  fort  M'Henry,*  Major  Armstead,  and  to  the 
operations  confined  to  that  quarter.  The  enemy  made  bis  ap- 
proach by  water  at  the  same  time  that  his  army  was  advancing 
on  the  land,  and  commenced  a  discharge  of  bombs  and  rockets 
at  the  fort  as  soon  as  he  got  within  range  of  it.  The  situation  of 
Major  Armstead  waff  peculiarly  trying....the  enemy  having  takeo 
his  position  at  such  a  distance  as  to  render  oftinslve  operations  on 
the  part  of  the  fort  entirely  fruitless,  while  their  bombs  and  rock- 
ets were  every  moment  falling  in  and  about  it....the  officers  and 
men  being  at  the  same  time  entirely  exposed.  The  vessels,  how- 
ever, had  the  temerity  to  approach  somewhat  neftrer....tbey  were 
as  soon  compelled  to  withdraw.  During  the  night,  whilst  the 
c.nemy  on  land  was  retreating,  and  whilst  the  bombardment  was 
the  most  severe,  two  or  three  rocket  vessels  and  barges  succeed- 
ed in  getting  up  the  Feiry  Branch  ;  but  they  were  soon  compel- 
led to  retire,  by  the  forts  in  that  quarter,  commanded  by  Lieuten- 
ant Newcomb  of  the  navy,  and  Lieutenant  Webster  of  the  flotil- 
la. These  forts  also  destroyed  one  of  the  barges,  with  all  on 
board.  The  barges  and  battery  at  the  Lazaretto,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Lieutenant  Rutter  of  the  flotilla,  kept  up  a  brisk  and  it  is 

* ITsrt  M'llenry  it  aboQt  S  ntMei  from  the  Ufj  of  ftaldcnmi 


.  i  i    i;  ■  w 

I  r 


TUK  WAfi.. 


4ifl> 


believed  a  afuccessful  fire  during  the  hottest  petiod  of  the  bombard«> 
meot.  The  loss  in  fort  M'Henry  was  4  killed  and  24  wounded^ 
amongst  the  former  I  have  to  lament  the  fail  of  Lieutenants  Cla- 
gett  and  Clamm>  who  were  both  estimable  citizens  and  useful  of- 
ficers. 

*'0f  General  Strieker's  brigade,  the  number  of  killed  and 
wounded  amounts  to  about  150....among  the  former  this  city  has 
to  regret  the  loss  of  its  representative  in  the  state  legislature, 
James  Lowry  Donaldsv'^n,  esquire,  adjutant  of  the  27th  regiment. 
I  This  gentleman  will  ever  be  remembered  by  his  constituents  for 
bis  zeal  and  talents,  and  by  his  corps  for  his  bravery  and  militar}' 
knowledge.' 

'*  I  cannot  conclude  this  report  without  informing  you  of  the 

I  great  aid  I  have  derived  from  Commodore  Rodgers.     He  was  ev  • 

I  er  present  and  ever  ready  to  afford  his  useful  counsel,  and  to  ren- 

der  his  important  services.    His  presence,  with  that  of  his  gal- 

laot  officers  and  seamen,  gave  confidence  to  every  one. 

"  The  enemy's  loss,  in  his  attempt  on  Baltimore,  amounts,  at 
near  as  we  can  ascertain,  to  between  6  and  700  killed,  wounded 
and  mis8ing....6en.  Ross  is  certainly  killed." 

Soon  after  his  repulse  at  Baltimore,  the  enemy  withdrew  the 
greater  part  of  his  squadron  from  the  Chesapeake,  leaving  how- 
ever a  sufficient  number  of  vessels  to  maraud  and  harrass  the  in- 
habitants contiguous  to  the  shores  of  the  bay  and  rivers  which 
empty  into  it.  In  the  depredations  of  the  enemy,  (although 
not  so  numerous  as  formerly)  a  degree  of  brutality  was  oftentimes 
exhibited,  wholly  unworthy  the  character  of  civilized  beings.  Per- 
haps a  great  share  of  this  conduct  was  attributable  to  the  com- 
mander of  the  squadron,  Cockburn.  From  various  sources,  we 
have  observed  statements  of  the  unprincipled  trctions  of  this  man. 
He  has  appeared,  in  ever}-  situation  in  which  our  countrymen  have 
seen  him,  totally  devoid  of  honour  or  honesty  ;  and  as  one  posset- 
sing  a  savage  and  ferocious  disposition,  more  fit  to  be  ranked 
with  beasts  of  prey,  than  with  human  beings. 

Etumy  in  the  Rappahann6ek,„..Ahout  the  1st  of  December^ 
1814,  a  British  74  and  5  frigates  appeared  off  the  mouth  of  the 
Rappahannock,  a  large  navigable  river  in  Virginia,  which  enters 
into  the  Chesapeake  bay.  They  manned^a  number  of  barges  and 
other  small  vessels,  and  proceeded  up  the  river  with  all  their  dis- 
posable force,  consisting  of  about  2000.  The  next  day  they  took 
possession  of  the  village  of  Tappahannock,  without  much  opposi- 
tion, the  militia  coming  in  too  slowly  for  the  rapid  movements  of 
the  enemy.  At  this  village  the  enemy  burnt  the  courthouse, 
jail,  collector's  office,  clerk's   office,    a  large  ware  house,  and 


ill:lt'.'lli 


f 


km 


430 


SK&TCHKS  0» 


,miu  ift     -tk.'W^  A.  iir^viM 


destroyed  a  large  amount  of  private  property ;  they  alio  com- 
mitted  many  acts  of  barbarism  and  violence  upon  the  holy  sanctu^ 
ary  and  the  depository  of  the  dead.  On  the  4th  they  returned 
down  the  river,  and  had  several  brushes  with  the  militia  in  ths 
passage,  in  one  of  which,  near  Franham  Church,  they  acknowl- 
edged a  loss  of  16  killed  and  31  wounded.  The  militia  had  only 
two  killed.....In  another,  it  was  supposed  that  every  man  in  one  of 
their  barges,  except  two,  were  killed.  Ten  or  twelve  prisoners 
also  were  taken,  and  several  of  their  men  deserted.  Captain 
Shackleford,  then  of  the  house  of  delegates  of  Virginia,  with 
about  60  of  his  artillerists^  encountered  400  of  the  enemy,  with 
the  utmost  intrepidity.  He  gave  them  several  fires  v^ith  his  two 
pieces  of  ordnance,  and  drove  them  from  the  plain.  Eventually 
Captain  Shackleford  was  wounded  and  taken  prisoner.  The  en* 
emy  paroled  him,  with  compliments  on  his  conduct. 

The  whole  loss  of  the  enemy  in  this  excursion  was  upwards  o{ 
100  in  killed,  wounded  and  prisoners.  Our  loss  was  5  or  6  killed 
and  wounded. 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 

i<Javal.,».Cruise  of  the  Essex„»»jiction  at  Valparaiso,  and  less 

T  of  the  Essex..„The  j4Uigator.,»,Cruise  of  Com.  Rodgers,». 
Capture  of  the  Britith  brig  Epervier.„.Crmse  of  the  Wasp*,,, 

■  Capture  of  the  Reindeer  and  Avon„„Cruise  of  the  Peacock,.,. 
Gun-boat  action,...Private  armed  vessels....Destruetion  of  the 
General  Armstrong..,.British  vessels  captured  daring  the  year 

r  1814. 

The  £s5e«....Capt.  Porter  of  the  U.  S.  frigate  Essex,  proceeded 
to  sea  from  the  Delaware,  on  the  27th  of  October,  1812,  and  re* 
paired,  agreeably  to  instructions  from  Commodore  B^inbridge,  to  I 
the  coast  of  Brazil,  where  different  places  of  rendezvous  had  been  | 
arranged  between  them.  In  the  course  of  his  cruise  on  this  coast 
he  captured  his  Britannic  majesty's  packet  Nocton,  and  after 
taking  out  of  her  about  11,000  pounds  sterling  in  specie,  ordered 
her  for  America.  Hearing  of  Commodore  Bainbridge's  victorious 
action  with  the  Java,  which  would  oblige  him  to  return  to  port, 
and  of  the  capture  of  the  Hornet  by  the  Montague,  and  learning 
that  there  was  a  considerable  augmentation  of  British  force  on 
the  coast,  and  several  ships  m  pursuit  of  him,  he  abandoned  bis 
hazardous  cruising  ground^  and  stretched  away  to  the  southward, 
scouring  the  coast  as  far  as  Rio  de  la  Plata.  From  thence  be 
shaped  h\^  cotirse  for  ;he  Pacific  Ocean,  and,  after  suffering  great- 


li   •>■ 


^*,  VHS  WAR. 

■4v  ■ 


43i 


I;  for  want  of  provisions  and  heavy  gales  off  Cape  Horn,  arrived 
at  Valparaiso,  CD  the  1 4th  of  March,  1819.  Having  victualled 
bis  ship,  he  ran  down  the  coast  of  Chili  and  Peru,  and  fell  in  with 
a  Peruvian  corsair,  having  on  board  twenty-four  Americans,  as 
prisoners,  the  crews  of  two  whaling  ships,  which  she  had  taken 
on  the  coast  of  Chili.  The  Peruvian  captain  justified  his  conduct 
on  the  plea  of  being  an  ally  of  Great  Britahi,  and  the  expectation 
likewise  of  a  speedy  war  between  Spain  and  the  United  Statear. 
Finding  him  resolved  to  persist  in  similar  aggressions.  Captain 
Porter  threw  all  his  guns  and  ammunition  into  the  sea,  liberated 
the  Americans,  and  wrote  a  respectful  letter  to  the  viceroy  ex- 
plaining his  reasons  for  so  doing,  which  he  delivered  to  the  cap- 
tain. He  then  proceeded  to  Lima,  and  luckily  recaptu""'*  ~ne  of 
the  American  .vessel  as  she  was  entering  the  port. 

After^his  he  cruised  for  several  months  in  the  Pacific,  inflicting; 
immense  injury  on  the  British  commerce  in  those  waters.  He 
was  particularly  destructive  to  the  shipping  employed  in  the  sper- 
maceti whale  fishery.  A  great  number  with  valuable  cargoes 
were  captured;  two  were  given  up  to  the  prisoners;  three  sent 
to  Valparaiso  and  laid  up ;  three  sent  to  America ;  one  of  them 
he  retained  as  a  storeship,  and  another  he  Equipped  with  twenty 
guns,  called  the  Essex  junior,  and  gave  the  command  of  her  to 
Lieutenant  Downes.  Most  of  these  ships  mounted  several  guns, 
and  had  numerous  crews ;  and  as  several  of  them  were  captured 
by  boats  or  by  prizes,  the  officers  and  men  of  the  Essex  had 
frequent  opportunities  of  showing  their  skill  and  courage,  and  of 
acquiring  experience  and  confidence  in  naval  conflict. 

Having  now  a  little  squadron  under  his  command.  Captain  Por- 
ter became  a  complete  terror  in  those  seas.  As  his  numerous 
prizes  supplied  him  abundantly  with  provisions,  clothing,  medicine, 
and  naval  stores  of  every  description,  he  was  enabled  for  a  long 
time  to  keep  the  sea,  without  sickness  or  inconvenience  to  his 
crew ;  living  entirely  on  the  enemy,  and  being  enabled  to  make 
considerable  advances  of  pay  to  his  officers  and  crew  without 
drawing  on  government.  The  unexampled  devastation  achieved 
by  his  daring  enterprizes,  not  only  spread  alarm  throughout  the 
ports  of  the  Pacific,  but  even  occasioned  great  uneasiness  in  Great 
Britain.  .  -S 

Numerous  ships  were  sent  out  to  the  Pacific  in  pursuit  of  him ; 
others  were  ordered  to  cruise  in  the  China  seas,  off  New  Zealand, 
Timor  and  New  Holland,  and  a  frigate  sent  to  the  river  La  Plata. 
The  manner  in  which  Captain  Porter  cruised,  however,  complete- 
ly baffled  pursuit.  Keeping  in  the  open  seas,  or  lurking  among 
the  numerous  barren  and  desolate  islands  that  form  the  Gallipagoc 
groupe,  and  never  touching  on  the  American  coast,  he  left  ne 
traces  by  which  he  could  be  followed  ;rttoiour,  while  it  niagnifi- 


'?  riii. 


4:32 


SKK'icHKS  OP 


ed  his  exploits,  threw  his  pursuers  at  fault ;  they  were  distracted 
by  vague  accounts  of  captures  made  at  different  places,  and  of 
frigates  supposed  to  be  the  Essex  hovering  at  the  same  time  off 
diff«r«nt  coasts  and  haunting  different  islands. 

In  the  mean  while  Porter,  though  wrapped  in  mystery  and  un> 
certainty  himself,  yet  received  frequent  and  accurate  accounts  of 
his  enemies,  from  the  various  prizes  which  he  had  taken.  Lieut. 
Downesj  also,  who  bad  convoyed  the  prizes  to  Valparaiso,  on  hit 
return,  brought  advices  of  the  expected  arrival  of  Commodore 
Hillyar  in  the  Phoebe  frigate  rating  tbirty«six  guns  accompanied 
.by  two  sloops  of  war.  Glutted  with  spoil  and  havoc,  and  sated 
with  the  easy  and  inglorious  captures  of  merchantmen,  Captain 
Porter  now  felt  eager  for  an  opportunity  to  meet  the  enemy  on 
equal  terms,  and  to  signalize  his  cruise  by  some  brilliant  achieve- 
ment. Having  been  nearly  a  year  at  sea,  he  found  that  his  ship 
would  require  some  repairs,  to  enable  her  to  face  the  foe ;  he  re- 
paired, therefore,  aocompanied  by  several  of  his  prizes,  to  the  Ul^ 
and  of  Nooaheev&h,  one  of  the  Washington  groupe,  discovered  by 
a  Captain  Ingraham  of  Boston.  Here  he  landed,  took  formal  pot- 
session  of  the  island  in  the  name  of  the  government  of  the  Uni- 
ted States,  and  gave  it  the  name  of  Madison's  Island.  He  found 
rt  large,  populous  and  fertile,  abounding  with  the  necessaries  of 
life ;  the  natives  in  the  vicinity  of  the  harbour  which  he  had  cho- 
sen received  him  in  the  moat  friendly  manner,  and  supplied  him 
with  abundance  of  provisions.  During  his  stay  at  this  place  he 
had  several  encounters  with  some  hostile  tribes  on  the  island, 
whom  he  succeeded  in  reducing  to  subjection.      Having  calked 

■i-  and  completely  overhaled  the  ship,  made  for  her  a .  new  set  of 

|>  water  casks,  and  taken  on  board  from  the  prizes  provisions  and 
stores  for  upwards  of  four  months,  he  sailed  for  the  coast  of  Chili 
on  the  12th  December,  1813.     FVeviods  to  sailing  he  secured  the 

'tiithree  prizes  which  had  accompanied  him,  under  the  guns  of  a  bat- 
tery erected  for  their  protection,  and  left  them  in  charge  of  Lieut. 

;.  Gamble  of  the  marines  and  twenty*one  men,  with  orders  to  pro- 

|ceed  to  Valparaiso  after  a  certain  period. 

#  After  cruising  on  the  coast  of  Chili  without  success,  he  proceed 
4  ed  to  Valparaiso,  in  hopes  of  falling  in  with  Commodore  Hillyar, 

or,  if  disappointed  in  this  wish,  of  capturing  some  merchant  ships 

*  said  to  be  expected  from  England.  While  at  anchor  at  this  port 
,  Comnnodore  Hillyar  arrived,  having  long  been  searching  in  vain 
^foT  the  Essex,  and  almost  despairing  of  ever  meeting  with  her. 
.^iiContrary  to  the  expectationd  of  Capt.  Porter,  however,  Commo- 
^•dore  Hillyar,  beside  his  own  frigate,  superior  in  itself  to  the  Essex, 
twas  accompanied  by  the  Cherub  sloop  of  War,  strongly  armed  and 
t  manned.    These  ships,  having  been  sent  out  expressly  to  seek  for 

•J he  Essex,  were  in  prime  order  and  equipment,  with  picked  crewe, 


m:h- 


t  i' 


'  i^'  i 


THE  WAR. 


43i 


e  diitracted 
ices,  and  of 
ame  time  off 

ttery  and  un- 

e  accounts  of 

ftken.     Lieut. 

>araitO|  on  bit 

'  Commodore 

accompanied 

roc,  and  sated 

tmen,  Captain 

the  enemy  on 

Uiant  achieve- 1 

1  that  his  ship 

he  foe ;  he  re- 1 

izes,  to  the  hwl 

,  discovered  by 

>ok  formal  pot- 

»nt  of  the  Uni-I 

nd.     He  found 

;  necessaries  of  I 

ch  he  had  cho- 

i  supplied  him 

t  this  place  he 

I  on  the  island,! 

laving  calMl 

a   new  set  of  I 

provisions  and  I 

>  coast  of  Chilli 

le  secured  the  I 

guns  of  a  ba}* 

large  of  Lieut. 

orders  to  pro- 1 

M,he  proceed ! 
lodore  HillyaTil 
lerchant  ships! 
lor  at  this  porti 
rching  in  vainl 
ling  with  her.l 
|ever,  Comnw-r 
[f  to  the  EssexJ 

rly  armed  and! 
Ely  to  seek  fori 

picked  creweJ 


and  hoisted  flags  bearing  the  motto  "  God  and  country,  British 
sailors'  best  rights :  traitors  offend  both.**  This  was  in  opposition 
to  Porter's  motto  of  "  Free  trade  and  sailors*  rights/'  and  the 
latter  part  of  it  suggested  doubtless,  by  error  industriously  cher- 
ished, that  our  crews  are  chiefly  composed  of  English  seamen.  In 
reply  to  this  motto  Porter  hoisted  at  his  mizen,  "  God,  our  country, 
and  liberty  :  tyrants  offend  them."  On  entering  the  harbour  the 
Phoebe  fell  foul  of  the  Essex  in  such  manner  as  to  lay  her  at  the 
mercy  of  Captain  Porter ;  out  of  respect,  however,  to  the  neu- 
trality of  the  port,  he  did  not  take  advantage  of  her  exposed  sit* 
nation.  This  forbearance  was  afterwards  acknowledged  by  Com- 
modore Hillyar,  and  he  passed  his  word  of  honour  to  ubtterve 
like  conduct  while  they  remained  in  port.  They  continued  there- 
fore, while  in  harbour  end  on  shore,  in  the  mutual  exchange  of 
courtesies  and  kind  offices  that  should  characterise  the  private  in- 
tercourse between  civilized  and  generous  enemiesw  And  the 
crews  of  the  respective  ships  often  mingled  together  and  passed 
nautical  jokes  and  pleasantries  from  one  to  the  other. 

On  getting  their  provisions  on  board,  the  Phoebe  and  Cherub 
went  ofT  the  port,  where  they  cruised  for  six  weeks,  rigorously 
blockading  Captain  Porter.  Their  united  force  amounted  to  81 
guns  and  500  men,  in  addition  to  which  they  took  on  board  the 
crew  of  an  English  letter  of  marqu»  lyirfg  in  port.  The  force  of 
the  Essex  consisted  of  but  46  guns,  all  of  which,  excepting  six  long 
twelves,  were  22  pound  carronades,  only  serviceable  in  close 
fighting.  Her  crew,  having  been  much  reduced  by  the  manning 
of  prizes,  amounted  to  but  255  men.  The  Essex  junior  being  only 
intended  as  a  storeship,  mounted  ten  18  pound  carronades  and 
ten  short  sixes  with  a  complement  of  only  60  men. 

This  vast  superiority  of  force  on  the  part  of  the  enemy  prevent- 
ed all  chance  of  encounter,  on  any  thing  like  equal  terms,  unless 
by  express  covenant  between  the  commanders.  Captain  Porter, 
therefore,  endeavoured  repeatedly  to  provoke  a  challenge,  (the 
inferiority  of  his  frigate  to  the  Phoebe  not  justifying  him  in  making 
the  challenge  himself,)  but  without  effect.  He  tried  frequently 
also  to  bring  the  Phoebe  into  single  action ;  but  this  Commodore 
Hillyar  warily  avoided,  and  always  kept  his  ships  so  close  togeth- 
er as  to  frustrate  Captain  Porter's  attempts. 

Finding  it  impossible  to  bring  the  enemy  to  equal  combat ;  and 
fearing  the  arrival  of  additional  force,  whioh  he  understood  was  on 
the  way.  Captain  Porter  determined  to  put  to  sea  the  first  oppor- 
tunity that  should  present.  A  rendezvous  was  accordingly  ap- 
pointed for  the  Essex  junior,  and  having  ascertained  by  repeated 
trials  that  the  Essex  was  a  superior  sailer  to  either  of  the  block- 
ading ships,  it  was  agreed  that  she  should  let  the  enemy  chase 
her  off;  thereby  giving  the  Esses  junior  an  opportiinity  of  es- 
oaping. 

3  1 


■•w. 


C 


1,1    ,. 
I  i 


434 


SKhTCUKS  OB 


On  the  uext  day,  the  28th  March,  the  wiod  came  on  to  blovy 
{resh  from  the  southward,  and  the  Esiex  parted  her  larboard  ca 
ble  and  dragged  her  starboard  anchor  directly  out  to  sea.  Not  a 
moment  wai  lost  in  getting  sail  on  the  ship ;  but  perceiving  that 
the  enemy  was  close  in  with  the  point  forming  the  west  side  of 
the  bay,  and  that  there  was  a  possibility  of  passing  to  windward, 
and  escaping  to  sea  by  superior  sailing.  Captain  Porter  resolved 
to  hazard  the  attempt.  He  accordingly  took  in  his  top-gallant- 
sails  and  braced  up  for  the  purpose,  but  most  unfortunately  on 
rounding  the  point  a  heavy  squall  struck  the  ship  and  carried 
away  her  main  top*mast,  precipitating  the  men  who  were  aloft 
into  the  sea,  .who  were  drowned.  Both  ships  now  gave  chase, 
and  the  crippled  state  of  his  ship  left  Porter  no  alternative  but  to 
endeavour  to  regain  the  port.  Finding  it  impossible  to  get  back 
to  the  common  anchorage,  he  ran  close  into  a  small  bay  about 
three  quarters  of  a  mile  to  leeward  of  the  battery,  on  the  east  of 
the  harbour,  and  let  go  his  anchor  within  pistol  shot  of  the  shore. 
Supposing  the  enemy  would,  as  formerly,  respect  the  neutrality 
of  the  place,  he  considered  himself  secure,  and  thought  only  of 
repairing  the  damages  he  had  sustained.  The  wary  and  mena- 
cing approach  of  the  hostile  ships,  however,  displaying  their  motto 
flags  and  having  jacks  at  all  their  masts'  heads,  soon  showed  him 
the  real  danger  of  his  situation.  With  all  possible  despatch  he 
got  his  ship  ready  for  action,  and  endeavoured  to  get  a  spring  on 
his  cable,  but  had  not  succeeded,  when^  at  64  minutes  past  3  P. 
M.  the  enemy  commenced  an  attack. 

At  first  the  Phoebe  lay  herself  under  his  stern  and  the  Cherub 
on  his  starboard  bow ;  but  the  latter  soon  finding  herself  exposed 
to  a  hot  fire,  bore  up  and  ran  under  his  stern  also,  where  both 
ships  kept  up  a  severe  and  laking  fire.  Captain  Porter  succeeded 
three  different  times  in  getting  springs  on  his  cables,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  bringing  his  broadside  to  bear  on  the  enemy,  bit  they 
were  as  often  shot  away  by  the  excessive  fire  to  which  he  was 
exposed.  He  was  obliged,  therefore,  to  rely,  for  defence  against 
this  tremendous  attack  merely  on  three  long  12  pounders,  which 
he  had  run  out  of  the  stern  ports  ;  and  which  were  worked  with 
such  bravery  and  skill,  as  in  half  an  hour  to  do  great  injury  to 
both  the  enemy's  ships,  and  induce  them  to  hale  off  and  repair 
damages.  It  was  evidently  the  intention  of  Commodore  Hillyar 
to  risk  nothing  from  the  daring  courage  of  his  antagonist,  but  to 
take  the  Eatex  at  as  cheap  a  rate  as  possible.  Ail  bis  manoeu- 
vres were  deliberate  and  wary  ;  be  saw  his  antagonist  completely 
at  bis  mercy,  and  prepared  to  cut  him  up  in  the  safest  and  surest 
manner,  in  the  mean  time  the  situation  of  the  Essex  was  galting 
and  provoking  in  the  extreme  ;  crippled  and  shattered,  with  ma* 
ny  killed  and  wounded,  she  lay  awaiting  the  convenience  of  the 
?iemy,  to  renew  the  scene  of  slaughter,  with  scarce  a  hope  of  I 


*    TUk  WAR. 


496 


to  blow 
>oar(!l  CQ 
.     Not* 
ring  that 
It  aide  of 
nndward, 
r  reaolved 
>p-gallant- 

natel>  on 
id  carried 
were  aloft 
«vc  chasCi 
itive  but  to 
to  get  back 
I  bay  about 

the  ea»t  of 
►f  the  shore. 
e  neutrality 
ght  only  of 
t  and  meoa- 

their  motto 
showed  him 
despatch  he 

a  tpring  on 
ies  past  3i  P* 


eiOBpe  or  revenge.  Her  brave  crew,  however,  in  place  of  being 
disheartened,  were  aroused  to  d(>8peration,  and  by  hoisting  en- 
signs in  their  rigging,  and  jacks  in  different  parts  of  the  ship,evin' 
ced  their  defiance  and  determination  to  hold  out  to  the  last. 

The  enemy  having  repaired  his  damages,  now  placed  himself, 
with  both  his  ships,  on  the  starboard  quarter  of  the  Essex,  out  Of 
reach  of  her  oarronadcs,  and  where  her  stern  guns  could  not  be 
brought  to  bear.  Here  he  kept  up  a  most  destructive  fire,  which 
it  was  not  in  Captain  Porter's  power  to  return  ;  the  latter,  there* 
fore,  saw  no  hope  of  injuring  him  vvithout  geUing  under  way  and 
becoming  the  assailant.  From  the  mangled  state  of  his  rigging, 
he  could  set  no  other  sail  than  the  flying  jib ;  this  he  caused  to  be 
hoisted,  out  his  cable,  and  ran  down  on  both  ships,  with  an  inten- 
tion of  laying  the  Phoebe  on  board. 

For  a  short  time  he  was  enabled  to  close  with  the  enemy,  and 
the  firing  on  both  sides  was  tremendous.    The  decks  of  the  Es- 
sex  were  strewed  with  dead,  and  her  cockpit  filled  with  wound* 
ed ;  she  had  been  several  times  on  fire,  and  was  in  fact  a  perfect 
wreck ;  itiU  a  feebje  hope  sprung  up  that  she  might  be  saved,  in 
consequence  of  the  Cherub  being  compelled  to  hale  off  by  her 
crippled  state;  she  did  not  return  to  close  action  again,  but  kept 
up  a  distant  firing  with  her  long  guns.     The  disabled  state  of  the 
Essex,  however,  did  not  permit  her  to  take  advantage  of  this  cir> 
cumstance ;  for  want  of  sail  she  was  unable  to  keep  at  close 
quarters  with  the  Phoebe,  who,  edging  off*,  chose  the  distance 
which  best  suited  her  long  guns,  and  kept  up  a  tremendous  fire^ 
which  made  dreadfiil  havoc  among  our  crew.     Many  of  the  guns 
of  the  Essex  were  rendered  useless,  and  many  had  their  whole 
crews  destroyed....they  were  manned  from  those  that  were  disa- 
bled,  and  one  gnn  in  particular  was  three  times  manned;  15  men 
were  slain  at  it  in  the  course  of  the  action,  though  the  captain  of 
it  escaped  with  only  a  slight  wound.     Captain  Porter  now  gave 
up  all  hope  of  dosing  with  the  enemy,  but  finding  the  wind  fa- 
vouraUe,  determined  to  run  his  ship  on  shore,  land  the  crew,  and 
destroy  her.    He  had  approached  within  musket  shot  ot  the  shore, 
and  had  every  prospect  of  succeeding,  when,  in  an  instant,  the 
wind  shiAed  from  the  land  and  drove  her  down  upon  the  Phoebe, 
exposing  her  again  to  a  dreadful  raking  fire.    The  ship  was  now 
totally  unmanageable ;  yet  as  her  head  was  toward  the  enemy, 
and  he  to  leeward.  Captain  Porter  again  perceived  a  faint  hope  of 
boarding.     At  this  moment  Lieutenant  I^ownes,  of  the  Essex  jun- 
nr,  came  on  board  to  receive  orders,  expecting  that  Captain  Por 
ter  would  soon  be  a  prisoner.      His  services  could  be  of  no  avail 
u  the  deplorable  state  of  the  Essex,  and  finding  from  the  enemy'js 
putting  his  helm  up,  that  the  last  attempt  at  boarding  would  not 
succeed.  Captain  Porter  directed  him,  after  he  had  been  ten  min- 
utes on  board,  to  return  to  his  own  shiD»  to  be    prepan^d  for  di»- 


.ii* 


436 


.NKkTCHfcS  on 


fending  and  destroying  her  in  care  of  attnck.  He  tooi<  with  him 
feveral  of  the  wounded,  leaving  three  of  his  boat^s  crew  on  board 
to  makr  room  for  them.  The  Cheiub  kept  up  a  hot  fire  on  him 
during  hit  return.  The  slaughter  on  board  of  the  Essex  now  be- 
came horrible ;  the  enemy  continued  to  rake  her,  while  she  was 
unable  to  bring  a  gun  to  bear  in  return.  Still  her  commander, 
with  an  obstinacy  that  bordered  on  desperation,  persisted  in  tht 
unequal  and  almost  hopfcless  conflict.  Every  expedient  that  a 
fertile  and  inventive  mind  could  suggest  was  resorted  to,  in  the 
forlorn  hope  that  they  might  yet  be  enabled  by  some  lucky  chance 
to  escape  irom  the  grasp  of  the  foe.  A  halser  was  bent  to  the 
sheet  anchor,  and  the  Huchor  cut  from  the  bows,  to  bring  the  ship's 
head  round.  This  succeeded ;  the  broadside  of  the  Essex  was 
again  brought  to  bear ;  and  as  the  enemy  was  much  crippled  and 
unable  to  aold  his  own.  Captain  Porter  thought  she  might  drift 
out  of  guut;hot  before  she  discovered  that  he  had  anchored.  The 
halser,  however,  unfortunately  paited,  and  with  it  failed  the  last 
Ijngeriaig  hope  of  the  Essex.  The  ship  had  taken  fire  several  times 
diiriDg  the  action,  but  at  this  moment  her  situation  was  awful. 
She  was  on  fire  both  forward  and  aft ;  the  flames  were  bursting 
up  each  hatchway ;  a  large  quantity  of  powder  below  exploded, 
and  word  was  given  that  the  fire  was  near  the  magazine.  Thus 
surrounded  by  horrors,  without  any  chance  of  saving  the  ship, 
CaptHin  Porter  turned  his  attention  to  rescuing  as  many  of  his 
brnve  companions  as  possible.  Finding  his  distance  from  the 
shore,  did  not  exceed  three  quarters  of  a  mile,  he  hoped  many 
would  be  able  to  save  themselves  should  the  ship  blow  up.  His 
boats  had  been  cut  to  pieces  by  the  enemy's  shot,  but  he  advised 
such  as  could  swim  to  jump  overboard  and  make  for  shore.  Some 
reached  it.. ..some  were  taken  by  the  enemy,  and  some  perished  in 
thf  attempt;  but  most  of  this  loyal  'and  gallant  crew  preferred 
sharing  the  fate  of  their  ship  and  their  commander. 

Those  who  remained  on  board  now  endeavoured  to  extinguish 
thd  flames,  and  having  succeeded,  went  again  to  the  guns  and 
kept  up  a  firing  for  a  few  minutes ;.  but  the  crew  had  by  this  time 
become  so  weakened  that  all  further  resistance  was  in  vain.  Cap- 
tain Porter  summoned  a  consultation  of  the  officers  of  divisions, 
but  was  surprised  to  find  only  acting  Lieutenant  Stephen  Decatur 
M'Kiiight  remaining ;  of  the  others  some  had  been  killed,  others 
knockedi overboard,  and  others  carried  below  disabled  by  severe 
wounds.  The  accounts  from  every  part  of  tne  ship  were  deplo- 
rable in  the  extreme  ;  representing  her  in  the  most  shattered  and 
crippled  condition,  in  immment  danger  of  sinking,  and  socrowded 
with  the  wounded  that  even  the  birth  deck  could^cootain  no  more, 
and  many  wert^  killed  while  under  the  surgeon's  hands*  In  the 
mean  while  the  enemy,  in  consequence  of  the  smoothness  of  the 
water  and  his  secure  distance,  wai  enabled  to  keep  up  a  delibe- 


THE  WAA. 


437 


tate  and  comtant  lire,  aimiog  with  coolneii  and  certainty  as  if 
firing  at  a  target,  and  hitting  the  hull  at  every  ahot.  At  length, 
utterly  deapairing  of  saving  the  ship.  Captain  Porter  was  com* 
pelled,  at  20  minutes  past  0  P.  M.  to  give  the  painful  order  to 
itrike  the  colours.  It  is  probable  the  enemy  did  not  perceive  that 
the  ship  had  surrendered,  for  he  continued  firing  ;  several  men 
were  killed  and  wounded  in  different  parts  of  the  ship,  and  Cap- 
tain Porter  thinking  he  intended  to  show  no  quarter,  was  about  to 
rehoist  his  flag  and  to  fight  until  he  sunk,  when  the  enemy  de- 
listed his  attack  ten  minutes  after  the  surrender. 

The  foregoing  account  of  this  battle  is  taken  almost  verbatim 
from  the  letter  of  Captain  Porter  to  the  secretary  of  the  navy. 
Making  every  allowance  for  its  being  a  partial  statement,  this 
mutt  certainly  have  been  one  of  the  most  sanguinary  and  obsti* 
nately  contested  actions  on  naval  record.  The  loss  of  the  Essex 
is  a  sufficient  testimony  of  the  desperate  bravery  with  which  she 
was  defended.  Out  of  256  men  whieh  comprised  h  r  crew,  fifty 
eight  were  killed ;  thirty-nine  wounded  severely ;  twenty-seven 
slightly;  and  thirty-one  missing,  making  in  all  154.  She  war 
completely  cut  to  pieces,  and  so  covered  with  the  dead  arvJ  dyii  g, 
with  mangled  limbs,  with  brains  and  blood,  and  all  the  gh  <  tly 
images  of  pain  and  death,  that  the  officer  who  came  on  board  to 
take  possession  of  her,  though  accustomed  to  scenes  of  slaughter, 
was  struck  with  sickening  horror,  and  fainted  at  the  sho-^Virg 
spectacle. 

Thousands  of  the  inhabitants  of  Valparaiso  were  spect  tiOra  of 
the  battle,  covering  the  neighbouring  heights :  for  it  was  fought 
so  near  the  shore  that  some  of  the  shot  even  struck  among  the  cit- 
izens, who,  in  the  eagerness  of  their  curiosity,  had  ventured 
down  upon  the  beach.  Touched  by  the  forlorn  situation  of  the 
Essex,  and  filled  with  admiration  at  the  unflagging  spirit  and  per- 
severing bravery  of  her  commander  and  crew,  a  generous  anxiety 
ran  throughout  the  multitude  for  their  fate  :  bursts  of  delight  arose 
when,  by  any  vicissitude  of  battle,  or  prompt  expedient,  a  chance 
seemed  to  turn  up  in  their  favour ;  and  the  eager  spectators  were 
seen  to  wring  their  hands,  and  uttered  groans  c."  ?y'mpathy,  when 
the  transient  hope  was  defeated,  and  the  gallani  1  Ue  frigate  once 
more  became  an  unresisting  object  of  deliberate  slaughter. 

Though,  from  the  distance  and  positions  which  the  enemy 
chose,  this  battle  was  chiefly  fought  on  onr  part  by  six  tvi'elve 
pounders  only,  yet  great  damage  was  done  to  the  assailing  ships. 
Theic  masts  and  yards  were  badly  crippled,  their  hulls  much  cut 
up;  the  Phoebe,  especially,  reciuved  18  twelve  pound  shot  below 
her  water  line,  some  three  feet  under  water.  Their  loss  in  killed 
and  wounded  was  not  ascertained,  but  must  have  been  severe ; 
the  first  lieutenant  of  the  Phoebe  was  killed,  and  Captain  Tuuher, 
of  the  Cherub,  was  severely  wounded.     It  was  with  some  dlffi- 


#: 


• 


';  .'f 


,  ,fc ,. 


410 


SKETCHES  Of 


culty  that  the  Pho»bc  and  the  Essex  could  be  kept  afloat  until  they 
anchored  the  next  morning  in  the  port  of  Valparaiso. 

Much  indignation  has  been  expressed  against  Commodore  Hill- 
yar  for  hit  violation  of  the  laws  of  nations,  and  of  his  private 
agreement  with  Captain  Porter,  by  attacking  him  in  the  neutral 
vi'aters  of  Valparaiso ;  waving  all  discussion  of  these  points,  it 
may  barely  be  observed,  that  his  cautious  attack  with  a  vastly  su 
perior  force,  on  a  crippled  ship,  which,  relying  on  his  forbearance, 
had  placed  herself  in  a  most  defenceless  situation,  and  which  for 
six  weeks  previous  had  offered  him  fair  fight,  on  advantageous 
tetmt,  though  it  may  reflect  great  credit  on  hit  prudence,  yet 
certainly  furnishes  no  triumph  to  a  brave  and  generout  mind. 

CaptaCin  Porter  and  his  crew  were  paroled,  ^nd  permitted  to  re- 
turn to  the  United  States  in  the  Essex  junior,  her  armament  being 
previously  taken  out.  On  arriving  off"  the  port  of  New-Yoik, 
they  were  overhaled  by  the  Saturn  razee,  the  authority  of  Com- 
modore Hilly»r  to  grant  a  passport  was  questioned,  and  the  Es- 
sex junior  detained.  Captain  Porter  then  told  the  boarding  offi- 
cer that  he  gave  up  his  parole,  and  considered  himself  a  priioner 
of  war,  and  at  such  thould  use  all  means  of  escape.  In  conse* 
quence  of  this  threat  the  Eseex  junior  was  ordered  to  remain  all 
night  under  the  lee  of  the  Saturn,  but  the  next  morning  Captain 
Porter  put  off*  in  his  boat,  though  thirty  miles  from  shore ;  and, 
notwithstanding  he  was  pursued  by  the  Saturn,  effected  bis  escape, 
and  landed  safely  on  Long  Island.  His  reception  in  the  United 
States  has  been  such  as  hit  great  services  and  distinguished  vak)ur 
deterved.  The  various  interesting  and  romantic  rumouri  that 
had  reached  thi,^  country  concerning  him,  during  hie  cruise  inthej 
Pacific,  had  exc  led  the  curiosity  of  the  public  to  see  this  modern 
-Sinbad  ;  on  arriving  in  New- York  his  carriage  was  turrounded 
by  the  populace,  who  took  out  the  horses,  and  dragged  him,  with 
shouts  and  acclamations,  to  his  lodgings. 

The  ^//tgator.....Toward8  the  latter  part  of  January,  1814,  the 
&.  S.  schooner  Alligator,  mounting  8  or  10  gunt,  with  a  comple- 
ment of  40  men.  was  attacked  in  Stono  river  (tix  miles  couth  o> 
the  channel  cf  Charleston,  S.  C.)  by  6  boatt  irom  the  enemy's 
squadron  off  the  mouth  of  the  river,  having  on  board  140  men, 
and  succeeded  in  beating  them  off,  after  a  warm  actk>n  of  90  mi- 
nutes, in  which  the  enemy  suffered  very  severely.  The  joss  on 
board  tk'.e  Alligator  wat  2  killed  and  2  wounded.  Great  credit  is 
due  to  her  commander,  Sailing-Master  Dent,  and  crew,  for  defeat* 
ing  a  force  so  greatly  superior  in  numbers.* 


The  Ain{f«tor  w»'  af'crwnrtf  Icxit  in  •  ipvcw  g«Ie,  and  II  of  ^u^r  ntn  drawocd. 


THS  WAR. 


43tf 


E  until  they 

lodoie  Hill- 
his  private 
the  neutral 
te  points,  it 
a  vaatly  su 
brbearance, 

which  for 
Ivantageoui 
idence,  yet 
I  nsind. 
onitted  to  re- 
ament  being 

New*Yotk, 
rity  of  Com- 
,  and  the  £i- 
toarding  offi- 
>lf  a  prisoner 
>.    In  come* 


Cruise  qf  Commodort  R9dgers.,.,.0B  the  l^tb  of  February^ 

I  Commodore  Rodgers  arrived  at  Sandy  Hook,  off  Newyork,  after 

|i  oruiae  of  75  days,  during  which  he  captured  a  number  of  British 

I  merchant  vessels,  and  narrowly  escaped  at  different  times,  a  vevj 

mperior  force  of  the  enemy. 


Capture  of  the  £pervter.....On  the  20th  of  April,  in  lat,  27  47, 
loog.  80  0,  the  U.  S.  sloop  of  war  Peacock,  Captain  Warrington, 
of  20>gun8  and  160  men,  captured,  after  an  action  of  42  minutes, 
{the  British  brig  Epervier  of  18  guos  and  128  men,  having  on  board 
120,000  dollars  in  specie.    The  loss  on  board  the  Epervier  wat 
|8  killed  and  13  wounded  ;  among  the  latter  was  her  1st  lieuten- 
t,  who  lost  an  arm  and  received  a  severe  splinter  wound  on 
lie  htp.    Not  a  man  in  the  Peacock  was  killed,  and  only  two 
aded  ;  and  the  injury  sustained  by  the  vessel  was  so  trifling 
it  in  15  minutes  after  the  Epervier  struck,  she  was  ready  tm 
iBotner  action. 
When  the  enemy  struck,  he  had  five  feet  of  water  in  his  hold, 
ii  main  topmast  was  over  the  side,  his  main  boom  shot  away,  his 
iremas;  cut  nearly  in  two  and  tottering,  Kis  bowsprit  badly  woun- 
to  remain  all  Bled,  and  45  shot  holes  in  his  hull,  20  of  which  were  within  a  footk» 
ling  Captain  |tf  his  water  line.    By  great  exertions,  the  Epervier  was  got  in 
iling  order  in  the  course  of  the  day. 

On  the  Istof  May,  the  Epervier  arrived  at  Savannah;  and  oa 
4th,  the  Peacock  reached  the  same  place,  after  having  been 
parated  from  her  prize  and  chased  for  four  or  five  days  by  a  su- 
rior  force  of  enemy';;  vessels. 


shore ;   and, 

d  bis  escape, 
n  the  United 

lished  valour 
Irumours  that 

IS  cruise  inthe 
this  modern 

s  surrounded 


Cruise  of  the  1Vasp,^.X)n  die  1st  of  May,  the  U.  S.  sloop  of 
r  Wasp,  of  18  guns  and  173  men.  Captain  Blakely  command 
ed  him,  with  |tr,  sailed  from  Portsmouth,  N.  H.  on  a  cruise,  and  on  the  28th  of 
me,  in  lat.  48  36,  long.  11  19,  after  havuig  made  several  cap* 
ires,  she  fell  in  with,  engaged,  and  after  an  action  of  10  minutes, 
ptured  his  Britannic  majesty's  sloop  of  war  Reindeer,  William 
anners,  esquire,  commander.    The  Reindeer  mounted  sixteen 
pound  carronades,  two  long  6  or  0  pounders,  and  a  shifting  12 
lod  oarronade,  with  a  complement  on  board  of  118  men.   She 
IS  literally  cut  to  pieces  in  a  line  with  her  ports ;  her  upper 
rks,  boats  and  spare  spars  were  one  complete  wreck,  and  a 
ireeze  springing  up  the  day  &fter  the  actioni  her  foremast  went  by 
the  board ;  when  the  prisoners  having  been  taken  on  board  the 
Mp,  she  was  set  on  fire  and  soonl>lew  u^. 
The  loss  on  board  the  Reindeer  was  23  killed  and  42  wounded, 
r  captain  being  among  the  former.    On  board  the  Wasp  9  were 
ed  and  21  wounded.    More  than  one  half  of  the  wounded  en- 
my  were,  in  consequence  of  the  severity  and  extent  of  their 
•unds,  put  on  board  a  Portuguese  brig  and  sent  to  England • 


y,  1814,  the 

Itb  a  comple- 

liles  couth  o> 

|the  enemy's 

rd  140  men, 

>n  of  30  mi- 

The  )oss  on 

^eat  credit  is 

for  defeat' 


IdrowiMd. 


-  k 


I,  i. 


l/- 

i 

.f 

440 


SKBTCmS  OV 


The  Ion  of  the  Americans,  although  not  as  severe  as  that  of  the 
British,  was  owing,  in  a  degree,  to  the  proximity  of  the  two 
vessels  during  the  action,  and  the  extreme  smoothness  of  the  sea, 
but  chiefly  in  repelling  boarders. 

On  the  8th  of  July,  the  Wasp  put  into  L'Orient,  France,  after 
capturing  an  additional  number  of  prizes,  where  she  remained  uq. 
til  the  27th  of  August,  when  she  again  sailed  on  a  cruise.    On 
the  1st  of  September  she  fell  in  with  the  British  sloop  of  war 
Avon,  of  20  guns,  commanded  by  Captain  Abuthnot,  and  after  an 
action  of  45  minutes,  compelled  her  to  surrender,  her  crew  being 
nearly  all  killed  or  wounded.     The  guns  were  then  ordered  to  be 
secured,  and  a  boat  lowered  from  the  Wasp  in  order  to  take  po&  j 
session  of  the  prize.     In  the  act  of  lowering  the  boat,  a  second 
enemy's  vessel  was  discovered  astern  and  standing  towards  the 
Wasp.    Captain  Blakely  immediately  ordered  his  crew  to  their  | 
quarters,  prepared  every  thing  for  action,  and  awaited  her  coming 
up.     In  a  few  minutes  after,  two  additional  sail  were  discovered  j 
bearing  do'vn  upon  the  Wasp.     Captain  Blakely  stood  off  with 
the  expectation  of  dra\ving  the  flrst  from  its  companions  ;  but  in . 
this  he  was  disappointed.    She  continued  to  approach  until  she 
came  close  to  the  stern  of  the  Wasp,  when  she  haled  by  the 
wiad,  fired  her  broadside,  (which  injured  the  Wasp  but  trifling,) 
and  retraced  her  steps  to  join  her  consorts.     Captain  Blakely  was 
now  necessitated  to  abandon  the  Avon,  which  had  by  this  time 
become  a  total  wreck,  and  which  soon  after  sunk,  the  surviving 
part  of  her  crew  having  barely  time  to  escape  to  the  other  ene- 
my's vessels. 

On  board  the  Avon  40  were  killed  and  60  wounded.    The  lots] 
sustained  by  the  Wasp  was  2  killed  and  1  wounded. 

The  Wasp  afterwards  continued  her  cruise,  making  great  ha 
voc  among  English  merchant  vessels  and  privateers,  destroying  anl 
immense  amount  of  the  enemy's  property.     From  the  1st  of  Ma^f 
until  the  20th  of  September,  she  had  captured  IS  vessels,  most  of| 
which  she  destroyed. 

The  Peacock,  Captain  Warrington,  arrived  at  Newyork  to- 
'vVard  the  latter  part  of  October,  from  a  cruise  of  147  days,  hav- 
ing made  14  prizes,  valued  at  484,222  dollars ;  12  of  which 
were  burnt  or  suiik,  and  2  made  cartels  for  prisoners. 


Sir. 


Gun-boat  action On  the  19th  of  May,  Commodore  LewitJ 

commanding  the  U.  S.  flotilla  on  the  Newyork  station,  disooveredl 
the  enemy  in  pursuit  of  a  brig  under  American  colours,  itandingj 
for  Sandy  Hook;  when  he  ordered  a  detachment  of  11  gun-boat^ 
to  proceed  to  sea  and  pass  between  the  chase  and  the  enemy,  bjf 
which  means  to  bring  him  to  actioi^  and  give  opportunity  to  the 


violation 
iaws  of 
the  comi 
(a  and 
«ral  An 
satisfacti 
in  one  _ 
his  brave 

The 
»f  the 


THE  WAR. 


4C1 


that  of  the 
of  the  two 
I  of  the  sea, 

^ance,  after 
emainedim- 
cruise.  On 
iloop  of  war 
and  after  an 
r  crew  being ' 
ordered  to  be 

to  take  posr 
»at,  a  second  | 

towards  the 
;iew  to  their 
d  her  coining 
tre  discovered  | 
tood  ofT  with 
nions ;  but  in 
ach  until  she 

haled  by  the! 

p  but  triaing,) 

Blakely  was 

by  this  time 

the  surviving 

the  other  en^ 

Jed.    The  lou 

ling  great  ha 
1  destroying  an 
he  1st  of  May  I 
lessels^mostofl 


mewyork  to- 
147  days,  hav-l 
12  of  whichi 


fiodore  LcwisJ 
Jon,  discoveredl 
[ours,  itaodingj 
f  11  gun-boair 
[he  enemy»  *>y 
brtunity  to  the 


(ihase  to  escape....aU  which  was  elTected ;  and  the  enemy,  alit«i 
Kceiving  the  fire  of  the  boats  bore  away. 

On  the  23d,  Commodore  Lewis  engaged  the  enemy  before 
Newlondon,  and  opened  a  p^.ssage  for  40  sail  of  coasting  vessels : 
the  action  lasted  3  hours,  *n  -vhich  the  flotilla  suffered  very  little, 
and  night  coming  on,  the  action  ceased.  The  enemy's  force  con- 
sisted of  two  ships  and  a  sloop  of  war,  and  from  appearance  suf- 
fered severely,  as  be  was  unwilling  to  renew  the  action  next 
morning. 

The  sohooner  Santee,  Captain  Leavens,  on  her  way  to  Amelia 
Island,  with  cotton,  was  captured  by  the  boats  of  the  British  fri- 
gate Lacedemonian,  on  the  8th  of  August,  and  ordered  for  Ber- 
muda. On  the  10th,  at  10  o'clock  at  night,  while  under  way. 
Captain  Leavens  conceived  the  bold  idea  of  re-capturing  his  ves- 
sel alone.  He  accordingly  took  the  precaution  to  put  out  of  thie 
way  the  axe  and  wliatever  else  there  was  at  hand  that  could  be 
made  use  of  against  him.  He  then  armed  himself  with  a.brtce 
of  pistols  and  sword  which  weie  concealed  on  board,  and  com- 
menced the  daring  enterprise,  by  wounding  two  of  the  crew,  one 
severely  in  the  leg,  when  the  other  three  surren4ered  to  that  va- 
lour which  they  dare  not  withstand.  Having  secured  bit  prison- 
ers. Captain  Leavens  put  about  bis  vessel  and  stood  for  Charleston, 
which  (with  the  assistance  of  his  prisoners,  whom  he  obliged  to 
assist  him  one  at  a  time,)  he  reached  on  the  12th  of  August,  amid 
the  cheerings  and  acclamations  of  the  citizens. 

The  General  Jrmstrong,t»»The  following  letter  from  John  D. 
Dabuey,  esquire,  American  consul  at  Fayal,  (Portugal,)  gives  the 
particulars  of  a  flagrant  violation  of  the  neutrality  of  that 
port,  in  an  attack  upon  the  privateer  General  Armstrong,  by  the 
enemy.  The  Armstrong  belonged  to  Nevvyork,  and  mounted  8 
long  0*8  and  a  24  pounder. 

Fayal,  October  0,  1814. 

S1R....I  have  the  honour  to  state  to  you  that  a  most  outrageous 
violation  of  the  neutrality  of  this  port,  in  utter  contempt  of  the 
laws  of  civilized  nations,  has  recently  been  committed  here,  by 
the  commanders  of  his  Britannic  majesty's  ships  Plantagenet,  Ro- 
ta and  Carnation,  against  the  American  private  armed  brig  Gen<- 
eral  Armstrong,  Samuel  C.  Reid,  commander ;  but  I  have  great 
satisfaction  in  being  able  to  add,  that  this  occurrence  terminated 
in  one  of  the  most  brilliant  actions  on  the  part  of  Captain  Reid, 
his  brave  officers  and  crew,  that  can  be  found  on  naval  record. 

The  American  brig-  came  to  anchor  in  this  port  in  the  afternoon 
af  the  26th  of  September,  and  at  sunset  of  the  same  day,  th« 

3  K 


',  .'I 


442 


SKETCHES  OV 


above  Danied  shipt  suddenly  appeared  in  tbete  roadi ;  it  beito^ 
nearly  calm  in  the  port,  was  rather  doubtful  if  the  privateer  could 
escape  if  she  got  under  way,  and  relying  on  the  justice  and  good 
faith  of  the  British  captains,  it  was  deemed  most  prudent  to  re- 
main at  anchor.    A  little  after  dusk  Captain  Reid  seeing  some  sus- 
picious movements  on  the  part  of  the  British,  began  to  warp  his 
vessel  close  under  the  guns  of  the  castle,  and  while  doing  so,  he 
was  at  sibout  8  o'clock,  P.  M.  approached  by  four  boats  froni  the 
ships  filled  with  armed  men.     After  hailing  them  repeatedly  and 
warning  them  to  keep  off,  he  ordered  his  men  to  fire  upon  them 
and  killed  and  wounded  several  men.  '  The  boats  returned  the 
fire  and  killed  one  man  and  wounded  the  first  lieutenant  of  the 
privateer,  and  returned  tb  their  ships ;  and,  as  it  was  now  light 
moovilight,  it  waar  plainly  perceived  from  the  brig  as  well  as  from 
the  shore,  that  a  formidable  attack  was  premeditating.    Soon  ar- 
tier midnight,  12  or  more  large  boats,  crowded  with  men  from 
the  ships,  and  armed  with  carronades,  swivels  and  blunderbusses, 
small  arms,  &c.  attacked  the  brig ;  a  severe  contest  ensued  which 
lasted  about  40  minutes  and  eudjci  in  the  total  defeat  and  partial 
destruction  of  the  boats,  with  a  most  unparalleled  carnage  on  the 
part  of  the  British.     It  is  estimated  by  good  judges  that  near  four 
hundred  men  wefre  in  the  boats  when  the  attack  commenced,  an^ 
no  doubt  exists  in  the  minds  of  the  numerous  spectators  of  the 
scene,  that  more  fhan  one  half  of  theni  were  killed  or  wounded; 
several  boats  were  destroyed ;'  two  of  them  remained  along  side 
of  the  bi'ig  literally  loaded  with  theic.own  dead.     From  these  two 
boats  only  seventeen  reached  the  shore  alive  ;  most  of  them  were 
severely  wounded.    The  whole  of  the  following  day  the  British 
'*  were  occupied  in  burying  their  dead  ;   among  them  were  two 
lieutenants   and   one    midshipman  of  the  Rota....the  first   iieut. 
of  the  Plantagenet,  it  is  said,  cannot  survive  his  wounds,  and  ma- 
^'  ny  of  the  seamen  who  reached  their  ships  were  mortally  wound- 
ied  and  have  been  dying  daily.    The  British,  mortified  at  this  sig- 
nal and  unexpected  defeat,  endeavoured  to  conceal  thle  extent  of 
the  loss;  they  admit  however  that  they   lost   in  killed  and  who 
have  died  since  the  engagement,  upwards  of  120  of  the  flower  of 
their  officers  and  men.    The  captain  of  the  Rota  told  me  he  lost 
70  men  from  his  ship.    Two  days  after  this  affair  took  place  the 
British  sloops  of  war  Thais  and  Calypso  came  into  port,   when 
Capt.  Lloyd  immediately  took  them  into  requisition  to  carry  home 
the  wounded  officers  and  seamen.    They  have  sailed  for  England, 
one  OD  the  2d  and  the  other  on  the  4th  inst.   each  carried  25  \ 
*'  badly  wounded.    Those  who  were  slightly  wounded,  to  the  nuni 
ber,as  I  am  informed,  of  about  iO,  remained  on  board  of  their  re- 
spective ships,  and  sailed  last  evening  for  Jamaica.    Strict  orders  j 


Tkk  WAR. 


443 


were  given  that  the  sloops  of  war  should  take  no  letters  whatev- 
cr  to  England,  and  those  orders  were  rigidly  adhered  to. 

In  face  of  the  testimony  of  all  ii'ayal,  and  a  number  of  respecta- 
ble strangers,  who  happened  to  be  in  this  place  at  the  moment, 
the  British  commander  endeavors  to  throw  the  odium  of  this  trans- 
action on  the  American  captain,  Reid,  alleclging  that  he  sent  the 
boats  merely  to  reconnoitre  the  brig,  and  without  any  hostile  in- 
tentions ;  the  pilots  of  the  port  did  inform  them  of  the  privateer 
the  moment  they  entered  the  port.    To  reconnoitre  an  enemy's 
vessel  in  a  friendly  port,  at  night,  with  four  boats,  carrying,  by 
the  best  accounts,  120  me%  is   certainly  a  strange  proceeding ! 
The  fact  is,  they  expected,  as  the  brig  Was  warping  in,  that  the 
Americans  would  not  be  prepared  to  receive  them,  and  they  had 
hopes  of  carrying  her  by  a  **  coup  de  main.''    If  any  thing  could 
aidd  to  the  baseness  of  this  transaction  on  the  part  of  the  British 
commander,  it  is  the  want  of  candour  openly  and  boldly  to  avow 
the  facts.    In  vain  can  he  expect  by  such  subterfuge  to  shield  him- 
self from  the  indigqation  of  the  world,and  the  merited  resentment 
of  bis  own  government  and  nation  for  thus  trampling  on  the  sove- 
reignty of  their  most  ancient  and.  faithful  dlly^  and  for  the  wanton 
sacrifice  of  British  lives., 

On  the  part  of  the  Americans  the  loss  was  comparatively  no- 
thing ;  2  killed  and  7  wounded :  of  the  slain  we  have  to  lament 
the  loss  of  the  2d  lieutenant,  Mr.  Alexander  0.  Williams,  o^ 
Newyork,  a  br^ve  and  meritorious  officer. 

Among  the  wounded  are  Messrs.  Worth  and  Johnson,  1st  and 
3d  lieutenants ;  Captain  Reid  was  thus  deprived,  eai^  in  the  ac- 
tion, of  the  services  of  all  his  lieutenants;  but  his  cool  and  intre- 
pid conduct  secured  him  the  victory. 

On  the  morning  of  the  27th  ult.  one  of  the  British  ships  placed 
herself  near  the  shore  and  commenced  a  heavy  cannonade  on  the 
privateer.  Finding  further  resistance  unavailing.  Captain  Ried 
ordered  her  to  be  abandoned  after  being  partially  destroyed, 
to  prevent  her  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  enemyf  who  toon  af- 
ter sent  their  boats  and  set  her  on  fire. 

At  fi>  o'clock  in  the  evening  (soon  a/ter  the  first  attack)  I  aj)pli* 
ed  to  the  governor,  requesting  his  excellency  to  protect  the  priva- 
teer, either  by.force  or  by  such  remonstrance  to  the  commander  of 
the  squadron  as  would  cause  him  to  desist  from  a(ny  further  at- 
tempt. The  governor  indignant  at  what  had  passed,  but  feeling 
himself  totally  unable  with  the  slender  means  he  possessed,  to  resist 
such  a  force,  took  the  part  of  remonstrating,  which  he  did  in  for- 
cible but  respectful  terms.  His  letter  to  Captain  Lloyd  had  no 
other  efTect  than  to  produce  a  menacing  reply  msulting  in  the 
highest  degree.  Nothing  can  exceed  the  indignation  of  the  pub- 
lic authoritjpit,  as  well  as  of  all  ranks  and  descriptions  of  persons 


,1      -/ 


'H 


4i4L 


SKETCHES  OV 


hercj,  at  this  uuprovoked  enormity.  Such  wat  the  rage  of  th« 
British  to  destroy  thiti  vessel,  that  no  regard  was  paid  to  the  safely 
of  the  town ;  some  of  the  inhabitants  were  wounded,  and  a  num* 
ber  of  houses  were  much  damaged.  The  strongest  representa- 
tions on  this  subject  are  prepared  by  the  governor  for  his  court. 

Since  this  affair  the  commander,  Lloyd,  threatened  to  send  on 
shore  an  armed  force,  and  arrest  the  privateer's  crew ;  saying, 
there  were  many  Englishmen  among  them ;  and  our  poor  fellows, 
afraid  of  his  vengeance,  have  fled  to  the  mountains  several  times, 
and  have  been  harassed  extremely.  At  length.  Captain  Lloyd, 
fearful  of  losing  more  men  if  he  put  bis  threats  in  execution, 
adopted,  this  stratagem  :  he  addressed  an  official  letter  to  the  gov- 
ernor, stating  that  in  the  American  crew  were  two  men  who  de- 
serted from  his  squadron  iq  America,  and  as  they  were  guilty  of 
high  treason,  he  required  them  to  be  found  and'  given  up.  Ac- 
cordingly a  force  was  sent  int«  the  country,  and  the  American 
seamen  were  arrested  and  brought  to  town,  and  as  they  could 
not  designate  the  said  pretended  deserters,  all  the  seamea  hare 
passed  an  examination  of  the  British  officers,  Kut  no  such  persons 
were  to  be  found  among  them.  I  was  requested  by  the  governor 
and'  British  consul  to  attend  this  humiliating  examination,  as  was 
iilso  Captain  Reid ;.  but  we  declined  to  sanction  by  our  presence 
any  such  proceedings.. 

Captain  Reid  has  protested  against  the  British  commanders  of 
the  squadron  for  the  unwarrantable  destruction  of  his  vessel  in  a 
neutral  and  friendly  port,  as  also  against  the  government  of  Por- 
tugal for  their  inability  to  protect  him. 

No  doubt^his  government  will  feel  themselves  bocnd  to  make 
ample  indemnification  to  the  owners,  officers  and  crew  of  this 
vessel,  for  the  great  loss  they  have  severally  sustained. 

i  shall,  as  early  as  possible,  transmit  a  statement  of  this  trans- 
action to  our  minister  at  Rio  Janeiro,  for  his  government. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  great  respect,  sir,  your  most  obe» 
dieot  servant. 

JOHN  B.  DABNE7. 
To  the.  secretary  of  state  of  the  U.  S.  Washington. 

LitI  V"  BritM  xtt«U  ct^uttd during  <*'  »««r  l»l*-fxiracled/r»m  Nib*"  mtkty  Mgitter. 

Ilrif  — ~  whh  pravhiom,  by  th«  Fox. 

bcbouacr  >«iiry  bf  tbe  Macedunian— ramom* 
u). 

SIfwp  — •  br  the  Hape-^ivettt:d  of  a  quan- 
tiiy  at'  dry  Koon  and  Kiven  up. 

Sbi|i  Wandeter,  7  yuiw,  with  pbntation 
«tarti,by  the  Pniidant  tViffate,  dtfprived  of  her 
light  aniHei  and  iiink 

61iip  Kdwaid  by  do—iiink. 

Sehooni-r  Jdnatban  .« ith  dry  Koods  and  rum 
liy  du.  iliriittMl  of  her  cariu  aod  luitk 

llriK  Britannia  wiUi  •pint.cte.  by  the  Man 

Kehnoncr  Cuitisw  wiilj  fiih  and  oil,  by  the 
Alfiwl. 


Brif  Teieilhi  with  fith,  by  do-and  bunt. 

ahtp— 'oTfOO  torn,  t^the  ChafwuroTBal- 
timorv.  with  a  lull  carpi  of  croekery.  Iiardw-are, 
while  fend,  dry  lood*,  etc.  ihe  wm  under  Swediih 
coloun,  but  the  property  was  uaauatiaiiBhly 
Britiib. 

Ship  —  40O  torn.  I  lon^  twclre  pounder*, 
with  an  immi^nwly  valuable  carco  of  Turkiih 
goodf,  by  the  1  ru  ;  Ulouded  Yaaiifv. 

Ship  — —  400ion(,  0  KUttt  nine  pounders 
with  bide*  latkiw.  cu.  by  do 

•|>»i»  vcMi  I  by  the  Frulic—one  di-*tro)-«d,  the 
otbrt  nude  a  cartel  of. 

Armed  ichoooer,  ibnnerly  the  Amcilean  p(k 


THS  WAR. 


446- 


fiUia  BlbrUftt  Omjr,  with  riihand  oil,  by  a 
niltimore  letter  of  marque 

Skip with  dff  iCMdi.  etc   by  the  letter  of 

narque  Khooiier  Oelille  of  Baltimore,  ami  lunk- 
Hm  Uelille  hail  previouily  eaptored  ami  man' 
I  «d  a  very  valuable  vn«el,  ami  eould  mt  ipare 
ludt  to  man  the  leroml  price. 

Ship  —  with  a  Ml  canto  or  druRi,  oil,  painu, 
Me.  by  the  V  8  brig  Knterpriie 

Brif  ^iuperiK  wcth  lal),  by  the  Mart. 

Uriaih  priTaterr  Man,  i4Kun«,by  the  U.S. 
biwi  RattlMMke  ami  Koterprlse. 

Brie  Junoi  with  «U,  flth,  eto.  by  the  Grand 
Turk 

Brig  VHend*  ofHalKkx,  with  rum,  by  the  Di- 
nnede  of  Salem. 

Schooner  Sea  Flower,  by  the  Taekahoe  of 
Baittmofc— burnt. 

Schooner  Haiard  by  do.  and  given  up. 

Brig  Koveneign,  '3'<0  ton*  «lth  an  aiiortcd 
au|o,by  the  America- 
ship  INana  with  qiart,  by  do.  and  burnt. 

Schooner  nmiiam  with  tugar,  eoflTee  and  mo- 
JtnecbytheDiomede. 

Schocnor  Mary  and  Jotepta  with  ram  and  to* 
pr,  by  do 

Brig  Bykar  with  earthen  wwe,  hollow  ware, 
rte.  by  the  Foa. 

Schooner  Hope  with  rum,  nigarand  lime- 
juice,  by  the  Diomede. 

Brig  Rambler  with  eoflbe,  by  the  Rattletnake 
•nd  ttntfrprtae— burnt- 
Schooner  Elixa  with  lalt  by  do. 

Ship  Lady  Prevott  In  balUtt,  by  the  Invind- 
Ue  oTialem 

Schooner  Swan  and  Clica,  with  eaffee,  by  the 
Man< 

Schooner  —  called  a  Spaniard,  bat  with  a 
Br'tidi  Ueitice  and'good  piiie,  by  the  Viper 

SdMMner ,  valuable   with  dry  goods  and 

praviiiont.  by  the  Fairy  of  Baltimore. 

Brig  Falcon,  aOO  tone  lO  gunt,  with  dry  goodt 
worth  MjMH.  (terUng,  by  the  America. 

Brig  Huperbby  the  Man. 

Schooner  —  with  rum  and  lugar,  hgr  the 
Viper. 

bhip  -—  umlor  Ru>  ian  eotoun,  with  eotton, 
by  the  Saucy  Jack— eaigv  tuppowd  to  be  Bri- 
tiih. 

Brig  Brothen  by  the  America 

Ship  victory,  l«  gum.  by  the  Viper,  with 
cotton.  eoSke,in<iiKO  nieaiaguaand  bgwood— 
immentely  valuable 

Four  valuable  ihipc  by  the  Rattlesnake* 

Ship wortha  million  of  iVanca,  bf  do. 

Urig  RIteabeth  in  baltait.  wiA  tome  valuable 
dry  gfwdt  which  the  waadirctted  oC  by  the  Car* 
oliiie 

Ship  Annette  Catharine,  ealled  a  Swede,  by 
the  Saucy  Jack,  lliit  vetiel  wat  from  Botton 
with  a  cleaance  for  the  Writ  Ihdiet.  in  ballatt, 
but  appMra  to  hava  had  on  board  a  cargo  of 
Pmititn*. 

Schooner  Mimh|a  with  logwood,  by  do- 

Schooner  Jaaoo  With  dry  K<*odt,  by  the  Caro' 
lige— divetted  ol  her  cargo  uid  burnt. 

Stbooncr  -—  with  dry  goodt  and  otiier  vain. 
able  aitictea,  by  the  Kemp  nf  Baltimore. 

Sdiooner  Trtnitaria,-  by  the  Saucy  Jack. 

Nine  vataaMe  Briti<ih  vettelt,  by  tne  Nifuibhat- 
iti  (bcionging  to  Mew-York)  on  the  enemyt 
cpatt,  and  t«nt  into  Franee  or  dettroyed. 

Nine  veiielt  by  the  Comet->dive*tcd  ol°  their 
talaablea  and  destroyed 

Four  veaielt  by  do.  and  rantomed-^noney 
paid 

Two  vettelt  by  do. 

Brig  Apollo,  S*0  tons.  9  gani  with  talt,  by 
the  Amvnea. 

Brig  Ann  by  do  and  given  tip  to  nlMN  the 
|Nriton<jn. 

Cutter  Phtty  by  do  — tunk. , 

Uf.— 'bydo-««Ut. 


Rriclfenrr,  A  gunt,  3oa  torn,  whU  dry  mode 
and  other  valnable  articirt  w.)rth  40,000/  iter, 
ling  by  the  Oovemor  1  ompkint. 

Brig  Abel  with  auipir,  etc. 

Ship  ——in  halhMt.  by  the  Invincible. 

Schooner  Encouragement  with  lUgar,  roola»' 
tea  and  nint.  by  the  Frolie— <le«tn>yed^ 

Brig  Two  Siitcn  with  wine,  llruitt,  ete.  bv  the 
wa«p.  ' 

Schooner  frope  w|ih  lumber,  beef,  oil.  ete. 
by  the  Ameriea-Mramt. 

Schooner  Sylph  with  fiib,  oil,  etc.  by  do.  ant' 
burnt 

Schooner  Eelime  with  talt  by  tho  Waip. 

Schooner  Cobham  liy  the  Jonquilla  of  N.  Y. 

Brig  Loniia  with  oU  aial  flth,  by  the  Kemp. 

Ship  Helie  with  coal,  lumber,  etc.  by  the  Sur.> 
prise. 

Hit  maietty'i  iclioaner  Picton,  by  the  frirate 
Conttitui  ion— dfttroywl . 

ship  Lovely  Ann  by  do.  and  given  up  to  dit- 
eharn  priionen. 

Schooner  Pheenix  by  do  cargo  removed  and 
vetiel  dettroyed. 

Brig  Nimble  with  WeaMndia-praduee,  by  the' 
Invincible. 

Brig  Ceret  in  ballatt,  by  the  Gramput-bnmt. 

Schooner-— with  sugar,  by  tlie  Saratoga. 

Schooner  Friendt'  Adventure  with  rum,  nio. 
lasiet,  tugar,  etc  by  the  Fos. 

Brig  Fanny  with  fith.  by  the  (3alhiway  of 
New-York. 

Brig  —  with  Inniber  by  the  Fo<(— burnt. 

Schooner  — —  with  mahogany,  by  the  Snajr 
DnfTon 

Schooner  Kentith  with  tugar,  by  the  Sara- 
toga. 

Schmner  Prince  Regent  10  gnnt,  by  the  In- 
vincible—divetted  of  her  armament,  etc  ami. 
given  up. 

Cutter  Lyon  with  dry  goodt,  hardware,  etc. 
by  do— divested- of  the  raott  valuable  of  her 
goo^t  and  given  up. 

Brig  Poruea, «  gunt,  by  do— divetted  etc.  and 
given  up. 

Bfj  Conway,  10  gunt  with  dry  gwxli,  by  do. 
— nuumrd  ami  ordt^red  for  the  VmtMl  States. 

Schooner  Franrii  and  Lucy  with  flth  nil  and 
lumber  by  do  and  giren  np  to  the  pritonert. 

Brig  MargarKtw  w^th  wine  by  do— given  op 
at  having  been  taken  within  the  Spanlth  Juris- 
diction. 

Brig  Jamet  by  the  Voung  M'asp— divested  of 
part  of  her  cargo,  maaned  and  ordeml  into  port. 

Two  veaselt  by  do— on<>  dettroyed,  the  otiier 
given  up  to  roleaae  pritonew-  *-' 

A  vessel  with  fun,  on  Lake  Champlain,  by 
the  Alert  of  Buriington 

Ship  Union  with  tunr  and  eolTee,  by  tbo 
Rambler— re-eaptured.  but  lo>t. 

Brig  Fair  Stranger  with  Ath,  oil,  ete.  by  (he 
Fox. 

11m  Mary,  a  Briiith  trantport  with  03  French' 
pritonen  to  England  from  Sicdy.  by  ilie  Hat* 
tietiiake.  The  enemy  made  battle  but  wat 
soon  compelled  to  haul  down  his  coloim.  the 
eapuin  and  twOM-amrn  being  killed,  and  tliref 
wounded  The  ofllcen  who  have  arrivul  in* 
Enjriand  grtatlv  eatol  the  gentlemanly  comlucr 
of  capuin  Morati  He  gave  them  their  penoti- 
alpn^erty. 

Brig  —  with  provisions,  by  the  Expedition 
— ilestroytd 

Schooner  Miranda,  by  the  Cbatteur,  divested, 
of  soaae  in  giwdt  and  burnt. 

Shwp  Manha,  with  government  storei.  by  da 
divested  of  the  valuable  part  of  her  cargo,  thu 
other  being  destroyed— then  made  a  cartel  of  to 
relcase  FrMoneia. 

Two  other  votieli  by  do,  and  deitrofed  ;  ofie° 
of  the*  had  on  boari  a  quantity  «('.  raonay  iu 
gjM. 


446 


BKITCH^Of 


Vrif  Eipeiricuce  by  ibo  CaraliM,  tat  krt— 
eitw  wved 

Miip  KipericBoa,  wHk  ft  full  earfo  of  dry 
nud«,|rlaM  wan,  cm.  wortli  tMMMO  dollBn 
SyUitf  Rapid. 

Schooner  •— wiili  rum,  coeaa,  ete.  bjr  the 
Vnry  of  tialtUBOfi; 

SclMMtiKr  ftatMU  with  bulkwh*.  by  tiic  Midat 
M  Baltimorc-bunit 

Scbuoner  AppaUadora  with  tiruit,  by  da.  and 
rank 

SchfMMter  WilHam  and  (loop  Irwin,  by  da. 
and  tent  in  a»  caruel*  with  priiMcr* 

Biig  Betlona,  with  wine  and  fruit,  by  the 
aiobe. 

Schooner  I'rkwf  nemt  with  fruit,  wine  and 
oil  by  the  V,  H  ibip  Adaim.  and  burnt— worth 
17,000  dulUn. 

Seboonei  Industry  worth  13.000  doUan,  by 
do.  and  bunt 

Sloop with  rice  by  do-divettcd  of  her 

canoandKiveawp. 

Brig  Hoemiek  b"  do.  worth  t»  OOO  dollar* ;  a 
i|ttanuty  at  ivory  4iii!n  out  and  the  iMtofher 
cargo  dcitroycd—ttten  (iven  up  to  panilc  pti^ 
oiicn. 

Ship  Enuity  by  the  Ratilcnake-bunt- 

Ship  Adfton  by  do  — ciBik. 

Schooner  —  by  the  Saniaga 

Sloop  •»  by  th«  baatt  of  the  Santoga-tank* 

Scliooner  •—  by  do.  and  niitomcd 

BritidnlaopofwarEpctvier.  IB  gum.  by  the 
V.  S  ikiop  ol  war  t^oockoftlK  lame  rate. 

Sloop  Cygnet  with  rum.  by  the  ifamioga. 

KchooaerDUigaMieby  the  Yorkorfialiimore, 
and  dettroycd 

Sktof  Bmiiia,  by  the  OeUtie— dcttrayul 

Brir  Robert  with  flih  and  lumber,  by  the  Xe- 
bec Ultor  of  Baltimow. 

Brig  Favorite  by  the  David  Porter  of  Hew- 
York-divcsted  of  her  vahuble  article*  and  giv- 
en up. 

A  ibip  under  PwtugucM  coloun  with  Bn. 
gliih  k'UMli  British  property,  by  do  and  given  ap 

A  bvir  under  Swedhb  cohtun  with  do.  ^ 
do.  and  du 

Ship  Uorit.  do.dp.  do 

BriK  CuriewfuU  of  wine,  by  do.  digested,  ate. 
and  burnt. 

Brie with  rum  and  sugar,  by  the  Bat- 

tksBake 

Ship  James  by  the  Younrr  Watp-divcatcd  of 
S4  000  dollars  iu  iptcie,  Uii  alterwanis  iccai^ 
(ured  "^ 

Brig  SwMft  4  guns  and  1*  men,  with  noriries, 
by  the  Xtbee  Vltor.  ^ 

Brig  Canieliuni  with  rtua  and  irw^aiicf.  br  the 
Mammoth  ol  Baltimon; 

Tv^o  *<.«uels  by  the  Caioline-diwctcd  of 
their  vttluabks  and  deitroyed.  The  Caroline 
etptunil  three  other  vessels  which  wcro  nwu- 
aed  aiul  oidcn-d  into  port. 

Ten  valuable  vesseU  by  semal  privatecn, 
lent  ui.  sunh  or  divested- 

Si'booner  Moue  with  fish,  by  the  Pike. 
J.ehi.oiKr  PicktrBWitb  dry  goods,  u«s,ete. 
by  on  diVL'stcd  and  destroyed* 

Shjp  Askew  by  the  True  Blooded  Yankee. 

Ship  i-Wbani,  *«o  toits,  iS  guns,  with  an  ai- 
■ortttT  c»rKo  ot  India  and  BriSth  goods,  cantor. 
cdaCu'ru  smart  actiun  by  boanting,  by  the  asui- 

Ship  Fortuna.  Russian  cohiufs,  with  sum*, 
g^iUe  Roger  of  Norlblk-cargo  enemy  rpiip. 

^&;hooner  i'hcabe  with  itmi  and  nwlasiea  bv 
the  Hawk  of  Wasbiiigtuu  »««»».  by 

-.5lr.i^'"T"' "*      Kun^withaoHee.  eocoa 

nrf^by  boarding,  by  ih«.  Surpriae-worth  So.000 

Jkhwnpv  Yfcung  Faniict  with  {Qlip>, «««!» 


40.000  doBan,  by  tha  Hcaiy  •oiMar  of  Kcv.' 

^SS^^'Sffndtll?  '^^^ 

Shm  ttertha  with  lOTemmaDt  stam,  by  do. 

divested gf  some  ot  t& aaifo,  the  restdestTM: 

cd— vessel  made  a  cartel  tor  the  cschang*  af 

pVliOliCTB'  * 

-J^'fc:^'^"  Mariawlthpre»lUoDi,bydo. 


Amerkan  sehooBcr  WiUam  with  •  nuaath* 
ofeash  injMld  by  Hu.  divested  oi  her  niectou 
landnanr* 


folaero  ship  Joanna  with  wheat  and  barle* 
worth  30.000  doUan  by  do  and  sunk  ^ 

^■j**oi*'h »qrthe James  Monroe-borat 


^BrMliant.0 guns  l»r  tons,  with  oil 

cotton  and  higwoud.by  the  ScoumcT^  ^ 

Ship  SymmrtryotSM  tons,  wfihmtt.  cnta 
andhaidwan^bydo.— burnt. 

mp  ' .  inchoMer  of  aeb  tons,  with  a  IhU  car- 
go of  crates,  porter,  ete  by  do.— bunt. 

Brig  UnkMi  of  (00  tons,  with  tobaaeo.  h*  do.>- 
burnt 

A  new  ship  in  ballast,  by  do.— bamt. 

Sloop  —  by  do.  and  ntade  a  cartel  oC 

Miip  Cakdouia  ei  300  torn,  by  do .  and  dor 
Brig bydo-sunk-  •"»■» 

Brig  Oo«e  wiih  Inmhnr,  by  the  Fos-biimt . 

to^ai7iliS"''**'''-«-«''«''P 
Brig-BaUe  with  dry  goods,  hard  and  giaK 

waro,  worth  »O,O0O<  stedngTSy  do. 
Sh^  Mermaid  with  salt  and  coal,  by  the  Oca. 

Pike 

Ship  Commerce  with  barley  and  oats,  b«  the' 
Ijiwicnce  ofBaltimoie.  >    *  — » 

Ship  Uptun,  «r»  tani^  JO  gun*.  104  men,  vrith 

a  valuable  cugw,  alter  a  nrettr  warm  acihtn, 

»  ^i»^^  }^  ote  kUkaamfonewwndcd 
by  theOiomede 


Letter  m  marstie  ship  Hero,  by  the  nrine  ship 
SO  minutas,anil  given  up 


l^on.  alter  a  tight  ot  ^  „„..^.,»  „»,.  „- 
afWr  being divuicd,  etc.  llw  Hero  hid  many 
more  men  than  the  Ujyton. 

Brig  mvklence  by  the  Diomede— rank. 

brift  '^vnsony  by  do.  and  kunk. 

Bng  Recovery  drives  ashore  by  do.  aid  de 
stnyed. 

Brig  Melpomene,  0  gtms,  with  wme,  by  the 
Chassenr.  ' 

Brig  BritBimia  with  wine,  by  do. 

Brig with  rum  aiul  sugar,  by  the  Bogtur 

Schooner  —  by  a  Baliimoni  privateer 

Ship  Henry  Oundat  by  the  Rattlesnake,  and 
released 

Brig  Indian  Lass  by  the  Onnd  Tnrk-«vcs^ 
ed  ot  «lry  good*  worth  o>,ooo  dollars  and  30  ptl* 
ooert— «|net«d  in. 

Brir  Catharine  by  do— necaptwed  by  the 
Bri'jih,  and  again  captured  by  the  Oraad  roifc 
and  burnt. 

Skiop  Caroline  with  dry  fpods,  ete-  by  dO' 
diveskd  and  given  up-  TJH^nmd  Turk  cap- 
tured stvcml  other  vessels. 

Tliiee  heavy  gun^Mais,  one  carrying  a  long 
M  aiid  a  Mlb.  carrouade— eaek  of  the  otJiOrs  two 
lieavy  guns  .—and  two  cutters,  with  about  IW 
men  in  all,  and  some  «maller  beats,  by  ilie  riiu- 
men  under  ■;iijor  AppUugat  Sandy  Creek. 

2»cbooner  'Iravvller  with  rum,  ete  by  the 
THomt-Ji" 

Brig  Ceres  with  400  toiuot  hidOsand  taUow , 
iiy  the  Lawroiiee. 

^p  Cod  book  With  salt,  dry  goods,  crates, 
fluur  Imad  and  iron,  by  the  Diomede 

Seboott*  Vittoria  '  y  th*  Hero  of  l*ew.Yark. 

Valuable  cargo  of  the  Russian  ship  JoaeUm, 
by  the  Carolmt^-cuademnul  a*  British  prop- 
erty. 

s^ooncr  Hobeit  Hartwell  with  tugar  and 
n.Lli»«.,  tttiib  2c/Cfc  i|o|h  l.y  t|i«  Mtlfll, 


Brir' 
flTBaitii 


Brig 


iuj  •uiUer  of  »««. 

lb  dry  good*,  br  th* 
ant.         — '     /  "w 

«nifflMit  Mom.  by  do. 

aifo,  tho  reit  detuor. 

lor  the  cxcImiiiv  «r 

rtth  proTliioiM,  by  do. 

Uam  witk  %  mmmkr 
rostedoi  iier  rmioiu 

ith  «^t  and  buie* 

«•  Monroe— bamt 

inrmuMu,witlioiI, 

leScoanc. 

toiw.withMtt.  entd 

>  torn,  with  a  ftdi  ear- 
ly do.— bunt, 
wiih  tobaoeok  by  do- 
lly do.— bomt. 
nadeaeartoloC 
>>».i>ydo.aiiddor 


rUfi   WAR. 


44> 


I  by  tbe  Foa- 

vetiad  and  given  up 

and  coal,  by  the  Ocn. 

irieyandoati,  by  the 

BguM,i04nien,  with 
i  pmttf  warn  action, 
lira  and  one  wounded, 

l«n>,bythepriaeiU|i 

minute*,  ana  give*  up 

llie  Hero  hM  many 

Dianiede— rank. 

id»unk. 

Mhon  by  do.  and  de 

«>  Hith  wue,  bf  the 

lie,  by  do. 

lUgar.  by  the  Rogtr 
imore  pnvatcer 
the  RattkuMke,  and 

Omnd  Tnrk-Hii«at- 
oodollanandsoprl* 

— tecaptured  by  the 
d  by  tbe  dnuad  Taifc 

yJSS^'  etc.  by  do. 
i;|pGnu)d  Turii  cap- 

■ 

one  carrying  a  km; 
each  olthe  otuert  twu 
Iter*,  with  uboat  IW 
ler  boats,  by  tlie  riik- 
at  Sandy  Creek. 
th  rum,  ete    by  the 

KoihidatandtaUow, 

t,  dry  Roodt,  cratei, 

leDiomcde 

»  Hf  ro  of  New.yorfc. 

Mtian  (hip  Joaehiu, 

Hxl  u  Bntiah  pi«|f 

rcll  with  wgar  aiid 


BhgUhfeUewith«4it,  b«  Uw  AmuiM)  «r  OdV 
iMiMirr,  and  made  a  cartel  ur 

Briff  ieiMc.  n  guu  with  bread,  porter,  ete. 
jydo  and  burnt 

Hchooner  Ann  with  dry  Koodi,  by  do  divcii- 
j|  of  her  aflbctf,  and  lent  eta  cartel  to  Halilax 

Two  MMcel*  by  the  Hero,  ami  rantomcd. 

fIchaoaerCHura  by  the  HanriMM  orOaiiimore 

Brig  little  Pox  and  a  Mhooner  by  the  U  S* 
iloop  of  war  Frolie.  and  dcttniyed. 

Schooner  Funchall  with  rum  an]  sugar,  by 
the  Hero. 

Ship  Loudon  '*aeket,li  guns,  with  btandy 
sad  wine,  by  the  Chaiaaur. 

Brir  Astrra,  U  guns,  with  lUh,  by  (be  Midat 
tfBatthnow. 

Privateer  schooner  Oath,  i  kmg  and  sevvral 
unall  guns  and  «o  nMsn,  by  do. 

Schoonrr  Unioot  with  fish  oil.  by  tlie  Ame- 
lia ol'  HaltinMNv. 

Oun  boat  hlaiak  ^nake.  on  the  >'t-  Uwivnce. 
ky  licut.  Oatgory  of  tbe  U  S-  na  7— destro}- 

Sloop  Friendship,  with  dry  goods  and  specie 
'700O  dollars)  by  the   Heveuge-divei  tul  and 

HMttOTQfl* 

Schooner  Alert  by  do  and  do. 

Schooner  Mary  Ani^  by  do-di  vested  and  giv- 
en up    . 

Sloop  Aetiw.  with  lumber  b;  tbe  Fairy,  aiu| 
bomt. 

Brig  Lord  Nelson,  with  Beef,  by  the  Xebec 
UMoc— burnt 

Schooner  Naney.  in  halbMt,  by  ia.  and  do. 

SohooMr  —  with  sugar,  by  do.  divested  in 
part  and  b«mt.  « 

Hchooner  —  with  ssH(pr,by  do.  and  burnt. 

Schooner  -^^  in  halbwt.  by  do.  and  made  a 
liartelof 

Twomnll  VMielibydo.  andhumt.  The  Ul- 
!or  nanped  a  brig  of  I4  guns  and  oidowd  Out 
France;  and  two  othente  the  U.S.  , 

Portugoese  ship  St.  Jose  with  dry  goods.  Iwrd 
ware,  etc  worth  t  or  000,000  dollars,  under, 
stood  to  be  British  pnq^arty.  by  the  Yankee. 

Privateer  tchooner  Amnesty,  t  gon,  M  men, 
by  the  Xefaee  mtor-bnim. 

Sloop  Ttekfcr.  by  do 

Schooner  lUuBMcr  with  diy  goods,  by  tb^ 
PeiiT. 

.  Schooiwr  Fairy.  S  goni  mounted  and  6  in  the 
hoM,  with  flour,  by  do. 

Schooner  Balahoo,  0  guns  and  30  men.  by  do. 

Kighteen  small  vesseto  by  do-di««sted  of  their 
valuables  and  dettraycd. 

Ship  Friendship  under  Swedish  eokmrv-car- 
(o  worth  loo^pooi.  sterling,  suppos(4  to  be  Bri- 
riih property,  by  the  Heriiik  oFn  T 

Bomb  vessel,  burnt  at  Pmqne  Isle  by  two 
boau  from  Sachet's  Harbour 

Skip  anA  Jones,  by  the  Yankee— divested 
of  many  bale*  of  valuable  goods. 

Schooner  Fox  by  the  Suq^e,  and  ninde  a 
cartel  of. 

Brig  Jame*  and  >'avid  in  ballast  by  do-cut 
awayner  masts  and  let  her  go. 

Brig  Fidelity  by  do-  and  burnt. 

A  tender  of  the  British  i'rigate  Tencdo*  1 
brass  gnn,>t  oAccr*  and  10  men  by  gunboat  Mo 

boliooner  Blkn  with  beef,  pork  and  lani  by 
the  Herald. 

Brig  Duke  of  York  by  the  General  Armstrong, 
and  burnt. 
.  Sloop  Ocovre  with  pork,  by  do— sunk. 

Brier  Swht  in  ballast,  by  do-  and  made  a  car* 
(elot 

Brig  Defianee  with  widikey,  butter  and  bread, 
by  do  and  burnt. 
.  Brig  Friendship  with  do.  by  do.  and  do. 

Brig  Stag  witli  a  fUU  cargo  of  dry  goodi ,  bv 


J«Hi 


rig  Stag 
■4iveit«a 


in  part  aoit  liumt. 


Ship  Dorcas  by  tlieboau  odro.  undtuiik. 

ahuip  HenriHta  with  itorvs,  hy  do. 

Ship  Berry  Cast  I.-,  0  giin«,  with  barilla  aMI 

jij^boom  1  Linnet  with  fltb  aod  oil,  by  the  Snap 

Sehoonrr by  do-divcsted  and  burnt. 

Silk  VI  s«^ls  captured  in  the  Kngl„|,  chaiinel 
aiHtsmt  into  H«vre.di.Oniee(Piinci)  iT  iI.p 
i'rinceut  Nrurcliatiil  ^  '     '   ""' 

Brig  — -by  ih«  Hainblcr  of  Bosiou-diveited 
ol  a  quantity  wiiie  aiid  given  up. 

n«.i  *f  :"*  '  •^«'»^*  by  the  late  U.  S  bris 
Rattleuiakc— «unk.  • 

Hrig  Portitude  with  hides,  com*,  ifye-wood. 
etc.  by  the  tiitrpriae.  j^  "w^, 

SchtMUMrrCkurgc  Canning  with  Merino  wo-* 
and  frnit,  by  ili«  Ocheral  Armitmnr.  ^ 

Ship  Puiarrp  with  dry  goods,  cni.ei,  cmipn 
and  wit,  by  the  MWas  o*  ftiltimore.  ^"^ 

HrigKtpuansa  with  cotton,  rice  and  flour,  by 

Brig  Elsinore  with  salt,  by  do. 

.1  *''*V!/S'*''i*  •••^  »»n(nu  ..f  Hahimore- 
divested  oi  gootb  to  the  »alu«rcf  i8.ooo<  sterltai* 
aiMl  given  lip  ur  destroyed.  " 

ne^ru:^""''**"''^''*'"^"-"- 

:  Brig  Betsey  with  Ash,  by  the  York  of  Baltic 

more. 

,  Ship  AHircd  in  balbut,  by  tbe  Harpy. 

Ship  Antonia  »kb  dry  goods   brandy  and 
hardware  by  do. 
,  Two  brigs  in  balfaut  by  ditto-burnt. 

Sebooner  ticury  wiihiish  by  the  oeratosa. 

PaclM-t  t-riiiceu  Eiinbetli.  a  guns  (t«5  long 
brass  V^aadsut  la  lb  gunnade.f  and  J8  men  * 
captured  by  theHarpcy  altera  warm  delknct^ 
in  which  she  had  some  kiUedand  wounded  and 
was  much  cm  up>  She  had  on  board  a  Turirish 
ambMsadoir  tbr  Engtand :  an  aid  to  a  British  ge- 
neral ;  and  the  second  ofllcer  ol  a  74.  She  was 
tanmned  for  3000  dollars,  al>cr  being  divested 
or  10,000  dollars  in  specie,  her  two  beau  and  twq. 
Other  guns,  (the  rest  being  thrown  overboaid) 
Ave  pipes  01  wine,  etc.  The  privateer  had  one 
muiiciipd* 
,  Ship  Hera  with  codfish  by  tbe  Ida. 

Cast  India  Comimny^ship  Countess  of  fiar- 
jouft.  »<0  toiw,  «  h«ravy  guns  and  fcO  men,  with 
dry  goods  and  liquors,  by  the  i>afain«. 

I'acket,  the  cutler  Landnilei—  K«int,J3  men, 
after  a  bard  battle  in  the  J£ngUsh  channel,  br 
theSyran-divested.etcand  prisoners  brouebt 
to  New-York  * 

I'wo  briga  by  do.  one  burnt,  the  other  diveir- 
ed  and  releastd. 

Fourteen  vessels  in  the  English  channel  by 
the  Oovenior  I'onipkiiu— divested  ot  their  valu- 
abkis  and  burnt 

iirig  Betsey  and  Mary  with  wool,  etc  by  the 
Kemp— divested  01  10»  bait  s  luermu  wool,  and 
burnt. 

ahip  Calypso  under  Su-tdish  colours,  wit!: 
DuicJt  pap«rrs,  by  do— divettetl  of  some  of  her 
cargo  and  permitted  to  proceed. 

Biig  Caledonia  under  SweUiih  colour*,  but 
witli  Briiisb  paper*  by  do— ilivettrd  ut  some  dry 
goods  and  .lOOO  dollars  in  ipecie,  ami  permittee;, 
topniceed. 

Urig  New* Frederick  by  do— permitted  to  pro' 
ceed  out  of  humamty  to  an  Italian  lady 

Schooner  Contract  witk  uiU,  hy  the  Rogtrr. 

I'raiupart  brig  Uorit.  by  the  Orampui. 

Ship  Hoppet.  and  brig  Eliza,  with  coUon,  by 
the  Saucy  Jack 

Two  merehantmen  by  the  U-  S  brig  Syren 
and  burnt. 

Brig  Melville  I4gans,  with  valuable  stocr* 
citaied  ashore  on  Uke  Ontario  and  destrrtyril  • 


iff 


•  * 


;a 


mn 


M6 


«&STCuits  or 


Hchooiwr  Man  «hii  dry  guitlt  wwth  Moot 
■l«rUi>g,  by  dm  Mttrk  of  l««w>Yurk 

IM«  HunMMT  10  pum  and  W  mm  w4ih  0^ 
bjr  Um  U.  at.  torviittt:  AUwut  unl  dctuoycd. 

bAJi  Marfjir  in.  Mi49 

MclneiMr  n««itte  wklh  wit  by  do. 

hhiu  I'arU  wMi  lumbar  and  kkim  br  do.  and 
do-tklnt  worth  M  ooo  dullar*  taluiu  out. 

Sciuwiitr  Maria  wich  iuwbtr,  bjr  du.  and  du. 

Urii;  Maria  Winuau  wiib  Migar,  by  the  Yau- 

klNi. 

Cuuer  Wmd  by  the  RaiUeduke— buinu 

Btig  OiMrcr  by  dw  aad  do- 
Brig  ficUa  by  the  If  Out.  aad  bamt. 

bduMiw r  ——  by  d»-diveitea  aad  nude  a 
aarirloiv 

M«;booiM.-r  IndttatriwM  Bar  by  do— bonit. 

ttdmouer  Vattu  b*  do  and  ao, 

hchoower  Lurd  N«liun  by  do.  and  do. 

HcboMwr  Hape  by  do  aad  do. 

Brig  Jane  ^ah  pntvl«Mmi  and  dry  K«adi|  by 
^O-Oivotcd  in  part  aad  atad*  a  cartel  oT. 

Brig  Orient  with  dry  gMidt,  by  du— dimtui 
^ndMUUM. 

Brig  Jutui  by  do  aad  burnt  wiiitiu  gan  that 
i>r  a  BrHMi  awn  ot' war  brig- 
Brig  Kingatuw  l*acket  wllb  oil  and  fiih,   by 
ilie  Vox. 

A  brig  and  a  Kbooocr  wiik  flih,  by  the  Her 
^Id. 

SbipSaiuuti  Cummingt,  400  torn,  with  sugar 
and  eoKix  by  ihe  I'ikt;— wtvcked  ua  tlie  luuih. 
vni  MMit,  but  iNurt  of  the  eargo  lavcd- 

bkip  Five  litiert,  by  the  letter  ui'  uiarque  whr. 
Daik.  diveued  oT  au«  punchraiu  of  Janaiea  rum 
and  pvnnitit'd  to  pruwed- 

Svtui  vctMsli.  via.  bark  Neptune,  to;  tuns; 
Urig  WdUam  with  batlry  brig  I'allu,  t  guut. 
Ill  toM.  richly  laden  with  ilJui,  etc. ;  galliot 
Hennetto  with  pcoviiiout .  ibip  OraiUM  Uuven 
«  guiii,  41)  toiii,  with  lugar  aiid  coSl'e ;  brig 
Uegulaior  IIS  toni,  with  pun  wiue  lehauiicr 
J«uuy,  l«l  torn,  with  tweet  oil— all  captured  by 
the  U.  ii.  tkiiip  ul'  war  Waip.  on  the  Briti  Ji 
eoMt«.  and  burnt  or  NUttlcd,  except  the  lleuri- 
Lita  iiumIc  a  cartel  ol°. 

Sloop  or  war  Hcindccr.  tl  guns,  lit  men,  by 
do.  after  a  (hen  bat  ihatp  action,  and  burnt- 

achuouer by  the  teach  u.  iiak  lu,  and 

iAiikonMl- 

Brig  —  of  too  toiu  with  rum,  lugar,  mo- 
la»v».  link.--iuiee  and  liguuut-tiia,  worth  30,000 
dollars,  by  the  Hero. 

Brig  Man  by  the  David  PorLcr-diTeitad  iii 
|iaru 

Brig  Comwallit  with  barilla,  by  do-diTe«ted 
and  nude  a  cartel. 

Sliiu  Vuter,  6  guni,  by  2do-sIiveitul  of  her 
valuable*. 

Bng  lloratia  with  hide*  aud  tallow- ramom- 
ed  Itjr  a  bill  of  SO,  AO  dollan. 

Ship  Uddle  by  tiie  Amelia— ilirerted  and  riv- 
f &  up  to reWaae  pri  oiitrt. 

bbip  Je*ie  by  do.  and  burnt. 

bckoooer  Mtnk  with  11  jur,  on  lake  Huron,  by 
the  tquMlroo  aialer  Com.  Sinclair 

Schuuuer  Pertcverance  with  prevition*,  on 
Ufce!iu|ieriarbydo  andduiiroyeiC 

bchouner  .Nancy.  3  guu.  with  valuable  *toiv« 
fey  du  4iU  lake  Huron— dettniyed 

htig  £naeavor  with  mill,  auchor*.  anny  *toie« 
aiat  Cual,  by  tiie  Sitrprizc. 

Cutter  Jubilee  witb   wine,  by  the  Whir-di- 
vctud  m  part  aud  made  a  caitel  of. 
bcbuunvr  skxaiidria  in  baliatt,  by  do— burnt 

itrig  Irith  Miuer  with  co4i,  by  du.  and  nude 
a  cartel  ot 

Brig  t'riiicesi  Mary  w;th  pnviiioiu,  and  dc- 
^roytd. 

Brig  Elixi  witb  do.  by  do— cargo  thrown 
4Mterb»ani  aiid  ve«i«r|  made  a  cartel  of. 
AtJiuoLcr  K.fctancc  by  do.  auldvttroyec! 


•with  pravitiou,  by  the  Pani- 


ahip  London  with  timber,  by  do-  and  bniiit 

bhiii  foctethweHin  baUaK,  by  do.  aad  bunt 

Brig  Naney  with  dry  aoud*,  by  the  c'ertimouth 
of  I'orttmouth-divcttcd  el  good*  wonli  ST  0001 
■tMUag. 

Hioup  —  by  do-divetted  of  her  valuabh*. 
aiMl  given  ap. 

HcCounat  Columbia  with  flih  and  Iw^ber,  bf 
da 

Brig  rire  Vly  with  dnigi,  winea  and  tUk*.  by 
the  aabine. 

Brig  Mary  and  Xlisa  with  htmber,  by  the 
Argo. 

Mhotmer 
month. 

Brig  Argo  with  Iriih  whiafcey  port  wine  and 
pioviiiom,  by  the  Mrprias 

Brig  —  with  molai*e«  &  rum  by  the  Grampui . 

Vrigaie  La  CMiflanee^  SO  gunt,  captured  oo 
lake  Cbaraplain  by  Commodore  Maedonoogh. 

BrigXinnet  lO  gnn*  on  do  by  do. 

bloop  Chub.  1 1  gUM,  oil  do  by  do. 

bloop  Fineh.    i  guna,on  do.  by  do, 

fhnv  row  gaUil-*,  i  great  gun*  eaeh,  on  do. 
by  do.— (unk. 

Sloop  Farmer  with  prariiion*,  by  the  Mam- 
moth M  Bal^mon^-tunk. 

Brif  Bniamiia  with  iMmbcr.by  do— btunt. 

I  biree  brig*  in  balhui.  by  do.  uai  Jo. 

Priva'eer  ronaiic  vt  War,  t  gum,  40  men,  bt 
two  U.  H  gun-boau. 

Eatt  India  companv'i  thip  Coromandel,  I 
guiM,  Ot  men,  with  cone  tu|^,  lilk*.  etc.— di> 
vetted  ol'her  rich  goadi,  by  Uw^  tork 

Brif  t^ere*  aith  brandy,  ete.  by  do— JivMtcd 
and  given  up  to  releaie  priioacr*. 

Four  ve*(eb  nchly  laden,  by  do 

Brig  Oueen  Charlotte— divvtted  in  part,  and 
destroyed,  by  the  Surpriie* 

Miip  Milnct,  s  guu*.  i  f  men,  in  baliatt,  by  dp. 
and  burnt. 

Brig  Lively  with  lumber,  by  do.  and  do. 

Scliuoner  I'riiKe  Hegcut  with  lumber,  by  d«> 
and  do 

Ship  Doritiu  ballait,bydo  and  do 

Brig  Willing  Maid  by  (io  and  do. 

Brig  I'olly,  4  gun*,  I*  men.  by  do  and  do. 

bebuoik-r  !>ally,  by  do  and  do. 

I'rivaierr  Lively, :  awn,  !7  men,  by  do. 

tthipCaledonia  with  ary  goodt.rum,  ete.  wortli 
SM.OUO  UuUar. ,  by  do-dl vevted. 

Four  brig*  by  aa.  and  made  cartel*  of  or  giv« 
en  up  to  rekate  pritonen- 

Irumport  ihip  stiaager  with  00  piece*  of 
caiuiun,  300  boxe*  amawnition,  and  a  gtt«t 
quantity  of  bbuikct*.  e'e.  derigned  fbr  theene- 
luy**  lltet  on  lake  Ontario,  by  the  Fox. 

Three  vet*eU  by  the  Spark  «r  New-Tork- 
givt^n  up.  1  wo  othcrt  were  mauned  and  onkr 
ed  lor  the  U.S. 

Kctth  F^pedition  with  wine  and  barilla,  by 
the  Orampui. 

Schooner  Charlotte  Aim  with  sugar,  wine,  etc 
by  the  Surprise. 

Schooner  — vrith  dry  good^«te.  fey  the  Vi- 

Vt 

BrigBcbpie  •  4  gunt,  with  hide*,  nateiikbw, 
iron,  EiMrnH  and  ipeeie,  by  the  CluMceur. 

Urig  Catharine  aial  V^ilHam  with  dry  goo^i, 
by  the  Grampu*- lo*t 

•Vchooiier  Httrieve  with  fUi,  by  the  Fok,  and 
burnt. 

i  hree  vetiels  by  the  V.  S. stoop  Pcacock,and 
sunk. 

Cutter  Flyuig  Fish,  with  tweet  oil,  ete.  by  the 
•Sabiiie 

Urig  Aaron  with  wine  and  fitli,  by  do. 

Urig  tittrvest  with  fivh,  oil.  ete.  by  the  Yankee 

I'wo  sliips  by  the  Syren— deatruycd. 

Two  VMids  by  the  f riuce  or  Ncu'^Mtd*  •»! 
bnrof 


A     'E 


THI  WAR. 


449 


itiont,  by  ilM  Mam> 


ihip  Cotomamkl.  I 


len,  Id  tallMi,  b]r  4p> 


iltlc'CMlkii  HrMt*provbiuni,  by  tbe  Anulia, 
tut  burnt . 

Briit  IHutnwny  wiilt  mU  and  titma  winr,  liy 
lU  ibvMtnl  m  ibc  latu-r  ami  mait«  a  cartel  u4 

.Rrig  Kliaabeih  by  do  aii<l  burnt. 

Jhip  — .  H  Runi  with  dry  ifundt,  foul  ar-* 
»liie,  by  do.  div<-Mcri  ol'  b«r  dry  kouI*  ai  d  n>aii- 
Did.  Sho  aim  raptiiml  iwa  oibvr  v«Mf  It.  wiil| 
(XH-  oi°  which  (tliip  NfUiiiM)  iht!  had  •  iinart 
ronirt-nii'iit  h«it  nobody  hurt' 

Priiicixi  Mary  bjf  tiMf  Wfcif ,  and  bunit. 

——  Rliu,  by  do— aargn  thrown  ovi-rboard, 
«IH  vnx'l  miid<!  a  cartrl  ol° 

Drtr  *traiig;er  fay  ilie  IT.  8.  iloop  l>raaock, 
tnd  hunit 

MHMbcr  — —  by  the  f.i-acli-^ifeit«-4  and 
I'lvtn  up. 

BniUli  ihlp  Ilermfi,  31  ||;iin«,  blown  up  in 
M<il)d.   bay 

•*lo<ip  uw,  70  ton*,  with  luub«r,  by  the 
Niiilieliaifl,  aiid  burnt 

IWk  triton,  \ZT  umi.  »  nunt, witli  coffiw  and 
wine,  hydo-divetttd  in  part  and  rank 

IraiiMMtrt  briir  Aaron,  l«ltoiM,  4  run*,  in 
ballait,  bv  do  and  burnt. 

Brig  \polk>,  135  ront.with  lalt  by  do.  and  do 

Cui»»>r  Qrneral  Uoyle.  •»  ton^  with  oH,  by 
t)n.  and  do. 

•Sloop  Ovorgt,  40  tout,  with  coal,  by  do-Mink. 

ttng  Bart^wlck  Paekrt,  in  balkitl,  witli  pai- 
icufin,by  do  and  niadr  a  cart«J  of. 

brift  Mbrtai  too  toni,  4  guoa,  in  ballait,  by 
i|o~iuiik. 

Brig  Mymph,  1M  toiu,  with  dry  nodi  ric— 
•livnttil  or  the  dry  Koodi.  the  p maind^r  of  the 
argo  thrown  overboard,  and  giv(.n  up  to  prison* 
irt. 

Brig  Alhion,  IS5  torn  4  fptm,  with  dry  good*, 
rte.  by  do.  divestrd  of  bur  {ichett  article*  and 
Iiumt. 

■Mdp  Harmony.  S90  tout,  « ■  guns,  with  dry 
gtMNii,  etc.  by  do.  and  diveitrd. 

Brig  Charlotte  ion  tout,  8  gunt,  with  kidea, 
by  do.  and  burnt 

Brig  Mary  Ann,  101  toni,  with  lumber,  by  do. 
and  do. 

Ship  Douglai.  lO  gunt.  with  tngar,  rum,  mo- 
latwa,  coitou,  coff«;e,  ginger,  and  mahogany  by 
do. 

Brig  Steady.  107  tons,  4  gtmt,  with  provnions 
and  bale  goodi,  by  do.  divrtietl  and  burnt. 

Ship  Neptune,  4M>  tons.  >  guns,  wirh  lea-coal, 
dry  goodt.gin,  wiiw,  pork,  brct,  rope,  and  flour, 
by  tbe  Amelia. 

Sis  boatt.  with  37  armed  men,  by  a  gig  of  the 
U.  S.  ihip  Su|teriur  with  u\  men,  un  iaCc  On- 
tftkn  with  wine,  braiidy,  cr.iu«,  cte.  worth 
ia,000  dollars. 

bckuoner  Ann,  with  ingar  and  mnlaises.  by  4 
American  seantea  which  the  had  on  board. 

Orig  Susan  anA  Jane,  by  tbe  So*,  and  burnt. 

Ship  James,  with  dry  goods,  etc  by  the  Poru- 
moutn-ditrestcd  of  goods  wirth  1  or  300,000 
dpikurs. 

Brig  ~  with  mm.  by  the  Daih—direstctl 
and  gireu  up. 

Scliaoner  — -  with  fish,  by  t  letter  oTmanjue 
uboooet  of  Wilmington,  N.  C. 

Brig  Coucoid,  by  lio^livested  and  made  a 
cartel  of. 

Urig  Speculatiott,  by  the  Gkmmptu— direst- 
ed  aM  given  up  to  the  prisoners. 

Brig  Sir  John  Sberbrooke,  I*  gtnii,  with  fish 
and  oil,  by  tlie  Hyren— btunt. 

Ship  Adventttte,  by  the  U.  S.  brig  Syren. 

Ship  Fanner,  by  the  Mammoth— oestioyeil. 

Ann  and  EKxa,  by  do.  and  do. 

Ship  Uiania,  by  do-  and  do. 

hhip  Aaisby,  by  do.  and  do. 

Kliaa,  bv  do.  and  given  up. 

Shin  OoMOB,  by  do.  and  bunit. 

Rallust.by  do.  and  made  a  cartel  of. 

SkHip  ChltotiaiiB,  by  tbe  Chasseur  an*  laadc  a 
titttetof. 


Brig  Prudenee  with  barilla  and  wine,  bp  dc. 
and  burnt 

Sloop  Fatroritr.  with  do  by  do-  and  do. 

RriR  Mstqiitt  Cuniwalllaby  do  anJ  made  a 
lartfl  of. 

Ilrig  Alerv  with  limbrr  by  do.  and  burnt. 

Brig  Harmony  by  ib>.  and  made  a  cartel  of. 

Hbip  t'arlbur)  with  an  immrusa  cargo  olrof 
ton.  coooa,  bidet  indigo,  eta.  by  do.  dVvrstr d  o4' 
indigo  worth  .fO.OOO  iMlars. 

Fourtren  vessels  by  the  U.  8.  skiop  of  war 
fraeock— all  luitk  or  burnt  racept  two  ot  Utile 
value  that  wt- n-  made  cartrls  of. 

I'rivatver  Thinks-t-lo.myseli;  S  guns,  40 men, 
by  the  Dash- 
Schooner  Briunnia  in  ballast,  by  tlie  Maau) , 
and  burnt. 

ling  llalllbx  Packet  with  dry  goods,  baol- 
wart-,«tc  by  d«»— divested 

Brig  Harvest  with  fish.  furs.  cte.  )>y  tbe  York 

hclmoner  Prince  lUgtm  with  flsh,  by  tbe 
Dash 

Privateer  Retaliation.  A  gtuu  SO  men,  by  tbe 
Two  Friends. 

Brig  Commerci'  with  flsh  and  oil,  by  tiie 
CbatsKur- 

Skwp  Farmer  with  flour  and  wheat,  by  tbe 
Mammoth,  and  sunk. 

llrig  (liltannia  with  tambrr.  by  do— burnt. 

Sclwoner  I  wo  Brothers,  with  nsh,  by  do.  and 
madr  a  cartel  oi'. 

Brig   AiiH  Kliia  in  ballast.  I>y  iki.  and  bum;, 

Brig  Unisa,  In  do.  by  do.  and  do. 

Brig  Ansley  with  horses  and  lumber,  by  do. 
and  tvuttkrd- 

Hrig  Harah  with  flour  by  do.  and  burnt- 
Brig  Sir  Home  Popham,  with  fruit,  by  ilo-  and 
do- 

fHtooner  Rapid  with  flsh,  by  do  and  do. 

Hhip  Champion  with  dry  goods,  by  do— tUvctt- 
ed  aiiu  natde  a  cartel  oi 

Two  other  vessels  by  do.  and  d«  strayed. 

Schooner  -^  from  Halifax,  with  dry  goodI, 
by  a  custom-house  barge. 

British  shwp  of  war  Avon,  i8  guns,  sunk  by 
the  tl.  s.  sloop  or  war  Wasp  of  tlie  same  rate. 

Brig  Aialanta,  t<0  tons,  with  wines,  brandy, 
silks,  eambricks,  and  dry  goods,  by  ih>. 

'f  he  valuable  bng  Eiimw,  eignt  18  poumt 
MrToiiad«t,t  long  9^,  and  it  uten.  with  173  tons 
of  swift  t  nil,  by  the  Paupsco. 

Urig  Canada,  10  gtuis,  with  rum.  by  the  Law- 
reiMso. 

hchonner  Fos,— a  tender  of  the  Ramilies. 

Brig  William  with  gum  worth  10  or  eO,<XIO 
dollat  s.  by  the  -^—  id'  UaltirooK. 

Brit  Lulice.  7  men,  to  tons,  with  pork,  by  tlie 
U.  S.  sloop  Wa^— burnt. 

Brig  Bon  Accord,  U>  tons.  7  men,  with  me- 
rino »  onl,  flruits  and  wine,  by  do.  and  sunk. 

Transport  brig  Mary,  lO  men,  8  guns,  lit 
ton*,  with  onlnanee  and  military  stons.  by  do. 

Brig  Three  Brothers,  7  nn'O,  114  tons,  with 
lime,  by  do  and  burnt. 

Brig  Bacchus,  1 1  men,  3  guna,  i  AS  tons,  with 
fiib,  1^  do.  and  destroyed. 

Ship  Ann  Doroiky,  with  hides,  tulbw,  etc. 
by  tbe  Saratoga— valuable. 

Brig  Hiram  with  dry  goods,  cmckery,  cord- 
age, etc  by  the  David-  Porter— divi-itul  or  goods 
worth  tOO,t)00  dolten  and  given  tip. 

Brig  Nancy  with  siUu,  oil,  sulphur,  marble, 
cte  by  the  Scourge. 

Ship  Lord  Hood  by  do-  and  burnt. 

Br%  Ttylent,  by  do.  and  do. 

Brig  HMldoek  by  do.  and  do. 

Brig.  BelfleU  by  do.  and  do. 

Urig  Susan  ami  James,  by  the  Fox,  and  bura:. 
bhcooner  Retrieve  by  do.  and  do. 
a  Brig  Concord  by  do-  and  made  a  cartel  att 
Urig  Cossack,  with  wine,by  tbe  Surprize. 
Schooner  Pink,  by  the  Grand  Turk— sunk. 

Brig  Brotlien,  wiib  iunber,  by  do  and  (!ih  > 


I 


m 


3L 


4fip 


fiUiJki'ciijt:^  uv 


CHAPTtVK  XXXVI 

Irrival  of  General  Jackson  at  Mobile..,.Spi€  •  ''J  d'fcnue  oj  fou 
Bowyer.,..  Destruction  q/'  the  pirates  of  B  ,  ,ai  ia...,Entranci- 
of  Gen.  Jackson  into  Pnt8acola...»His  arrival  at  Nexvcrieans.,.. 
.Irrival  of  the  enemy  off  Ship  Island.»,Capture  qf  the  ./American 
gun-boats  near  the  bay  of  St.  Louis. ...Landing  of  the  ewmy 
beloxv  Seworleans.... Actions  of  the  23(i  and  of  the  2Bth  Dc 
r  ember. 

In  the  early  part  of  August,  1814^  General  Jackson  (who  had 
{)ern  stationed  at  fort  Jackson,  upon  the  lower  part  of  the  Alaba^ 
inn  river,  aHcr  the  conclusion  of  the  Creek  war)  dispatched  u  cou- 
tier  to  the  governor  of  Pcntacola,  demanding  the  nurrendtr  ui 
the  Creek  chiefs  M'Queen  and  Francis,  [who,  it  was  stated,  had 
sought  shelter  under  Spanivh  authority]  and  the  reason  why  they 
and  their  adherents  had  received  ouccour  and  assistance  from  tlic 
subjcctR  of  his  Catholic  majesty,  between  whose  government  am! 
that  of  the  United  States,  he  conceived  there  were  existing  rela 
tions  of  amity  and  good  will.  The  governor,  on  receiving  thi«,it 
if  stated,  became  highly  exasperated  at  the  pesemptory  manner  ut 
the  deinand....rcturned  an  ini>ulting  and  ambiguous  answer.... said 
that  he  knew  nothing' of  Francis  and  M'Cj,ueen....and  that  Jack 
son  nhould  hear  from  him  shortly. 

Tpon  the  receipt  of  this  answer,  delivered  verbally,  and  which 
General  Jackson  no  doubt  supposed  to  bear  something  of  a  threat 
ening  appearance,  he  immediately  left  fort  Jackson,  for  the  pur 
pose  of  occupying  Mobile,  at  which  place  he  shortly  arrived  and 
established  his  head  quarters,  where  he  soon  bad  under  his  com- 
mand 1500  regulars  and  some  militia. 

On  the  27th  of  August,  General  Jackson  received  information 
by  express,  that  three  British  vessels  (the  Hermes,  Orpheus  and 
Charon,)  had  arrived  at  Pensacoln  on  the  25tb,  ^ud  disembarked 
on  the  following  day  an  immense  quantity  of  arms,  ammunition, 
munitions  of  war  and  provisions ;  and  that  between  2  and  300 
iroops  of  the  enemy  landed  from  the  vessels,  had  marched  into 
the  Spanish  fort.  The  express  also  brought  information  that  13 
sail  of  the  line,  v^ith  a  large  number  of  transports,  having  on  bnarc 
10,000  tioops,  were  daily  expected  at  that  place. 

General  Jackson  immediately  addressed  a  letter  to  the  governor 
of  Tennessee,  requesting  him,  without  delay,  to  organize,  equip 
and  bring  into  the  field,  the  whole  of  the  quota  of  the  militia  o< 
that  state,  agreeably  to  the  requisition  of  the  war  department  oi 
the  preceding  July,  amounting  to  2500  infantry.  This  lequest 
was  promptly  complied  with  ;  and  in  a  short  time  the  state's  quo 


THE  WAR. 


4M 


idftEntranci' 
Wexvo}  leans... 
'  the  Amerivan 
of  the  cwinij 
thc2Bth  Dc 


son  (who  had 
of  tht>  AUba- 
patched  a  cou- 

surrender  ui 
as  etatedj  had 
ton  why  they 
ancc  from  tlv: 
/eroment  anO. 

existing  rda 
ceiving  thi«,it 
ory  maimer  ut 
un8w«r....8aiu 
nd  that  Jack 

\y,  and  whicli 
g  of  a  threat 
,  for  the  pur 
f  arrived  and 
ndcr  his  com- 

d  information 
Orpheus  and 
disembarked 
ammunitioxi, 
n  2  and  300 
marched  into 
ition  that  13 
'ing  on  boara 

the  governor 
aniz<:^«  equip 
th«  militia  ot 
'partment  o\ 
This  lequest 
}  state's  quo 


,1,  And  innny  vuluntec>s  from  Tennessee  and  Kentuclcy,  were(fai- 
j  arriving  at  the  encampment  of  the  commanding  general. 

Propanitions  were  also  mnlcin^t  at  the  same  time,  for  the  de 
fence  of  Neworleans. 

Fort  /9owyer....This  small  fort  was  erected  io  1812,  by  Lieuten- 
ant Colonel  Bowyer,  and  consists  only  of  common  logs  ftllcd  in 
with  sand.  It  stands  on  the  eastern  point,  forming  the  Mobile 
bay,  3S  miles  nearly  south  from  the  city  of  Mobile,  and  at  the 
time  of  General  Jackson's  encampment  at  Mobile,  was  command- 
ed by  Major  William  La\«rence,  of  the  2d  infantry. 

On  the  15th  of  September,  at  4  o'clock,  P.  M.  the  fort  was  at^ 
tacked  by  a  superior  naval  and  land  force.  The  naval  force  con« 
ciited  of  two  ships  from  34  to  28  guuF,  mounting  32  pound  car- 

ooades,  two  brigs  from  10  to  18  guns,  mounting  24  pound  car* 

onades,  with  three  tenders,  all  under  the  command  of  Commo- 
Jore  Sir  W.  H.  Percy.  The  land  forces  of  the  enemy  consisted 
of  100  marines,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Nichollx ;  300 
Indians,  under  the  command  of  Captain  Woodbine  of  tht*  British 
trmy ;  and  a  battery  ot  a  12  pounder  and  a  howitzer,  under  the 
direction  of  a  British  captain  of  the  royal  artillery.  Our  effective 
force  opposed  to  the  enemy  was  about  120  men,  of  whom  not 
more  than  00  were  engaged. 

The  leading  ship,  called  the  Hermes,  Commodore  Percy,  having 
approached  within  reach  of  the  guns,  Major  Lawrence  opened  his 
battery  upon  her  tirom  the  fort,  the  guns  of  which  were  fired  in 
succession  as  they  could  be  brought  to  bear ;  and  at  20  minutes 
past  4,  P.  M.  the  other  vessels  having  come  up,  the  engagement 
beqame  general.  About  this  time  the  enemy's  land  forces,  with 
his  battery,  were  put  to  flight,  by  two  discharges  of  grape  and 
cannister  from  a  9  pounder.  At  »e\en  o'clock,  one  ship  and 
two  brigs  were  compelled  to  retire.  The  Hermes,  having 
nchored  nearest  our  guns,  was  so  much  disabled,  her  cable  being 
cut  by  our  shot,  that  she  drifted  on  shore,  within  600  yards  of  the 
battery,  and  the  other  vessels  having  got  out  of  reach,  a  tremen- 
dous fire  was  kept  upon  her.  In  a  short  time  she  was  enveloped 
ia  flames,  and  abandoned  by  the  few  of  her  crew  who  survived  ; 
and  at  10,  P.  M.  she  exploded.  The  loss  of  lives  on  board  must 
lave  been  immense,  as  no  boats  left  her,  excepting  three  which 
had  priviously  gone  to  her  assistance,  and  one  of  these  was  after- 
wards sunk.  Her  original  crew  was  said  ta  have  been  1 70  ;  of 
this  number,  20  only  escaped.  ' 

The  other  vessels  suffered  grtatly.  On  board  of  one,  (the  Cha- 
lou,)  85  werQ  killed  and  wounded....the  loss  of  the  other  two  was 
lot  ascertained,  but  must  have  been  very  severe,  from  the  circum- 
^aace  of  one  ofthem  being  iofinitely  moreexposed  than  tkeCharon. 

The  American  lo?s  wa?  4  IriHed  and  5  wounded. 


1% 


^ii 


SKETCHES  OF 


•f 


During  the  hoUeit  part  of  the  aetion^  the  flag  staff  of  the  fori 
was  shot  away  ;  but  the  flag  was  immediately  regained  under  h 
heavy  fire  of  grape  and  cannister^  hoisted  c::  a  sponge  staff,  and 
planted  on  the  parapet. 

Between  4  and  500  guns  were  fired  from  the  fort  during  the 
engagement,  most  of  them  double-shotted,  and  after  the  first  half 
hour  but  few  missed  effect. 

On  the  16th  of  September,  the  enemy's  fleet  made  sail  and 
stood  to  sea. 

Pirates  of  Barataria..:Oa  the  1 1th  of  September,  Commo- 
dore Patterson,  commanding  the  American  flotilla,  &o.  on  the 
Neworleans  station,  sailed  from  Neworleans  with  3  barges,  and 
was  joined  at  the  Balize  (mouth  of  the  Mississippi  river)  by  6  gun 
boats  and  the  schooner  Carolina  ;  from  whence  he  proceeded  by 
sea,  while  a  detachment  from  the  44th  regiment  under  Colonel 
Ross^  of  about  80  men,  went  down  by  land,  to  attack  a  gang  of 
pirates  on  an  island  in  lake  Barataria,  (about  30  miles  S.  W.  from 
Neworleans)  who  had  long  committed  great  depredations  on  the 
ooavt. 

On  the  1st  of  October,  Commodore  Patterson  returned  to  New- 
orleans, haviujf  succeeded,  without  much  resistance,  in  capturing 
the  pirates,  to  the  number  of  1000  of  all  nations,  and  their  vet 
sels,  consisting  of  7  schooners  and  feluccas,  armed  and  unarmed. 
The  land  forces  under  Colonel  Ross,  also  succeeded  in  destroying 
their  establishments  on  the  islands  of  Grand  Terre,  Grand  Isle, 
and  Cheniere  Caminada,  in  the  lake. 

The  capture  of  these  pirates  and  their  vessels  was  doubtless 
considered  by  tbe  enemy  as  disastrous  to  himself,  having  calcu- 
lated on  their  aasiittuiice  in  his  attempt  upon  Neworleans. 

Pensacola,  which  itad,  for  some  time  bien  notoriously  a  har- 
bour for  the  enemy,  British  as  well  as  Indians,  had,  in  the  opinion 
of  the  American  people,  thus  forfeited  its  neutral  character.  It  had 
becpme,  to  all  intents  and  pui  poses,  an  enemy's  post.  Indeed, 
the  ^nemy  had  been  found  and  driven  on  the  Spanish  soil.  Gene- 
ral Jackson,  indignant  at  the  conduct  thus  pursued  by  a  nation  pro- 
fessing neutrality,  determined  to  enter  the  place  and  seize  upon 
the  enemy  and  his  works.  He  accordingly  marched  with  about 
3000.  troops,  the  beginning  of  November,,  and  arrived  in  Pensaco- 
la on  the  evening  of  the  6th.  The  following  letter  of  the  gene- 
ral to  tbe  gpvernor  of  Tennessee,  particularizes  subsequent  events  ■ 

H.  Q.  7th  Military  District,  Tensaw,  Nov.  14,  1814. 

SlR....On  last  evening  I  returned  from  Pensacola  to  this  place : 

I  re«iChed  that  post  on  the  evening  of  the  6tb.     On  'my  approach 

I  sent  Major  Pierre  with  a  flttg  to  communicate  the  object  of  my, 

"viiit  to  the  governor  of  Pensacola.     He  approached  fort  St.  George 


THE  WAR. 


453 


ir  of  the  for; 
ined  under  h 
Dge  staff,  and 

rt  during  the 
the  first  half 

lade  sail  and 


iber.  Comma- 
ttf  &o.  on  the 

3  barges,  and 
iver)  by  6  gun 
proceeded  by 
under  Colonel 
tack  a  gang  of 
les  S.  W.  from 
dations  on  the 

urned  to  New- 
e,  in  capturing 
and  their  vet 
I  and  unarmed. 
1  in  destroying 
e.  Grand  Isle, 

was  doubtless 
having  calcu 
leans. 

|oriously  a  bar- 
in  the  opinion 
Iracter.  It  had 
post.  Indeed, 
Ish  soil.  Gene- 
ty  a  nation  pro- 
land  seize  upon 
led  with  about 
ed  in  Pensuco- 
r  of  the  gene- 
lequent  events  • 

ov.  14,  1814. 

i  to  this  place : 

[I'my  approach 

h  object  of  my. 

nbrt  St.  George! 


with  his  flag  displayed,  and  was  fired  on  by  the  cannon  from  the 
fbrt....he  returned  and  made  report  thereof  to  me.  I  immediately 
wient  with  the  adjutttnt  general  and  the  major,  with  a  small  es- 
cort, and  viewed  the  fort  and  found  it  defended  by  British  and 
Spanish  troops.  I  immediately  determined  to  storm  the  town,  re> 
tired  and  encamped  my  troops  for  the  night,  and  made  the  ne- 
cessary arrangements  for  carrying  my  determination  into  effect 
the  next  day. 

On  the  mominif  of  the  7th^  I  marched  with  the  effective  regu* 
lars  of  the  3d,  30th  and  44th  infantry,  part  of  General  Coffee's 
4)rigade,  the  Mississipi  dragoons,  and  part  of  the  West  Tennessee 
regiment,  commanded  by  Lieutenan!  Colonel  Hammonds  (Colonel 
Lowry  having  deserted  and  gone  he  ne)  and  part  of  the  Chactawt 
led  by  Major  Blue  of  the  30tb  and  Major  Kennedy  of  the  Missis- 
sippi territory.    Being  encamped  on  the  west  of  the  town,  I  cal- 
culated they  would  expect  the  assault  from  that  quarter,  and  be 
prepared  to  rake  me  from  the  fort,  and  the  British  armed  vessels, 
7  in  number,  that  lay  in  the  bay.    To  cherish  this  idea  I  sent  out 
part  of  the  mounted  men  to  show  themselves  on  the  west,  whilst 
I  passed  in  rear  of  the  fort  undiscovered  to  the  east  of  the  town. 
When  1  appeared  within  a  mile  1  was  in  full  view.      My  pride 
was  never  more  heightened  than  viewing  the  uniform  firmness  of 
my  troops,  and  with  what  undaunted  courage  they  advanced,  with 
a  strong  fort  ready  to  a«sail  them  on  the  right,  7  British  armed 
vessels  on  the  left,  strong  block-houses  and  batteries  of  cannon  in 
their  front ;  but  they  still  advanced  with  unshaken  firmuers,  en^ 
tered  the  town,  when  a  battery  of  two  cannon  was  opened  .pon 
the  centre  column  composed  of  the  regulars,  with  ball  and  grape, 
and  a  shower  of  musketry  from  the  houses  and  gardens.      The 
battery  was  immediately  stormed  by  Captain  Levall  and  company^ 
and  carried^  and  the  musketry  was  soon  silenced  by  the  steady  and 
w^ll-direeted  fire  of  the  regulars. 

The  governor  met  Colonels  WiUiamson  and  Smith,  vi*ho  led  tho 
dismounted  volunteers,  with  a  flag,  begged  for  mercy,  and  surren* 
dered  the  town  and  fort  unconditionally ;  mercy  was  granted  aud 
protection  given  to  the  citizens  and  their  property ;  and  still  Spa- 
nish treachery  kept  us  out  of  possession  of  the  fort  until  12  o'clock 
at  night. 

Never  was  more  cool,  determined  bravery  displayed  by  any 
troops;  and  the  Ch^ctaws  advanced  to  the  charge  with  equal 
bravery.  On  the  morning  of  the  8th  I  prepared  to  march  and 
storm  the  Barancas;  but  before  I  codld  move,  tremendou't  explo- 
sions told  me  that  the  Barancas,  with  all  its  appendages,  was 
blown  up.  I  dispatched  a  detachment  of  200  men  to  explore  it^ 
who  returne'i  with  the  information  that  it  was  blown  up,  all  Xlm 
combustible  narts  burnt,  the  cannon  spiked  and  dismounted,  ex.- 
sept  two :  this  being  tbe  case,  I  determined  to  withdraw  mj 


I' 


r  - 1 


} 


n 


J5f 


^  \h 


4.46 


SKE'iX'HES  Ob' 


troops;  but  befoic  1  ditl  f  had  the  pleasiire  to  see  the  B^ttsh  dt 
part.  Col.  NicholD  abamloned  the  fort  on  the  night  of  the  0tb,  and 
betook  himself  to  his  shipping,  with  his  friend,  Captain  Woodbine 
and  his  red  friends. 

The  steady  firmness  of  my  troops  has  drawn  a  just  respect  from 
our  enemie8....it  has  convinced  the  Red  Sticks  that  they  have  no 
strong  hold  or  protection,  only  in  the  friendship  of  the  United 
States.  Tiie  good  order  and  conduct  of  my  troops  whilst  in  Pen- 
sacoln,  has  convinced  the  Spaniards  of  our  friendship,  and  our 
prowess,  and  has  drawn  from  the  citizens  an  expression,  that  0!v 
Cbactaws  are  more  civilised  than  the  British. 

In  great  haste,  I  am  respectfully,  sir, 

ANDREW  JACKSON, 
Maj.  Gen.  commanding 

On  the  27lh  of  December,  General  Jackson  arrived  at  Newor 
ieans  with  his  army,  where  he  immediately  began  the  inspection 
of  the  different  forts  and  works  down  the  Mississippi  river.  Ex- 
pecting the  daily  arrival  of  a  powerful  enemy's  force  in  tha*^ 
quarter,  the  militia  and  volunteers  from  Tennessco,  Kentucky,  &c. 
were  hourly  pouring  into  the  head-quarters  of  the  commanding 
general. 

On  the  12th  of  December,  intelligence  reached  Neworleans, 
that  a  very  formidable  force  of  enemy's  vessels,  consisting  of  from 
35  to  40  sail,  having  on  board  a  large  body  of  troops,  had  ap^ 
peared  ofT  9hip  Island}  near  the  bay  of  St.  Louis,  in  the  Gulf  of 
Mexico,  and  about  70  miles  N.  E.  of  Neworleaus.  On  the  13th^ 
The  enemy  landed  at  Pn^s  Christianne  (a  channel  8  feet  deep^ 
leading  from  the  h.}y  ol  St.  Louis  to  Mobile  bay)  with  100  barge;: 
from  the  squadron;  and  in  a  few  hours  got  under  weigh,  direct- 
rug  their  course  towards  the  United  States*s  gun  vessels,  comman- 
ded by  Lieutenant  Jones,  then  lying  at  anchor  off  the  bay  of  St. 
Louis.  The  following  extracts  of  a  letter  from  the  htrutenant  to 
Commodore  Patterson,  give  an  interesting  account  of  events 
which  followed  : 


«'  On  the  12th  of  Decemhcr,  18M,  the  enemy's  fleet  off  Ship 
fsland  had  increased  to  such  a  forc^  a«  to  render  it  no  longt  r  safe 
or  prudent  for  me  to  continue  in  that  pa»t  of  the  laki-s  with  the 
small  force  which  I  commandec:  I  therefore  deterniiiiPfJ  to  gain 
A  station'  near  the  Malhe reux  Islands  as  koou  as  pusiible,  which 
silUHtior  would  better  enable  me  to  oppose  a  further  pt  netration 
of  the  enemy  up  the  lakes,  and  at  the  same  time  aflTurd  me  an 
opportunity  of  retreating  to  the  Petite  Coquilles  if  neceptiary. 

**  At  10  A.  M.  on  the  13th,  I  discovered   a  large  flotilla  of  bar 
ges  had  left  the  Qttt,  (phkjjiug  their  course  towards  the  Pass  Cliris- 
linn)  which  I  supposed  to  be  a  disemlwrkation  of  troopi  intending 


-i'Hi!;  WAH. 


46ft 


itish  dc 
0th,  ant^ 
^oodbinc 

ect  from 
have  no 
?  United 
I  in  Pen- 
and  out 
that  oiv 


ION, 

landing 

t  Newor 
nspection 
rer.  Ex  • 
>  in  tha*^ 
ucky,  &c. 
nmanding 

worleans, 

ig  of  from 

had   ap- 

le  Gulf  of 

the  I3tb, 

eet  deep. 

0  barger, 

h,  direct 

comman- 

fty  of  St- 

tenant  to 

f    events 


It  off  Shir 

]iigt  r  safe 
with  the 

i\  to  gaiiJ 
le,  whlcli 

Iriftration 
me  an 
iry. 

la  of  bar 
|i88  Ciiris- 
Intending 


uiiand  at  that  place.     About  2  P.  V[.  the  encin^'d    flotilla  having 
gained  the  Pass  Christian,  and  continuing  their  course  to  the  west- 
ward,  convinced  me  that  nn  nttack  on  thr    gun-boatu  vva:    thtir 
design.      At  this  time  thi'  W4itr   in   the  Iake9  was*  unroibuuniy 
low,  owing  to  the  westerly  wind  which  had  prevailed  lor  a  num- 
ber of  days  previous,  and   wliith  still    continued  from   the   same 
quarter.     Nos    156,   ld2,  and  1(13,  although  m  the  b^ft  channel, 
were   in    12  or    Id  niches  lesn  wat.  r  thaR  their  draught.     Every 
effort  wat  made  i«  f^:*  them  afloat  by  ihrcwing  overheard  all  the 
articles  of  vm  i^ht  that  c  Mtid  be  duipensed  with.    At  'd  30  the  flood 
tide  had  commenced  ;  ^jot  under  weigh,   making    the    best  of  my 
way  towards  the  Petite  Coquille.     At  i  45,  the  eiieniy  dispatched 
three    boats   to    cut   out  the  sciioonet  Sea  Horoe,  which  had  beeu 
oent  into  the  bay  of  St.  Louis  that  morning  to  Hfmt  in  the  remov- 
al of  the  public  stores,  which  I   had  previously  ordered.     There 
finding  a   removal   imprncticible,   1   ordered  preparations  to  be 
made  for  their  destruction,  least  they  should  fall  into  the  enemy's 
hands.     A  few  discharges  of  ;/iape  shot  from  the  Sea-Horse  com 
pelled  the  three  br-ats  which  liud  attacked  her  to  retire  out  of  the 
reach  of  her  guo,  until  they  were  joined  by  four  others,  when  the 
attack  was  recommenced  by  the  seven  boats.     Mr.  Johnson  (com 
mander  of  the  Sea.Horse)    having  chosen  nn  advantogeous  posi- 
tion near  the  two  6  pounders  mounted  on  the  bpnk,  maintained  » 
sharp  action  for  near  30  minutes,  when  the  enemy  hauled  off,  ha- 
ving one  boat  apparently  much  injured,  and  with  the  lost  of  seve- 
ral mei<  killed  and  wounded.     At  7  30,  an  explosion   at  the  bay, 
and  soon  after  a  large  lire,  induced  me  to  believe  the  Sea-Horse 
was  blown  up  and   the  publ-'^  store  house  set  on  fire,  which  hai; 
proved  to  be  the  fact. 

''About  1  A.  M.  on  the    I4th,  the  wind  having  enUrely  died 
iway,  and  our  vcstufls  become  unmanageable,  came  to  /\  *:' .^r  in 
(he  west  end  of  Malhcreux   Island's  passage.      '  t  tla  -u^rht  n\.'%>. 
iiiorning,  still  a  perfect  calm,  the  enemy's  flotilla   wni'  cbcut  x.vm 
niies  from  us  at  anchor,  but  soon  got  in  motioi   an^    aptdiy  ;jd>«> 
vanced  towards  us.     The  want  of  wind,  and  thi   7*^0^1^  ebb  tiu  ; 
vhich  was  setting  through  the  Pass,  left  me  but  uu    Jv?t  vnai-ve, 
.vhich  was  to  put  my  vessels  in  the    most  advant  ;;    >us  position, 
to  give  the   enemy  as  warm  a  reception  as  prseibk.     The  com 
manders  were  all  called  on  board  and  made  acquaia  (.d  with  my 
utentions,  and  the  position  which  each   veji^el   Wao   tot.ik(,the 
whole  to  form  a  close  line  abieuitt  across   the  channel,  anchui«i 
by  the  ttern  with  springs  on  the  cables,  itc.  &c.    Thus  we  teinfiir 
•fd,  anxiously  awaiting  an  attack  from  the  advancing  fee,  a  hose 
force   I  now   clearly  distinguished  to  be  con  posed    of  42   heavy 
lanchesi  and  gun  barges,  with  3  light  gigs,  manned  with  upwards' 
of  1000  men   and  officers.     About  9  30,  the  Alligator  ^teriUer) 
which  was  to  the  southward  and  eastward,  Hiid  endeavouring  tr 


'fijf 


:,  H 


jji 


4»6 


SKETCHES  Oi 


join  the  divisioOi  was  captured  by  several  of  the  enemy'i  bargei, 
when  the  whole  flotilla  came  too,  with  their  prapples,  a  littlf  out 
of  reach  of  our  ahot,  apparently  makiog  arrangements  for  the  at- 
tack.    At  10  39,  the  enemy  weighed,  forming  a  line  abreast  in 
open  order,  and  steering  direct  for  our  line,  which  was  uufortu* 
nately  in  some  degree  broken  by  the  force  of  the  current  driving 
Nos.  156  and  163  about  100  yards  in  advance.     As  soon  as  the 
enemy  came  withir^  reaeh  of  our  shot,  a  deliberate  fire  from  our 
long  guns  was  opened  upon  him,  but  without  nnich  effect,  the  ob- 
jects being  of  so  small  a  size.     At  10  minutes  befor*^^  11  the  ene- 
my opened  a  fire  from  the  whole  of  his  line,  when  the  action  be- 
came general  and  destructive  on  both  ^ides.     About  ll  41),  the 
advance  boats  of  the  enemy,  three  in  number,  attempted,  to  board 
No.  169,  but  were  repulsed  with  the  lotis  of  nearly  every  officer 
killed  or   wounded,  and  two  boats  sunk.     A  second  attempt  to 
board  was  then  made  by  four  other  boats,  which  shared  almost  a 
similar  fai'e.     At  this  moment  1  received  a  severe  wound  in  my 
left  shoulder,  which  compelled  me  to  quit  the  deck,  leaving  it  in 
charge  of  Mr.  George  Parker,  master's  mate,  who  gallantly  de- 
fended the  vessel  until  he  was  severely  wounded,  when  the  ene- 
my, by  his  sup^  rior  numbers,  succeeded  in  gaining  possession  off 
the  deck,  aboui  10  minutes  past   12  o'clock.     The  enemy  imme- 
diately tunx'ii  the  guns  of  his  prize  on  the  other  gun-boa t«,  and 
fired  severvt!  shot  previous  to  striking  the  American  colours.    The 
action  continued  with  unabating  seventy  until  40  minutes  past  12 
o'clock,  when  it  terminated  with  the  surrender  of  No.  23,  all  the 
Mher  vessels  having  previously  fallen  into  tht:  hands  of  the  enemy. 
"  In  this  unequel  contest  our  loss  in  hlWed  and  wounded  has 
6een  trifling,  compared  to  that  of  the  enemy,  which  amounts  tp 
nearly  400." 

The  British  force,  in  the  above  engagement,  consisted  of  42 
launches  and  barges  mounting  one  heavy  gun  each,  and  3  gigs 
with  small  arms  ;  the  whole  manned  with  1200  men  and  officers, 
commanded  by  Capt.  Lockyer,  who  received  three  severe  wounds 
in  the  action. 

The  American  force  engaged  with  the  British  flotilla,  consisted 
of  5  gun  boats,  mounting  23  guns,  manced  with  182  men.  The 
schoont- r  Sea-Horse  (in  the  bay  of  St.  Louis)  had  one  6  pounder 
and  14  men,  none  of  which  were  killed  or  vvounded.  The  sloop 
Alligator  (tendei)  Had  one  4-  pounder  and  8  men. 

On  the  16th  of  December  General  Jackson  declared  the  city 
of  Neworleans  and  its  environs  under  strict  martial  law. 

On  the  18th,  the  general  reviewed  the  militia  of  the  city,  a 
battalion  commanded  by  Major  Blanche,  and  part  of  a  regiment 
of  men  of  colour.  Being  drawn  up  or.  their  respective  parades, 
«he  general  caused  to  be  read  to  them  addresses  containing  the 


!•' 


THE  WAR. 


457  "* 


bargei, 
Uttlr  out 
\r  the  at- 
breast  in 
\  uijfortu* 
It  driving 
on  ai  the 

from  our 
It,  the  ob- 

I  the  ene- 
actioD  be- 

II  4»,  the 
d  to  board 
fry  officer 
ittempt  to 
d  almost  a 
und  in  my 
saving  it  in 
lUantly  de- 
len  the  ene- 
)08se88ion  (tf 
lemy  imme- 
n*boat«,  and 
►lours.    The 
lutes  past  12 
f.  23,  all  the 

the  enemy, 
ounded  has 
amounts  to 


Uted  of  42 
L  and  3  gigs 
land  officers, 
Ivere  wounds 

[la,  consisted 
Imen.     The 
6  pounder 
The  sloop 

tred  the  city 
iw. 

the  city,  8 

a  regiroent 

live  parades, 

Lntaining  the 


.Host  patriotic  sentiments,  and  well  calculated  to  inspire  them 
with  zeal^  courage,  and  military  ardour. 

On  the  23'*,  Generals  Coffee  and  Carroll,  with  between  3  and 

4000  T'-'iinessee  and  Kentucky  troops,  arrived  at  NeWorleans 

Detachments  of  these  troops  were  immediately  posted  in  different 
directions  to  guard  the  defences  of  the  city. 

On  the  23d,  the  enemy  having  entered  la! :  Bourgne,  surprized   ' 
a  piquet  at  the  mouth   of  the  bayou  Bienvenu,  discharging  it8   '] 
waters  into  the  lake,  and  immediately  commenced  ascending  the 
creek  in  boats,  directing  his  course  towards  the  Mississippi.     For 
an  account  of  this  movement,  aud  events  immediately  subsequent, 
n'e  give  the  following  official  and  other  accredited  documents  : 

Camp  belofi)  Netuorleans,  Dec.  27,  in  the  morning.    ^ 
SlR....The  loss  of  our  gun-boats  near  the  pass  of  the  Rigolets,  '^ 
having  given  the  enemy  command  of  lake  Bourgne,  he  was  ena- 
bled to  choose  his  point  of  attack.     It  became  therefore  an  object 
of  importan<ie  to  obstruct  the  numerous  bayous  and  canals  leading 
from  that  lake  to  the  highlands  of  the  Mississippi.  This  important 
service  was  committed  in  the   first  instance,  to  a  detachment  of 
the  7th  regiment,  aAerwards  to  Colonel  De  Laronde,  of  the  Loui- 
siana militia,  and  lastly,  to  make  all  sure,  to  Major  Genaral  Vil- 
lere,  commanding  the  district  between  the  river  and  the  lakes, 
and  who,  being  a  native  of  the  country,  was  presumed  to  be  best 
acquainted  with  all  those  passes.      Unfortunately,  however,  a  pi- 
quet which  the  general  had  established  at  the  mouth  of  the  bayou 
Bienvenu,  and  which,  notwithstanding  my  orders,  had  been  left 
unobstructed,  was  completely  surprized,  and  the  enemy  pene- 
trated through  a  canal  leading  to  his  farm,  about  two  leagues  be- 
low the  city,  and  succeeded  in  cutting  cif  a  company  of  militia 
i^tationed  there.    This  intelligence  was  eotnmuniciiktcd  to  me  about 
12  o'clock  of  the  23d.     My  force  consisted  of  part«  of  the  7th 
and  44th  regim     .s,  not  exceeding  600  togeiiisr,  th?  city  militia, 
a  part  of  General  Coffee's  brigade  of  mounted  gunme::,  and  the 
detached  militia  from  the  western  division  of  Teaetsee  under  the 
command  of  Major  General  Carroll :  these  two  last  corps  were 
stationed  4  miles  above  the  city.     Apprehending  a  double  attack 
by  way  of  Chief  Menteur,  I  left  General  Carroll's  force,  and  the 
militia  of  the  city,  posted  on  the  Gentilly  road ;  and  at  5  o'clock, 
P.  M.  marched  to  meet  the  enemy,  whom  I  was  resolved  to  attack 
in   his  first  position,  with  Major  Hind's'  dragoons.  General  Cof 
fee's  brigade,  parts  of  the  7th  and  44th  regiments,  the  uniform 
companies  of  m  *'tia  under  the  command  of  Major  Planche^  200 
men  of  colour^  chiefiy  from  St.  Domingo,  raised  by  Colonel  Sa- 
vary,  and  acting  under  the  commavid  .A'  Mujor  Dagwin,  and  a  de- 
tnchment  of  artillt  rv  und«'r  the  direction  of  Colonel  M'Rea,  with 

'*•  M 


iii'U 


4^8 


SKETCHES  Of 


two  0  pounderi  under  the  eomnand  of  Lieutenaot  Spoti;  not  ex- 
oeeding  in  all  1500  men.  I  arrived  near  the  enemy't  encamp 
ment  about  7,  and  immediately  made  my  diipositiont  for  the  attack^ 
Hii  forcei,  amounting  at  that  time  on  land  to  About  3000,  exten 
ded  half  a  mile  on  the  river,  and  in  the  rear  nearly  to  the  wood. 
Ct^neral  Coffee  was  ordered  to  turn  their  right,  while  with  the  re- 
sidue of  the  force  I  attacked  his  strongest  position  on  the  left; 
near  the  river.  Commddore  Patterson  having  dropped  down  the 
liver  in  the  schooner  Carolina,  was  directed  to  qseo  a  fire  upon 
their  camp,  which  he  executed  at  about  half  past  7.  This  being 
the  signal  to  attack.  General  Coffee's  men,  with  their  usual  impe- 
tuosity, rushed  on  the  enemy's  right,  and  entered  their  camp, 
while  our  right  advanced  with  equal  ardour.  There  can  be  but 
little  doubt,  that  we  should  have  succeeded  en  that  occasion  with 
our  inferior  force  in  destroying  or  capturing  the  enemy,  h«d  not  a 
thick  fog,  which  arose  obout  8  o'clock,  occasioned  some  confusion 
rmiong  the  diflTerent  corps.  Fearing  the  const^qufnces,  under  this 
circumstance,  of  further  prosecution  of  a  right  attack,  with  men 
acting  together  for  the  ifrst  time,  I  contested  myself  with  lying  on 
the  field  that  night ;  and  at  4  in  the  morning  assumed  >$  stronger 
position,  about  two  miles  nearer  the  city.  At  this  position  I  re- 
main encaiiiped,  waiting  the  arrival  of  the  Kentucky  militia  and 
other  reinforcements.  As  the  safety  of  the  city  will  depend  on 
the  fate  of  this  army,  it  mxai  not  be  iocaatiously  exposed. 

In  this  aflair  the  whole  <.-orps  under  my  command  deserve  the 
greatest  credit.  The  best  compliment  I  can  pay  to  General  Cof- 
fee and  his  brigade,  is  to  say  they  behaved  as  they  always  have 
done  when  under  my  command.  The  7th,  led  by  Major  Pierre, 
and  the  44th,  comriinnded  by  Colonel  Ross,  distinguished  them- 
selves. The  battalion  uf  city  militia,  commanded  by  Maj.  Plache 
realized  my  aiiticiptitions,  and  behaved  like  veterans.  Sava- 
ry's  volunteers  nianifevted  great  bravery ;  and  the  company  of 
city  rinen^en,  having  penetrated  into  the  midst  of  the  enemy's 
camp,  V/'iTC  surrounded,  and  fought  their  way  out  with  the  great- 
est hr  roism,  bririging  with  them  a  Dumber  of  prisoners.  The 
tw(  field  pieces  wert>  well  served  by  the  ofilicer  commanding 
»hi"m. 

All  my  officers  h)  the  une  did  their  duty,  and  I  have  every  rea- 
son to  be  satisfiea  with  my  field  and  staff.  Colonels  Butler  and 
Piatt,  and  Major  Cotard,  by  then  i.-vtrepidity,  saved  the  artillery. 
Colonel  Haynes  wai.  every  where  thai  duty  or  danger  ceUed.  I 
was  deprived  of  the  services  of  one  of  my  aids,  Captain  Sutler, 
whom  1  was  obliged  to  station,  to  his  great  regret,  in  town.  Cap- 
tain Reid,  my  other  aid,  and  Messrs.  Livingston,  Duplissis  and 
Davizac,  who  had  volunteered  their  services  and  fitced  dangej 


--■    ^f  y-'-h: 


1    -  ii  ': 


thi  war. 


4611 


;  not  ex- 
encamp- 
lip  attack 
O,  exten- 
be  wood, 
ith  the  re- 
I  the  left; 
down  the 
fire  upon 
rhii  being 
lual  impe- 
eir  camp, 
in  be  but 
asion  with 
,  h«d  not  a 
;  confution 
under  this 
,  with  men 
th  lying  on 
4  stronger 
itition  1  re- 
roilitia  and 
depend  on 
led. 

deserve  the 
eoeral  Cof- 
ways  have 
yor  Pierre, 
ihed  them* 
laj.  Plache 
nt.     Sava- 
;ompany  of 
J  enemy's 
the  great- 
rs.       The 
mmanding 

every  rea- 

Butler  and 

artillery. 

celled.  I 
lain  Sutler, 
)wn.  Cap- 
Iplissis  and 
led   danger 


wherever  it  wai  to  he  met,  and  carried  my  orderi  wif^^  the  utmoit 
promptitude. 

We  made  1  major,  2  subalterns  and  03  privates,  prisoners ;  and 
the  enemy's  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  must  have  been  at  least 
-r-x— >-.*  My  ^wn  loss  I  have  not  as  ytt  been  able  to  Htcertain^ 
with  exactness,  but  suppose  it  to  amount  to  100  in  killed,  wound* 
•d  and  missing.  Among  the  former  I  have  to  lament  th«  lost  olT 
Colonel  Lauderdale,  of  General  Cofee's  brigade,  who  fetl  whjJ^ 
hravely  fighting.  Colonels  Dyer  and  Gibson  of  the  same^o'rpi 
were  wounded,  and  Major  Kevenaugh  taken  prisoner. 

Colonel  D&  Laronde,Major  Villere,  of  the  Louisiana  mifitiayM^r  [ 
jor  Latour,  of  the  engineers,  having  no  command,  volunteered    . 
their  services,  as  did  Doctors  Kerr  and  Hood,  and  were  of  great 
assistance  to  ine.. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be«  with  great  respect,  your  obedient  sei--  ' 
vant,  ANDREW  JACKSON, 

Major  General  commanding. 
Hon.  James  Monroe,  secretary  of  war. 

After  the  enemy  had  landed  on  the  23d  December  from  the  ca- 
nal, they  were  in  General  Villere*s  yard,  above  and  near  the  ca- 
nal, before  any  one  knew  that  they  had  even  attempted  to  laud. 
Villere's  son  was  a  prisoner  by  them  in  his  father's  house ;  but 
under  some  pretence,  he  got  leave  to  go  into  the  yarrd,  made  hilr^ 
escape,  "nd  was  the  first  to  give  the  news  in  Neworleans,  at  about*" 
2  o'clock,  P.  M.  Our  videttes  at  the  mouth  of  the  bayou  BieO' 
venu,  had  been  before  made  prisoners,  supposed  to  have  been  be- 
trayed by  some  fishermen,  who  were  in  the  habit  of 'transporting  ' 
fish  from  the  lake  through  the  bayou  to  the  Neworleans  market.... 
!n  the  action  which  ijucceeded  on  this  day,  young  Villere,  the  for- 
tunate  herald  of  the  enemy's  approach,  had  been  placed  at  the 
head  of  a  company  of  Creolef  volunteers,  formed  on  the  spur  of 
occasion,  and  was  again  made  a  prisoner.  All  the  American  pri< 
ironers  were  sent  on  board  the  enemy's  fleet.  The  Cieo!*?s  were 
first  ordered  to  be  released,  on  condition  of  their  takinii;  with 
vhem  a  proclamation  from  the  British  commanding  general  to  the 
inhabitants  of  Louisiana :  this  they  every  one  refused  to  do....they 
were,  nevertheless,  released  on  parole. 

A  letter  entitled  to  authority,  mentions,  that  when  the  British 
were  attacked,  on  the  evening  of  the  23d,  they  were  leisurely  pre- 
paring to  cook  their  suppers,  but  that  they  got  much  hotter  CoFFiifi 
than  they  expected ;  and  that  though  the  capture  of  the  enemy 


II 


If  ► 


'I 


*  Tliii  wai  left  blank  by  Oenenl  Jacluon  t  the  enemy  i 
bern  upirardi  of  itM). 


M  wti  tfterwiHt  •«'fnii5n;«|  to  ii,T( 


t;Crc«le«  are  those  born  In  the  eonntir,  oi"  Eujr.ipf«n    ancc«tpr« 


M 


460 


8KETCUKi>  Of 


was  desiral^f  tke  protection  of  the  city  wai  iofiuitciy  to  be  pre- 
ferredj  anr'i  gives  the  opinion  that  Jackson  would  not  risque  its 
safety.  ^*be  writer  observes,  that  the  stores  were  all  shut  up^ 
and  that^an  idler  was  not  permitted  tq  walk  in  the  streets  of  the 
city.       ^ 

On  tl^  24th  of  December*  Commodore  Patterson  and  Captain 
Henjey.  commanding  the  U.  S.  vessels  Louisiana  and  Cardina,  in 
Ihe  Mursiisippi,  kept  up  a  brisk  fire  on  the  enemy,  ^d  compelled 
hiiMfO  retire  one  mile  from  the  embankment  of  the  river  into  the 
'  Cypress  Swamp.  But  afterwards  tlie  enemy  erected  a  battery  of 
5  guns  .pn  the  shore,,when  Commodore  Patterson,  commanding 
the  Louisiana,  ascended  the  river  on  the  26th  ;  and  Captain  Hen- 
ley, in  pursuance  of  orders,  used  every  possible  exertion  to  move 
,'  the  schooner  Carolina  higher  up,  and  nearer  General  Jackson's 
^  camp,  but  without  success....the  wind  being  at  N.  N.  W.  and 
1^  blowing  fresh,  but  too  scant  to  get  under  way,  and  the  current  too 
"  rapid  to  move  her  by  warping,  which  was  in  vain  attempted  by 
the  whole  crew. 

At  daylight,  on  the  morning  of  the  27th,  the  enemy  opened 
upon  the  Carolina  their  battery,  from  which  they  threw  shells  and 
hot  shot.  The  Carolina  returned  the  fire  with  a  long  12  pounder, 
the  only  gun  on  board  which  could  reach  a  mile  and  a  quarter, 
the  distance  across  the  river,  the  remainder  of  her  battery  being 
Ug/it  12  pound  carronades.  The  second  shot  fired  by  the  enemy 
:1o(,lgcd  in  the  schooner's  main  hold,  under  her  cables,  in  such  a  si- 
tuation as  not  to  be  approached.  This  shot  set  fire  to  the  vessel ; 
the  fire  rapidly  progressed,  and  hot  shot  were  passing  through  her 
cabin  and  filling  room,  which  contained  a  considerable  quantity  of 
powder.  The  bulwarks  being  all  knocked  down  by  the  enemy's 
8hot,the  vessel  in  a  sinking;  condition,  the  fire  increasing, and  Capt. 
Henley,  expecting  every  moment  that  she  would  blow  up,  at  a 
little  after  sunrise  reluctantly  gave  orders  for  the  crew  to  aban- 
don her,  which  was  effected,  with  the  loss  of  one  man  killed  and 
six  wounded.  Soon  after  the  crew  were  on  shore,  the  Carolina 
blew  up. 

Emboldened  by  this  event,  the  enemy,  on  the  28th,  mardied 
his  whole  force  up  the  level  (behind  the  embankment  of  the  river) 
in  the  hope  of  driving  our  army,  under  General  Jackson,  from 
their  position.  With  this  view,  the  enemy  opened,  at  the  distance 
of  about  half  a  mile,  his  bombs  and  rockets.  He  was  repulsed, 
however,  with  considerable  loss,  not  less,  as  is  believed,  than  120 
killed.  Ours  was  inconsiderable,  not  exceeduig  7  killed  and  8 
wounded. 

Commodore  Patterson  dcscrftes,  cffieially,  th<»  naval  part  of  thir 
battle,  in  the  following  tcrm^ 


1-Uk  WAR. 


461 


\y  to  be  pre- 
ot  riique  iti 
all  shut  up, 
treets  of  tb« 

and  Captain 
Cardina,  in 
kd  compelled 
river  into  the 
a  battery  of 
commanding 
Captain  Hen- 
tion  to  move 
ral  Jackion'8 
N.  W.  and 
c  current  too 
attempted  by 

nemy  opened 
ew  shells  and 
;  12  pounder, 
jad  a  quarter, 
battery  being 
)y  the  enemy 
u  in  such  a  si- 
\o  the  voisel ; 

through  her 
>le  quantity  of 

the  enemy's 
ling,  and  Capt. 

>low  up,  at  a 
crew  to  aban- 
lan  killed  and 

the  Carolina 

8th,  mardied 
t  of  the  river) 
Jackson,  from 
It  the  distance 
was  repulsed, 
kred,  tbaa  120 
killed   and  8 

iral  part  of  thir 


(/.  .Si.  Sh^)  Louisiana,  four  miles  below 'i 
Ne^orleaas,  December  20,  1814.     } 

SiA..mI  have  the  honour  to  inform  yo*i,  that  on  the  morning  of 
the  28th  instant,  at  aboiit  half  past  7,  I  perceived  our  advanced 
guard  retreating  towards  our  lines,  the  enemy  pursuing ;  fired 
shot,  shells  and  rookets,  from  field  artillery,  with  which  they  ad- 
vanced on  the  road  behind  the  levee ;  sprung  si;ip  to  bring  the 
starboard  guns  to  bear  upon  the  enemy.  At  25  minutes  past  8, 
A.  M.  the  enemy  opened  their  fire  upon  the  ship  with  shells,  hot 
shot  and  rockets,  which  was  incessantly  returned  with  great  spi- 
rit and  much  apparent  effect^  and  continued  without  intermission, 
till  1,  P.  M.  when  the  enemy  slackened  their  fire,  and  retreated 
with  a  part  of  their  artillery  from  each  of  their  battcricy,  evident- 
ly with  great  loss.  Two  attempts  were  made  to  screen  one  hea- 
vy piece  of  ordnance,  mounted  behind  the  levee»  with  which  they 
threw  hot  shot  at  the  ship,  and  which  had  been  a  long  time  aban- 
doned before  they  succeeded  in  lecovering  It,  and  then  it  must 
have  been  with  very  great  loss,  as  I  distinctly  saw,  with  the  aid  of 
my  glass,  several  shot  strike  in  the  midst  of  the  men  (scariien)  who 
were  employed  in  dragging  it  away.  At  3,  P.  M.  the  enemy 
were  silenced  ;  at  4,  P.  M.  ceased  firing  from  the  ship,  the  ene- 
my having  retired  beyond  the  range  of  her  guns.  Many  of  their 
shot  passed  over  the  ship,  and  their  shells  burst  over  her  decks, 
which  were  strewed  with  their  fragments;  yet  after  an  incessant 
cannonading  of  upwards  of  7  hours,  during  which  800  shot  were 
fired  from  the  ship^  one  man  only  was  wounded  slightly,  by  th> 
piece  of  a  shell,  and  one  shot  passed  between  the  bowsprit  and 
heel  of  the  jib  boom. 

The  enemy  drew  up  his  whole  force,  evidently  with  an  inten- 
tion of  assaulting  General  Jackson's  lines  under  cover  of  his  heavy 
cannon,  but  his  cannonading  being  so  warmly  returned  from  the 
lines  (Mid  ship  Louisiana,  caused  him,  I  presume,  to  abandon  hit 
project,  as  be  retired  without  making  the  attempt.  You  will  have 
learned  by  my  former  letters,  that  the  crew  of  the  Louisiana  it 
composed  of  men  of  all  nations,  (English  excepted)  taken  from 
the  streets  of  Neworleans  not  a  fortnight  before  the  battle ;  yet  I 
never  knew  guns  better  served^  or  a  roor^  animated  fire  than  w»i 
supported  from  her. 

Lieutenant  C.  C.  B.  Thompson  deserves  great  credit  for  the  dix- 
cipline  to  which  in  so  short  a  time,  he  had  brought  such  men,  two 
thirds  of  whom  do  not  understand  English. 

General  Jackson  having  applied  for  officers  and  men  to  work 
the  heavy  cannon  on  his  lines,  furnished  by  me.  Lieutenants  Nor- 
ris  and  Crowley,  of  the  late  schooner  Carolina,  instantly  volun- 
fcered,  and  with  the  greater  part  of  her  crew,  >^'ere  sent  to  nn«n 


I 


^■iir 


*r' 


m 


8KSTCHU  Of 


thoie  cannon^  which  they  lervtd  during  th^  action  herein  det«it- 
ed.  The  enemy  mutt  have  auflfered  a  great  lo9«  in  that  day'i  aa- 
tk>n,  by  the  heavy  fire  from  the  ship  and  General  Jackton**  linei, 
where  the  cannon  wai  of  heavy  calibre,  and  served  with  great 
fpirit. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  great  consideration  and  retpect, 
your  obedient  lervanti 

DANIEL  T.  PATTERSON. 

Hon.  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


CHAPTER  XXXVII. 

jfetion  cfthe  Ut  of  January*.,.,Buming  of  a  British  transport, 

{jrc Arrival  qf  British  reit^foreements Great  battle  of  the 

9th  of  January»,„Retreat  ((f  the  British»»,J^rser  Shield*^ 
expedition,  ^a. 

After  the  battle  of  the  28th  of  December,  the  main  body  of 
Gen.  Jaclcaon's  army  remained  quiet  until  the  morning  of  the  Itt 
of  January,  when  the  enemy  had  advanced  within  600  yardi  of 
our  brea«t-worki,  under  cover  of  night  and  a  tieavy  fog,  and 
erected  three  different  batteries,  mounting  in  all  16  gunt,  from 
6*8  to  32*8.  About  8  o'clock,  when  the  fog  cleared  off,  they 
commenced  a  moat  tremendous  ire,  which  was  amply  reti  rned 
by  our  men,  and  a  heavy  cannonading  wat  kept  up,  without  the 
leaat  interval  on  either  aide,  except  that  occasioned  by  the  explo> 
sion  of  too  smnll  magatines,  owing  to  their  oongreve  rockets.  At 
4  o'clc^'k  P.  M.  we  had  dismounted  all  their  guns  but  two.  Du- 
ring the  night  the  enemy  retreated  to  their  strong  holds,  about  a 
mile  and  a  quarter  from  our  lines.  Our  loss  was  11  killed  and 
23  wounded  :  thai  of  the  enemy  must  have  been  much  more.  A 
32  pounder  from  a  battery  commanded  by  Com.  Patterson,  killed 
15  at  one  shot.    The  Louisiaoa  this  day  fired  700  «hot. 

On  the  2d  of  January,  Gen.  Jackson  received  at  Neworleani 
and  its  vicinity,  reinforcements  from  Kentucky  and  Tennessee, 
amounting  to  3  or  4000,  which,  with  his  foimer  force,  gave  him 
an  army  of  between  7  and  8000,  of  whom  not  more  however, 
than  one  half  were  armed.  In  consequence  of  the  great  number 
of  men  arriving  with  their  arms  in  bad  order,  and  of  the  scarcity 
of  good  muskets  with  bayonets,  four  companies  of  U.  S.  troops,  gave 
up  theirs,  amounting  to  about  500,  to  arm  the  men  at  the  camp> 
nnd  armed  themselves  with  fowling  pieces  and  piker, 


THE  WAR. 


4«» 


on  herein  dtitik- 
m  that  day'*  ae  • 
I  Jackion'R  linei, 
rved  with  great 

tion  and  reipeet, 

(TSaSON. 


iritish  trnnsport, 
0at  battle  of  the 
.Purser  Shield*s 


the  main  body  oT 
orning  of  the  lit 
thin  <K>0  yard!  of 
heavy  fog,  and 
ill  15  guni,  from 
cleared  off,  they 
ii  amply  retimed 
up,  without  the 
led  by  the  explo* 
reve  rockett.  At 
I  but  two.      Du- 
ig  holdt,  about  t 
IS  11  killed  and 
much  more.    A 
*atterson,  killed 
»hot. 

at  Neworleana 

and  Tennessee, 

force,  gave  him 

more  however, 

e  great  number 

of  the  scarcity 

.  S.  troops,  gave 

n  at  the  oamp^ 

iiker« 


On  the  0th  of  January,  Sailing-master  Johnson  of  the  U.  States  , 
Aavy,  with  a  launch  and  three  small  boats,  manned  with  38  men,  . 
succeeded  in  burning  a  British  transport  brig  on  Lake  Borgne,  and 
in  capturing  a  number  of  prisoneri.  The  brig  was  laden  with 
provisions  and  clothing.  On  the  same  day,  21  sail  of  British  ves* 
sels  arrived  off  Cat  Island,  upon  the  coast  opposite  the  bay  of  St. 
Louis,  with  large  reinforcements  of  troops,  commanded  by  Gen. 
Lambert.  On  the  7th,  these  troops  were  disembarked  at  the  bay* 
ou  Bienvenu :  and  Lieut.  Gen.  Sir  Edward  Pakenham,  (brother 
ln*law  of  Lord  Wellington)  assumed  command  of  the  whole  Bri- 
tish army,  amounting  to  12,000  men. 

For  two  or  three  days  previous  to  this,  part  of  the  forces  of  the 
enemy  bad  been  employed  in  preparing  scaling  ladders  and  col- 
lecting faoines  (made  of  sugar  canes)  for  their  intended   atsault 
upon  our  lines ;  while  others  were  widening  and  deepening  the  ca- 
nal which  leads  from  the  bayou  Bienvenu   toward  the  Mississippi, 
and  which,  on  the  evening  of  the  7th, ''         ut  through  to  admit 
the  river.  Through  this  canal  they  float        r  dragged  twenty-four 
of  their  smaller  kwats,  containing  25  men  each,  ai^  thus  transpor- 
ted about  000  men  to  the  opposite  side  of  the  river.     Some  dis- 
tance above  the  spot  where  they  landed,   two  batteries  had  been 
constructed  and  placed  under  the  direction  of  Com.  Patterson. 
The  eneafiy's  troops  which  had  thus  crossed,  were  intended  to  at- 
tack the  commodore's  batteries  and  create  a  diversion  on  that  side 
of  the  river,  while  the  main  attack  was  carried  on  on  the  other 
side.     Accordingly  on  the  morning  of  the  8th,  they  silently  drew 
out  a  large  force  to  storm  our  lines,  their  columns  advancing  un- 
perceived  in  the  obscurity  of  the  morning,  to  within  about  half  a 
mile  of  our  camp,  where  they  met  and  drove  in  our  piquet  guard. 
About  day  break  they  advanced  with  great  vivacity  to  the  en- 
trenchment, led  gallantly  on  by  their  officers ;  when  the  intrepid 
Jackson  and  his  brave  men  opened  a  most  tremendous  and  deadly 
lire  upon  them  from  our  works,  which  ended  in  a  dreadful  slaugh- 
ter and  total  defeat  of  the  enemy.     Gen  Jackson  officially  reports 
to  the  secretary  at  war  an  account  of  this  battle  in  the  following 
words : 

Camp,  four  miles  below  Orleans,  January  0th,  1815. 
SIR— During  the  days  of  the  0th  and  7th,  the  enemy  had  been 
actively  employed  in  making  preparations  for  an  attack  on  my 
lines.  With  infinite  labour  they  had  succeeded  on  the  night  of 
the  7tk  in  getting  their  boats  across  from  the  lake  to  the  river,  by 
widening  and  deepening  the  canal  on  which  they  had  effected  their 
disembarkation.  It  had  not  been  in  my  power  to  impede  these  op- 
erations by  a  general  attack  ;  added  to  other  reAsons,  the  nature 
of  the  troops  under  my  comnmnd,  mostly  militia,  rendered  it  too 


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SKETCHES  0¥ 


hazardous  to  attempt  extensive  offensive  movements  in  an  open 
country,  against  a  numerous  and  well  disciplined  army.  Altho'  my 
forces,  as  to  number,  had  been  increased  by  the  arrival  of  the  Ken- 
lucky  division,  my  strength  had  received  very  little  addition  ;  a 
small  portion  otAy  of  that  detachment  being  provided  vt^ith  arms. 
Compelled  thus  to  wait  the  attack  of  the  enemy,  I  todic  every 
measure  to  repel  it  when  it  should  be  made,  and  to  defeat  the  ob- 
ject he  had  in  view.  Gen.  Morgan  with  the  Orleans  contingent, 
the  Louisiana  militia  and  a  strong  detachment  of  the  Kentucky 
troops,  occupied  an  entrenched  camp  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
river,  protected  by  strong  batteries  on  the  bank,  erected  and  su 
perintended  by  commodore  Patterson. 

In  my  encampment  every  thing  was  ready  for  action^  when, 
early  on  the  morning  of  the  8tb,  the  enemy  after  throwing  a 
heavy  shower  of  bombs  and  congfeve  rockets^  advanced  their  ool' 
umns  on  my  right  and  left,  to  storiii  my  entrenchments.  I  cannot 
speak  sufficiently  in  praise  of  the  firmness  and  deliberation  with 
which  the  whole  line  received  their  approacb....more  could  not 
have  been  expected  from  veterans  inured  to  war.....For  an  hour, 
the  fire  of  the  small  arms  was  as  incessant  and  severe  as  can  be 
imagined.  The  artillery,  too,  directed  by  officers  who  displayed 
'equal  skill  and  courage,  did  great  execution.  Tet  the  columtts 
of  the  enemy  continued  to  advanee  with  a  firmness  which  re-< 
fleets  the  greatest  credit.  Twice  the  column  which  afiij^roached  me 
on  my  left,  was  repulsed  by  the  troops  of  Gen.  Carroll,  those  of 
Gen.  Coffee,  and  a  division  of  ti>e  Kentucky  ^uilitia^  and  twice  they 
formed  again  and  renewed  the  assault  At  leikgth,  however,  cut 
tt>  pieces,  they  fled  in  confusion  from  the  field  heaving  it  covered 
with  their  dead  and  wounded. 

The  loss  which  the  enemy  sustained  on  this  occasion,  cannot 
be  estimated  at  less  than  1500  m  killed,  wounded  aiid  prisoners. 
Upwards  of  three  hundred  have  already  been  delivered  over  for 
burial ;  and  my  men  are  still  engaged  in  picking  them  up  within 
my  lines  and  carrying  them  to  the  point  where  the  enemy  are -to 

receive  tbem This  is  an  addition  to  the  dead  and  wounded  wbom 

the  enemy  have  been  enabled  to  carry  froiiri' the  field,  during,  and 
since  the  action,  and  to  those  who  hav^  since  died  of  the  vvounds 
they  received.  We  have  taken  about  500  prisoners,  upwards  of 
300  of  whom  are  wounded,  and  a  great  part  of  them  naortally. 
My  loss  has  not  exceeded,  and  I  believe  has  not  amounted  to. ten 
killed  and  as  many  wounded.  The  entire  destructton  of  the  ene- 
my's army  was  now  inevitable,  had  it  not  been  for  an  mfortcinafe 
occurrence  which  at  this  moment  took  pla6e  on  the  ot^er  side  of 
the  river.  Simultaneously  with  his  advance  upon  my  liner,  he 
had  thrown  over  in  his  boats  a  considerable  force  to  the  other  ndt 
ntf"  the  river.     This  having  landed,  was  hardly  enough  to  ad- 


11 


THE  WAR. 


465 


J! 


n  as  open 
Altho»  my 
f  the  Ken- 
Idition;  it 
ivith  arms. 
t66k  every 
eat  the  ob- 
sontittgent, 
Kentucky 
side  of  the 
ed  and  su 

ion^  when^ 
throwing  a 
d  their  col- 
I.  I  cannot 
>raf  ion  with 
e  could  not 
or  an  hour, 
e  as  can  be 
ho  displayed 
the  columiis 
I  which  re- 
)roached  mti 
roll,  those  of 
d  twice  they 
owever>  cut 
it  covered 

^sion>  cannot 
prisoners. 
Ired  over  for 
Im  up  within 
jemy  are  to 
linded  whomi 
during,  and 
the  wounds 
upwards  of 
W  mortally, 
[untedto  ten 
of  the  ene- 
unfortnnate 
ter  side  of 
ny  lines,  hel 
\e  other  side 
Lugh  to  ad- 


yance  against  the  works  of  Gen.  Morgan ;  and^  what  is  strange 
and  difficult  to  account  for,  at  the  very  moment  when  its  en- 
tire discomfiture  was  looked  for  with  a  confidence  approaching 
to  certainty,  the  Kentucky  reinforcements,  in  whom  so  much  reli- 
ance had  been  placed,  ingloriously  fled,  drawing  after  them  by 
their  example,  the  remainder  of  the  forces  ;  and  thus  yielded  to 
the  enemy  that  most  fortunate  position.  The  batteries  which 
had  rendered  me^  for  many  days;  the  most  important  service, 
though  bravely  defended,  were  of  course  now  abandoned ;  not 
however  until  the  guns  had  been  spiked. 

This  unfortunate  route  had  totally  changed  the  aspect  of  affairs. 
The  enemy  now  occupied  a  position  from  which  they  might  annoy 
us  without  hazard,  and  by  means  of  which  they  might  have  been 
enabled  to  defeat,  in  a  great  measure,  the  effects  of  our  success 
on  this  side  the  river.     It  became  therefore  an  object  of  the  first 
consequence  to  dislodge  him  as  soon  as  ppssible.    For  this  object,    . 
all  the  means  in  my  power,  which  I  could  with   any  safety  use, 
were  immediately  put  in  preparation.     Perhaps,  however,  it  was 
owing  somewhat  to  another  cause  that  I  succeeded  even  beyond 
my  expectations.     In  negociating  the  terms  of  a  temporary  siis* 
pension  of  hostilities  to  enable  the  enemy  to  bury  their  dead   and 
provide 'for  their  wounded,  I  had  required  certain  propositions  te 
be  acceded  to  as  a  basis ;  among   which  this  was  one— >that  al* 
though  hostilities  should  cease  on  this  side   the   river  until  12 
o'clock  of  this  day,  yet  it  was  not  to  be  understood  that  the}^ 
should  cease  on  the  other  side ;  biit  that  no  reinforcements  should 
be  sent  across   by  either  army  until  the  expiration  of  that  day. 
His  excellency  Maj.  Gen.  Lambert  begged   time  to  consi4er  of 
these  propositions  until  10  o'clock  of  to  day,  and  in  the  meantime 
recrossed  his  troops.     I  need  not  tell  you  with  how  much  eager- 
ness I  immediately  regained  possession  of  the  position  he  had  thus 
hastily  quitted. 

The  enemy  having  concentrated  bis  forces,  may  again  attempt 
io  drive  me  from  my  position  by  storm.  Whenever  he  does,  I 
have  no  doubt  my  men  will  act  with  their  usual  firmness,  and 
sustain  a  character  now  become  dear  to  them. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  your  obedient  ser. 
Vant. 

ANEiREW  JACKSON, 
Maj.  Gen.  comman.iing. 
* 
In  a  subsequent  letter.  Gen.  iacksoti  states  tlie  loss  of  the  ene* 
my  to  have  been  much  greater  than  what  he  had  at  first  compu- 
ted.    Upon  information  which  was  believed  to  be  correct.  Col. 
Haynes,  reported  it  to  have  been  in  total  2600,  viz.   700  killed, 
1400  wounded,  and  500  prisoners,  including  1  major,  4  captains, 
1.1  lieutenants  and  1  ensign,  who  were  among  the  lfltter«     The 

3N  ■       : 


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h 


ir  « 


i-! 


: 


I 
r 


m 


J 


''ii 


40j[r 


SKKl'CHES  09 


Jimerican  loss,  on  both  sides  of  the  Mississippi  was  13  killed,  ^h 
woiiuded,  and  19  missing — total  71.  Of  this  number  6  were 
hilled  and  7  wounded  in  the  action  on  the  eastern  bank  of  the  river^ 
and  the  residue  in  a  oortie  after  the  action  and  in  the  action  on 
the  westtrn  bank.  Among  the  British  officers  killed  were  Sir  Ed- 
\vnrd  Pakenham,  Iteuterant-general  and  commander  in  chief,  (cut 
a?Onder  by  a  cannon  ball)  Maj.  Gen.  Gibbs,  Col.  Reyner,  Majors 
Pringle,  Whitaher  and  Wilkinson,  Among  their  wounded  was 
Maj.  Gen.  Keane,  severely. 

Numerous  accounts  official  as  well  as  unofficial,  represent  this 
battle  to  have  been  the  greatest  ever  fought  on  the  American  con- 
tinent.   For  disparity  of  loss  a  parallel  can  scarcely  be  found  in  an- 
cient or  modern  history.     So  determined  were  the  enemy  to  car- 
\    ty  our  works,  that  many  came  up  to  the  %'ery  muzzles  of  our  guns, 
and  some  'pienetrated  into  oar  lines,  where  they  were  either  killed 
or  taken  prisoners.     Many  fell  nnounting  the  breast-works ;  others 
were  i»I<tin  upon  the  works  ^  and  the  ditch  in  front  was,  in  many 
places,  literally  filled  with  dead  and  wounded.     The  roar  of  artil- 
lery from  our  lines  vva^  incessant,  while  an  uuintermitted  rolling 
fire  was  kept  up  from  our  tnuskets.    The  atmosphere  was  filled 
with  sheets  of  fire  and  volumes  of  smoke.     For  an  hour  and  a 
(Quarter  the  en«nny  obstinately  contini^ed  the  assault ;  fresh  men 
<^  CMistanfly  aftiving  to  fill  up  their  lines  thinned  by  our  fire.  Their 
cfdermlned  perseverance  and  steady  valour,  were  worthy  of  a 
L(  Iter  cause  ;  nor  did  their  troops  faulter,.  until  almost  all  the  offi- 
ctrs  who  bad  led  them  to  the  attack  had  fallen.     At  one  time,  a 
body  c^  the  enemy  succeeded  in  gahiiog  possession  of  a  bastion 
on  our  right  with  3  pieces  of  cannon  in  it ;  but  so  destructive  was 
our  fire,tbat  every  Man  who  entered  was  either  killed  by  our  rifie- 
linen  or  disabled  before  they  could  spike  the  guns.     Our  men  soon 
returned  to  the  eharge  and  regained  the  bastion.    So  intent  were 
the  enemy  in  getting  over  our  works,,  that  they  pulled  off  their 
^oesYor  thepurpose  of  dindtbing  them;  but  nettrly  all  who  made 
^  attempt  were  either  killed  or  taken  prisonei^ 

The  guns  of  Commodo're  Patterson's  batteries,  on  the  opposite 
sid^  of  the  river,  did  great  execution,  until  the  retreat  of  the  Ken- 
tucky troops,,  wtu)  had  been  posted  near  them.  The  commodore,, 
finding  himself  thus  deserted,  was  compelled,  with  a  handfitl  of 
brave  'men,  to  retire,  alter  spiking  his  guns.  The  British  after- 
wards burnt  the  gun  carriages,  being  foiled  in  their  expectations 
of  using  the  guns  to  annoy  our  troops  on  the  opposite  shore.^    -^ 

''Previous  to  the  battle  of  the  8th  of  January,  the  piratet^of  Ba- 
rSttaria,  who  had  been  held  in  custody,  were  released  by  order  of 
General  Jackson,  upon  condition  that  they  would  assist  in  defend- 
ing the  city  of  Neworleans.  In  the  battle  of  that  day  they  prov- 
ed themselves  excellent  artillerists,'  and  were,  together  with  a  fkw 
Frenchmen,  successfully  employed  in  serving  the  pieces.    They 


i'UE  WAR. 


m 


kilted,  S&» 
er  6  were 
if  the  liver, 
action  on 
ere  Sir  Ed- 
chief,  (cut 
er.  Majors 
unded  was 

present  this 
terican  con- 
found in  an- 
emy  to  car- 
jf  our  guns, 
either  killed 
•rks;  others 
18,  in  many 
oar  of  aitrl- 
itted  rolling 
e  was  filled 
hour  and  o. 
;  fresh  men 
fire.  Their 
worthy  of  a 
all  the  offi- 
one  time,  a 
)f  a  bastion 
luctive  was 
Iby  our  rifle - 
ir  men  soon 
lintient  were 
ed  off  their 
who  made 

the  opposite 
lof  the  Ken- 
fommodore,. 
handful  df 
Iritish  after- 
jxpectations 

Ihore.^-t 
late/of  Ba- 
py  order  tif 
in  defend- 
they  prov- 
Iwithaftw 
ces.    They 


x^ere  ai^tervvards  released  from  any  further  confinement,  having 
received  (at  the  request  of  the  general  assembly  of  Louisiana)  a 
full  pardon  from  the  president  of  the  United  States. 

Soon  after  the  battle,  the  enemy  sent  in  a  flag  of  truce,  and  24 
hours  were  allowed  them  to  remove  arid,  bury  their  dead,  fn  one 
small  spot  alone,  on  the  left  of  our  lines,  they  found  368  dead  bo- 
-dies.  In  the  course  of  the  day  40  carts  aud  10  boats  arrived  at 
Neworleans,  loaded  with  wounded  prisone**s,  who  were  put  into 
the  barracks,  which  were  converted  into  temporary  hospitals  ^ 
about  150  unwounded  prisoners  were  also  put  iu  confinement..... 
To  the  wounded  every  attention  was  paid  by  the  citizens ;  the 
puns  of  the  convent  took  the  glorious  lead.  They,  under  the  im« 
mediate  superintendance  of  the  Abbe  Douburg,  threw  open  their 
doors  and  converted  all  their  houses,  separated  from  their  maiti 
building,  into  a  hospital,  where  they  themselves,  at  their  own  ex- 
pense, and  with  their  own  hands,  took  care  of  the  sick  and  woun'\ 
ded.  The  ladies  of  Neworleans  were  also  employed  in  the  same 
charitable  acts  of  benevolence,  as  likewise  in  making  clothes  for 
our  soldiers.  The  future  historian  will  delight  to  contrast  the  de- 
stroying and  brilliant  virtues  of  the  pne  sex,  with  the  preserving 
and  not  less  attracting  virtues  of  the  other. 

Immediately  after  their. repulse,  the  enemy  commenced  active 
operations  for  a  re-embarkation  of  their  troops.  Nearly  the  whole 
of  the  sick  and  wounded  were  sent  on  board  their  vessels,  toge- 
;i^er  with  such  baggage  and  munitions  of  war  as  could  be  safely 
reared.  During  these  operations,  the  enemy  kept  up  a  menacing 
attttude....frequent  indications  were  given  of  an  intention  to  renew 
the  attack  on  our  hues,  and  vigorous  works  of  defence  were 
thrown  up  in  front  of  our  camp.  The  rear  of  their  army  retired 
first,  while  they  displayed  a  numerous  body  of  men  to  the  view 
of  our  troops,  and  at  night  their  fires  seemed  rather  to  increase 
than  diminish.  They  had  erected  batteries  to  cover  their  retreat, 
in  advantageous  positions,  from  their  original  encampment,  to  th^ 
bayou  through  which  they  entered  lake  Bourgne.  The  cannoii 
placed  on  these  batteries  could  have  raked  a  pursuing  army  in 
every  direction,  and  any  attetnpt  to  storm  them  would  have  been 
attended  with  very  great  slaughter.  Having  made  the  necessary 
arrangements,  the  whole  British  army  precipitately  retreated  on 
the  night  cf  the  18th  of  January ;  an  account  of  which  was  ofR- 
cially  given  by  General  Jackson  to  the  secretary  of  war,  as  fol* 
Ipws : 

Camp, fourmileshelow Neworleans,  Jan,  Id,  1815. 

Last  night  at  f2  o'clock,  the  enemy  precipitately  decamped, 

and  returned  to  |iis  boats,  leaving  behind  him,  under  medical  at- 

tendance^  80  of  his  wounded,  includiiig  two  oncers,  14  pieces  of 

his  h^avy  artillery,  and  a  quantity  of  shot^  having  destroyed  mucli 


ii   '; 


I 


I 


H 


I 


i:i  UK* 

ti 


46h 


SKETCHES  Of 


of  his  povyder.  Such  was  the  situation  of  the  groqpd  which  he 
abandoned,  and  of  that  through  which  he  retired,  protected  by  ca- 
nals, redoubts,  entrenchinents  and  swamps  on  his  right,  and  the 
river  on  his  left,  that  I  could  not,  without  encountering  a  Hik« 
which  true  policy  did  not  seem  to  require  or  to  authorise,  attempt 
to  an^oy  him  much  pn  his  retreat.  We  took  only  eight  prison* 
ers. 

V  Whether  it  is  the  purpose  of  the  eneiny  to  abandon  the  expedi* 
tion  altogether,  or  renew  his  efforts  at  some  other  points,  I  do  not 
pretend  to  determine  with  positiveness.  In  my  own  mind,  how. 
ever,  there  is  but  little  doub^  that  his  last  exertions  have  been 
made  in  this  quarter,  at  any  rate  for  the  present  season,  and  by 
the  nej^t  I  hope  we  shall  be  fully  prepared  to  meet  him.  In  this 
belief  I  am  strengthened  not  only  by  the  prodigious  loss  he  has 
sustained  at  the  position  he  has  just  quitted,  but  by  the  failure  of 
bis  fleet  to  pass  fort  St.  Philip. 

His  loss  op  this  ground,  since  the  debarkation  of  his  troops,  as 
stated  by  all  the  last  prisoners  and  deserters*  and  as  confirmed  by 
mtaty  additional  circumstttnces^  must  have  exceeded  40G0,  and 
was^reater  in  the  action  of  the  8th,  than  was  estimated  from  the 
roost  correct  data  then  in  his  possession^  by  the  inspector  general, 
whose  report  has  been  forwarded  to  you. 

Since  the  action  of  the  dth,  the  enemy  have  been  allowed  very 
little  re8pite....my  artillery  from  both  sides  of  the  river  being  con- 
stantly employed  till  the  night,  and  indeed  until  the  hour  of  their 
retieat,  in  annoying  thein.  No  doubt  they  thought  it  quite  time 
to  quit  a  position  in  which  soMittle  rest  could  be  found. 

I  am  f^dvi^ed  by  Major  Overton,  who  commands  at  fort  St. 
Philip,  in  a  letter  of  the  18th,  that  the  enemy  having  bombarded 
the  fort  for  8  or  0  days  from  13  inch  n^ortars,  without  effect, 
had,  on  the  morning  of  that  day,  retired.  I  have  little  doubt  that 
we  vvrould  have  been  abl^  to  have  sunk  their  vessels  had  they  at- 
tempted to  run  by. 

Qiying  the  proper  weight  to  all  these  considerations,  I  belie ve- 
you  will  not  think  me  too  sanguine  in  the  belief  that  Louisiana  is 
now  clear  of  its  enemy.  1  hope,  however,  I  need  not  assure  you 
that  wherever  I  command,  such  a  belief  shall  never  occasion  any 
relaxation  in  the  measures  for  resistance.  I  am  but  too  sensible 
that  the  moment  when  the  enemy  is  opposing  us,  is  not  the  most 
proper  to  provide  for  them. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c* 

ANDREW  JACKSON. 

P.  S.  On  the  18th  our  prisoners  pn  shore  were  delivered  to  us, 
an  exchange  having  been  previously  agreed  to.  Those  who  are 
pn  board  the  fleet  will  be  delivered  at  Petit  CoquUle  ;  after  which  j 

s^pll^tiU  have  in  my  hands  an  excess  of  several  hundreds. 

A.  J 


which  lie 
cted  by  ca- 
lit,  and  the 
-ing  a  rlikf^ 
ise^  attempt 
ight  prison- 

the  expedi' 
Its,  I  do  not 
mind,  how- 

have  been 
ison,  and  by 
im.    In  this 

loss  he  has 
:he  failure  of 

lis  troops,  as 
onftrmed  by 
1  40G0,  and 
ited  from  the 
itor  general, 

illowed  very 
[r  being  oon> 
hour  of  their 
it  quite  time 
d.        • 

at  fort  St. 

bombarded 
bout   effect, 
tie  doubt  that 
had  they  at- 

ons,  I  believe' 
Louisiana  is 

ot  assure  you 

occasion  any 
too  sensible 

not  the  most 


ICKSON. 
iivered  to  us, 
hose  who  are 
after  which 
undreds. 
A.  J 


rUA  W^R. 


•loa 


On  the  24th  of  January,  Mr.  Shields,  purser  in  the  navy  return- 
fsd  from  an  expedition  which  had  been  fitted  out  to  annoy  the  en- 
emy in  their  embarkation  on  lake  Bourgne,  having  burnt  one 
transport,  captured  two  large  boats,  (one  of  which  he  sunk)  and 
taken  78  prisoners,  together  with  three  slaves,  which  had  been 
stolen  by  the'  enemy.  Owing  to  the  violence  of  the  wind  and 
tide,  two  prizes  which  had  been  taken  from  the  enemy,  in  addi- 
tion  to  the  above,  (having  on  bo^rd  20  prisoners  and  3  of  our  own 
men)  were  driven  from  their  anchorage  and  re-captured  by  the 
prisoners.     This  was  the  only  loss  Mr.  Shields  met  with. 

It  will  have  been  seen  by  General  Jackson's  official  account, 
bearing  date  the  ipth  of  January,  in  a  preceding  page,  that  the 
whole  loss  of  the  enemy  from  the  time  of  their  landing  on  the 
island  of  Orleans  until  their  (lecampment,  was  rising  of  4000  in 
killed,  wounded  and  prisoners.  Add  to  this,  enemy's  loss  after 
decampment,  and  on  ship-board,  (including  about  300  drowned 
while  passing  to  and  from  their  shipping,)  400,  and  the  whole  num- 
ber will  probably  amount  to  4800.* 

The  American  loss  in  the  several  engagements,  was  55  killed, 
185  woundecf,  and  93  mis8ing....total,  333.  Of  our  forces  actual- 
ly engaged  (including  marines  as  well  as  land  troops)  the  follow- 
ing is  a  correct  statement  :....In  the  action  of  the  28th  of  Decem- 
ber, 3282;  1st'  of  January,  3061 ;  8th  of  January,  4698.  The 
enemy's  force  previous  to  the  6th  of  January,  was  9000 ;  after 
that  time  it  was  increased  to  12,000. 


CaAPTER  XXXVIII. 

Address  and  general  orders  of  General  Jackson  to  the  troops 
under  his  command,  after  the  retreat  of  the  enemy. ...Ajposto- 
lie  mandate..».Address  of  the  administrator  of  the  diocese  qf 
Louisiana  to  General  Jackson,  and  the  generaVs  answer..,. 
....Capture  of  fort  Bovuyer....Cessation  qf  hostiltties....Biogra' 
phical  sketch  of  General  Jackson.„»Description  of  Nexvor 
leans  andthe  surrounding  country. 

On  the  21st  of  January,  General  Jackson  directed  the  follow- 
ing address  to  be  read  at  the  head  of  each  of  the  corps,  compos 
ing  the  lines  below  Neworleans : 


*  A  number  of  British  deaertew  and  pTiwnert  have  itatrd  tUetr  loi«  to  have  exceeded  SOOO ;  and  it 
;t  votthy  of  remark,  that  the  Biitish  oiBcial  account  oC  the  action  of  the  «th  of  Jutuary  tepmeno 
it  It  ntf  caoMemMr  surpaiiinf  the  ftateme(it  giren  by  General  Jaclkson. 


Im 


4% 


;>KETCH1£S  0» 


Citizens  and  FlIllowSoldiers^ 

The  enemy  has  retreated^  and  your  general  has  now  leisure  to 
proclaim  to  the  world  what  he  has  noticed  with  admiration  and 
pride....your  undaunted  courage^  your  patriotism  and  patience,  un- 
der hardships  and  fatigue.  Natives  of  different  states,  acting  to- 
gether  for  the  first  time  in  this -camp  :  different  in  habits  and  in 
language,  instead  of  viewing  in  these  circumstances,  the  germ  of 
distrust  and  division,  you  have  made  them  the  source  of  an  ho» 
flourable  emulation,  and  from  the  seeds  of  discord  itself  have 
reaped  the  fruits  of  an  honourable  union. 

This  day  completes  the  fourth  week  since  fifteen  hundred  of 
you  attacked  treble  your  number  of  men  who  had  boasted  of  their 
discipline,  and  their  services  under  a  celebrated  leader,  in  a  long 
-and  eventful  war,  attacked  them  in  their  camp,  the  moment  they 
had  profaned  the  soil  of  freedom  with  their  hostile  tread,  and  in- 
fiicted  a  blow  which  was  a  prelude  to  the  final  result  of  their  at- 
tempt to  conquer,  or  the  poor  contrivance  to  divide  us.  A  few 
hours  was  sufficient  to  unite  the  gallant  band,  though  at  the  mo- 
ment they  received  the  welcome  order  to  march  they  were  sepa- 
rated many  leagues  in  different  directions  from  the  city ;  the  gay 
rapidity  of  the  march,  the  cheerful  countenances  of  the  officers 
and  men,  would  have  induced  a  belief  that  some  festive  enter- 
4aiament,  not  the  strife  of  battle,  was  the  object  to  which  they 
hastened  with  so  much  eagerness  and  alacrity.  In  the  conflict 
that  ensued,  the  same  spirit  was  supported,  and  my  commu- 
nications to  the  executive  of  the  United  States  have  testified  the 
sense  I  entertained  of  the  merits  of  the  corps  and  officers  that 
were  engaged.  Resting  on  the  field  of  battle,  they  retired  in  per- 
fect order  on  the  next  inorning  to  these  lines,  destined  to  become 
the  scene  of  future  victories,  which  they  were  to  share  with  the 
rest  of  you,  my  brave  companions  in  arms.  Scarcely  were  your 
lines  a  protection  against  musket  shot,  when,  on  the  2dth,  a  dis- 
position was  made  to  attack  them  with  all  the  pomp  and  parade 
of  military  tactics,  as  improved  by  4hose  veterans  of  the  Spanish 
war.  * 

Their  batteries  of  heavy  cannon  kept  up  an  incessant  fire ;  their 
rockets  illuminated  the  air,  and  under  their  cover  two  strong  co- 
lumns threatened  our  fianks.  The  foe  insolently  thought  this 
spectacle  was  too  imposing  to  be  resisted,  and  in  the  intoxication 
of  his  pride  he  already  saw  our  lines  abandoned  without  a  contest 
....how  were  these  menacing  appearances  met  ? 

By  shouts  of  defiance,  by  a  manly  countenance,  not  to  be  tfaa* 
ken  by  the  roar  of  his  cannon,  by  the  glare  of  his  fire-work  rock- 
ets ;  by  an  artillery  served  with  superior  8k\li  and  with  deadly  ef- 
fect. Never,  my  brave  friends,  can  your  general  forget  the  testi- 
monials of  attachment  to  our  glorious  cause,  of  indignant  hatred 
to  our  foe,  of  affectionate  confidence  in  your  chief,  that  resound- 


THE  WAR. 


tH 


leisure  to 
ition  and 
ence,  un- 
kcting  tO' 
its  and  iu 
(  germ  of 
)f  an  ho* 
self  have 

jndred  of 
d  of  their 
in  a  long 
iient  they 
i,  and  in- 
r  their  al- 
t.     A  few 
t  the  mo< 
/ere  sepa- 
;  the  gay 
le  officers 
ive  enter- 
;hich  they 
le  conflict 
'  commu- 
stiBed  the 
cers  that 
ed  in  per- 
o  become 
with  the 
'ere  your 
)th,  a  dis- 
id  parade 
>  Spanish 

ire ;  their 
jtrong  CO- 

ight  this 
joxication 
la  contest 

|o  be  sha« 
[ork  rock^ 
jeadly  ef- 
[the  testi- 
it  hatred 
I  resound- 


e(t  in  every  rank  as  he  passed  along  your  hoe.  This  animating 
and  unexpected  scene  damped  the  courage  of  the  enemy ;  be" 
dropped  his  scaling  ladders  and  fascines,  and  the  threatened  at- 
tack  dwindled  into  a  demonstratioftf  which  served  only  to  show 
the  emptiness  of  his  parade,  and  inspire  you  with  a  just  cenfidence 
in  yourselves. 

The  new  year  was  ushered  in  with  the  most  tremendous  fire 
his  whole  artillery  could  produce ;  a  few  hours  only,  however,. . 
wf>re  necessary  for  the  brave  and  skilful  men  who  directed  our 
own,  to  dismount  his  cannon,  destroy  his  batteries,  and  effectually 
silence  bis  fire.  Hitherto,  my  brave  friends,  in  the  contest  on  the 
lines,  your  courage  has  been  passive  only  ;  you  stood,  with  calm- 
ness, a  fire  that  would  have  tried  the  firmness  of  veterans,  and 
you  anticipated  a  nearer  contest  with  an  eagerness  which  was 
soon  to  be  gratified. 

On  the  8th  of  January  the  final  effort  was  made.  At  the  dawn 
of  day  the  batteries  opened  and  the  columns  advanced.  Knowing 
that  the  volunteers  from  Tennessee  and  militia  from  Kentucky 
were  stationed  on  your  left,  it  was  there  they  directed  their  chief 
attack. 

Reasoning  always  from  false  principles,  they  expected  little  op'* 
position  from  men  whose  officers  even  were  not  iu  uniform,  who 
were  ignorant  of  the  rules  of  dress,  and  who  had  never  been  caned 
into  discipline.M.fatal  mistake !  a  fire  incessantly  kept  up,  directed 
with  calmness  and  with  unerring  aim,  strewed  the  field  with  the- 
brave  officers  and  men  of  the  column,  which  slowly  advanced, 
according  to  the  nciost  approved  rules  of  European  tactics,  and  was 
cut  down  by  the  untutored  courage  of  the  American  militia.  Un- 
able to  sustain  this  galling  and  unceasing  fire,  some  hundred»  - 
nearest  the  entrenchments  called  for  quarters,  which  was  granted 
....the  rest,  retreating,  were  rallied  at  some  distance],  but  only  to 
make  them  a  surer  mark  for  the  grape  and  canniste^  <uot  of  our 
artillery,  which,  without  exaggeration,  mowed  down  whole  ranks 
at  every  discharge  ;  and  at  length  they  precipitately  retired  from 
the  field. 

Our  right  had  only  a  short  contest  to  sustain  with  a  few  rash 
(Aen,  who,  fatally  for  themselves,  forced  their  entrance,  into  the 
unfinished  redoubt  on  the  river.  They  were  quickly  dispossessed, 
•nd  this  glorious  day  terminated  with  the  loss  to  the  enemy  of 
their  commander  in  chief,  and  one  major  general  killed,  another 
major  general  wounded,  the  most  experienced  and  bravest  of 
their  officers,  and  more  than  three  thousand  men  killed,  wounded 
and  missing;  while  our  ranks,  my  friends,  were  thinned  only  by 
the  loss  of  six  of  our  brave  companions  killed,  and  seren  disabled 
by  virounds.... wonderful  interposition  of  Heaven  ?  unexampled. event 
m>the  history  of  wac  f 


'    I 


.4*2 


SKETCHES  Ot 


Let  ua  be  grateful  to  the  God  of  battles  who  hai  directed  the 
arrows  of  indignation  against  our  invaders^  while  he  covered 
with  the  protecting  shield  the  brave  defenders  of  their  country. 

After  this  unsuccessful  and  disastrous  attempt,  their  spirits  were 
broken,  their  force  was  destroyed,  and  their  whole  attention  wag 
employed  in  providing  means  of  e8ca|fe.  This  they  have  effected ; 
leaving  their  heavy  artillery  in  our  power,  and  many  of  their 
wounded  to  our  clemency.  The  consequences  of  this  short  but 
decisive  campaign,  are  incalculable  important.  The  pride  of  our 
arrogant  enemy  humbled,  his  forces  broken,  his  leaders  killed,  his 
insolent  hopies  of  our  disunion  frustrated,  his  expectations  of  riot* 
ing  in  our  spoils,  and  wasting  our  country,  ctianged  into  ignomi- 
nious defeat,  shameful  flight,  and  a  reluctant  acknowledgment  oi 
the  humanity  and  kindness  of  those  whom  he  had  doomed  to  aP 
the  horrors  and  humiliations  of  a  conquered  state. 

On  the  other  side,  unanimity  established,  disaffection  crushed^ 
confidence  restored,  your  country  saved  from  conquest,  your  pro- 
perty from  pillage,  your  wives  and  daughters  from  insult  and  vio 
iation,  the  union  preserved  from  dismemberment,  and  perhaps  a 
period  put,  by  this  decisive  stroke,  to  a  barbarous  and  sa- 
vage war.  These,  my  brave  friends,  are  the  consequences  of  thr 
efforts  you  have  made,  and  the  successes  with  which  they  have 
been  crowned  by  heaven. 

These  important  results  have  been  effected  by  the  united  courage 
:ind  perseverance  of  the  army ;  but  which  the  different  corps,  as 
tvell  as  the  individuals  that  compose  it,  have  vied  with  each  other 
hi  their  exertions  to  produce.  The  share  they  have  respiectively 
had  will  be  poiqted  out  in  the  general  order  accompanying  this  ad- 
dress. But  the  gratitude,  the  admiration  of  their  country,  offers 
a  fairer  reward  than  that  which  any  general  can  bjestow,  and  the 
best  is  that  of  which  they  can  never  be  deprived,  the  conscious* 
uess  of  having  done  their  duty,  and  of  meriting  the  applause  thejf 
will  receive, 

GENERAL  ORDERS. 

H,  Q,,  7th  Military  District,  Camp  below  JNeworleam, 
Adjutant  Generals  office,  Jan,  12,  Id  15. 
Before  the  camp  at  these  memorable  lines  shall  be  broken  up, 
the  general  thinks  it  a  duty  to  the  brave  army  which  has  defend- 
ed them,  publicly  to  notice  the  conduct  of  the  different  corps  which 
compose  it...The  behaviour  of  the  regular  troops,  consisting  of  parts 
of  the  7th  and  44th  regiments  of  infantry,  and  the  corps  of  marines, 
all  commanded  by  Col.*  Ross,  has  been  such  as  to  merit  his  warm 
approbation.  The  7th  regiment  was  led  by  Major  Peyre,  and  the 
44th  by  Captain  Baker,  in  the  action  of  the  23d,  in  a  manner  that 
does  thosse  officers  the  highest  honour.  They  have  continued 
through  the  campaign  to  do  their  duty  with  the  same  2eal  and  abi- 


THE  WAR. 


473 


irty  with  which  it  w»«  commenced.     On  that  occasion  the  couu- 
try  loit  a  valuable  othcer  in  the  death  of  Lieutenant  M'Clellen  of 

the  7th  infantry,  who  fell  while  bravely  leading  his  company 

Lieutenant  Dupy  of  the  44th,  4tthough  severely  wounded  in  thit 
action,  returned  in  time  to  take  a  share  in  all  subsequent  attacks. 

To  the  Tennessee  mounted  riflemen,  to  their  gallant  leader. 
Brigadier  General  Coffee,  the  general  presents  his  warmest  thanks, 
not  only  for  their  uniform  good  conduct  in  action,  but  for  the  won- 
derful patience  with  vvhich  they  have  borne  the  fatigue,  and  the 
perseverance  with  which  they  have  surmounted  the  difficulties  of 
a  most  painful  march  in  order  to   meet  the  enemy  ;  a  diligence 
and  zeal  to  which  we  probably  owe  the  salvation  of  the  country. 
Ordinary  activity  would  have  brought  them  too  late  to  act  the 
t>rilliant  part   they  have   performed  in  the  defeat  of  our  invaders. 
All  t'llie  officers  of  that  corps  have  distinguished  themselves ;  but 
the  gene/al   cannot  avoid   mentioning  the  name   of  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Lairderdale,  who  fell  on  the  night  of  the  23d ;  and  those 
of  Colonels  Dj'er,  Gibson  and  Elliot,  who  were  wounded,  but  dis- 
daining personal  considerations,  remained  firm  to  their  duty. 

The  cavalry  from  the  Missisiippi  territory,  under  their  enter- 
prizing  leader.  Major  Hinds,  was  always  ready  to  perform  every 
service  which  the  nature  of  the  country  enabled  them  to  execute. 
The  daring  manner  in  which  they  reconnoitred  the  enemy  on  his 
lines  excited  the  admiration  of  one  army,  and  the  astonishment 
of  the  other. 

Major  General  Carroll,  commanding  (he  detachment  of  West 
Tennessee  militia,  has  shown  the  greatest  zeal  for  the  service,  a 
strict  attention  to  duty,  and'  an  ability  and  courage  that  will  al- 
way*  recommend  him  to  the  gratitude  of  his  country.  His  troops 
bave,  since  the  lines  were  formed,  occupied  and  defended  the  weak- 
est  part .  of  them,  and  borne  without  a  murmur,  an  encampment 
on  a  marshy  and  unhealthy  soil.  In  the  memorable  action  of  the 
8th  January,  the  chief  effort  of  the  enemy  was  directed  against 
them  ;  but  their  valour,  and  that  of  the  brave  men  who  support- 
ed them,  (General  Cof&e's  brigade  on  the  lef;,  and  a  part  of  the 
Kentucky  troops  on  the  right)  soon  made  it  clear  that  a  rampart 
of  high  minded  men  is  a  better  defence  than  the  most  regular  for- 
tification. General  Adair,  who,  owing  to  the  indisposition  of  Ge- 
neral  Thomas,  brought  up  the  Kentucky  militia,  has  shown  that 
troops  will  always  be  vaiiaiit  when  their  leaders  are  so.  No  men 
ever  displayed  a  more  gallant  spirit  than  these  did  under  that 
most  ^luable  of?^''er.    His  country  is  jmder  obligations  to  him. 

The'^general  wc  -d  be  ungratefUl  or  insensible  to  merit,  if  he 
did  not  particularly  ./itice  the  conduct  of  the  officers  and  men 
who  so  bravely  supported,  and  so  skilfully  directed  his  artillery..... 
Colonel  M'Rea,  in  the  action  of  the  23d,  showed,  as  be  always 

3  0 


1 1 

ill 


m 


§ 


fi' 


I  In 


474 


aKKTCHIS  Of 


doei>  great  courage.  Lieutenant  Spotti,  under  whoie  immediate 
direction  our  artillery  had  been«placed,  led  it  to  action  with  a  dar- 
ing courage  worthy  of  admiration.'  Captain  Humphrey  command- 
ed the  firit  battery  on  our  right ;  the  service  it  greatly  indebted 
to.that  officer,  not  only  for  the  able  and  gallant  manner  io  which 
he  directed  hit  fire,  but  for  the  general  activity  he  displayed  in 
his  department. 

Lieutenant  Norris  of  the  navy,  with  Mr.  Walkers  Martin,  and 
a  detachment  of  seamen,  were  stationed  at  the  second  battery  ; 
and  Lieutenant  Grawley,  with  Mr.  W.  Livingston  (master's  mate) 
with  a  similar  detachment,  were  stationed  at  a  32  pounder,  which 
was  remarkably  well  directed ;  they  performed  their  duty  with 
the  zeal  and  bravery  which  have  always  characterized  the  na*'.. 
of  the  United  States.  Captains  Dominique  and  Bellucbe'utfly 
commanding  privateers  at  Barataria,  with  part  of  tbc^c  iorr„f^r 
crews,  and  many  brave  citizens  of  Neworleans,  wer*;-  vatvoiufd  ,*- 
Nos.  3  and  4.  The  general  cannot  avoid  giving  *  w  -^ifnti- 
probation  of  the  manner  in  which  these  gentle  <  in  hai\*e  un  !  i^. 
ly  conducted  themselves  while  under  his  r  jjr'napfl,  txiK-  of  the 
gallantry  with  which  they  have  redeem«<i  ;'  pi^d^j^  ..ley  gave 
at  the  opening  of  the  campaign  to  defetid  v.  rov.ut.  ■,  The  bro- 
thers of  Lafttte*  have  exhibited  the  sar  .-  courage  .'  ri  fidelity  ;  and 
the  general  promises  that  the  govC'  nmciu  sha)  je  duly  apprized 
of  their  conduct.  Colonel  Perr  .  lin^tty  qua  uer  master-general, 
volunteered  his  services  at  No  a  f,  he  w.-s  itiy  aided  by  Lieuten- 
ant Kerr,  of  the  artillery  ?  his  l-atlt ;  y  ■  ."i  well  served,  bravely 
supported,  and  greatly  an  j)'«'d  tttc  eijcn  y.  Nos.  8  and  Q  were 
directed  by  Lieutenant  r,K>tt8»  vv-th  }  isual  skill  and  bravery,  as- 
sistfd  by  Mr.  Cheanvr.:  t 

The  general  taker  he  bjgli -gk  easure  in  noticing  the  conduct 
of  General  De  Fla-  uc,  com  inrr  mg  one  of  the  brigades  of  mili- 
tia of  this  state,  '  nd  member  .  the  senate.  His  brigade  not  be- 
ing in  the  field,  soon  as  invasion  was  known,  he  repaired  to 
the  camp  and  Vr  -.'  v  jf  as  a  volunteer  for  the  service  of  a 
piece  of  artihv  e  directed  with  tl^e  skill  which  was  to 

be  expected  froiu  ^erienced  artillery  oBScer;  disdaining  the 

exemption  afforded  ^^  his  seat  in  the  senate,  he  continued  in  his 
subordinate  but  honourable  station,  and  by  his  example,  as  well 
as  his  exertion,  has  rendered  essential  service  to  his  country-    * 
Sebastian  Hiriart,  of  the  same  body,  set  the  same  expr,  ,„>,  «> 
ed  a  considerable  time  in  the  ranks  of  the  volunt»f'    ■  aitaiieni^ac 
afterwards  as  adjutant  of  coloured  troops.     '  Piaucha's  bat 

talion  of  volunteers,  though  deprive^  .  ^.u;  li.'n  se  j\c<  ■:^ 
Major  Carmac,  who  commands'       ai,  I y  a  ^'ouncl  iv!  .  a  that 


1; 


mroediate 
Wh  ftdar- 
sommand- 
f  indebted 
in  which 
splayed  in 

[artin,  and 
d  battery  ; 
ter'i  loate) 
der,  wbioh 
duty  with 
d  the  ns** 
iche,  >..-  , 

tatvonxd  .'* 

;  '  of  the 
'  xuey  gave 
.  The  bro- 
delity  ;  and 
Illy  apprized 
ster-general, 
by  Lteuten- 
red,  bravely 
ind  9  were 
bravery,  as- 

the  conduct 
ide8  of  mili* 
ade  not  be- 
:  repaired  to 
service  of  a 
iich  was  to 
idaining  the 
:inued  in  his 
Iple,  as  well 
luntry- 
•n-ipie,  «'■-'' 
li'iche**  bat 
wluvii  that 


THBWAIl. 


478 


oAicer  received  in  the  attack  of  the  28th  December,  have  real- 
ized all  the  anticipations  which  the  general  had  formed  of  their 
conduct.  Major  Planche  and  Major  St.  Qeme,  of  that  corps,  have 
distinguished  themselves  by  their  activity,  their  courage  and  their 
zeal ;  and  the  whole  corps  4iave  greatly  contributed  to  enable  the 
geii<^>!)l  to  redeem  the  pledge  he  gave,  when  at  the  opening  of 
the  campaign  he  promised  the  country  not  only  safety,  but  a  splen* 
did  triumph  over  an  insolent  invader.  The  two  corps  of  coloured 
volunteers  have  not  disappointed  the  hopes  that  were  formed  of 
their  couragc^  And  perseverance  in  the  performance  of  their  duty. 
Majors  Lacoste  and  Daquin  who  commanded  them,  have  deserv- 
'  well  of  their  country.  Captain  Savary's  conduct  has  been  not 
t  '-  '->  the  account  rendered  of  the  battle  of  the  23d,  and  that 
o;!^.  since  continued   to   merit  the  highest  praise.    Captaio 

^  il.  CO  J  ly  of  the  city  riflemen  has  sustained  by  its  subsequent 
cc'»^  rj,  tU"  J t,!  station  it  acquired  in  the  action  of  the  23d.  Col. 
de  lb  i^ni",  xf  !j^  Louisiana  militia,  has  been  extremely  ser- 
viceabk  /  h'9  tf\\  >os,  and  has  shown  great  courage,  and  uni- 
form attav'  -cuiro  nause  of  the  country.  General  Humbert, 
who  offered     *  "f^i^ ''<"-><  a  volunteer,  has  continually  exposed 

■J-\u!y;(r»  with  his  characteristic  bravery,  as 
ui  iM^jii*  V]  .fshal  Don  Juan  de  Anavar,  who 


himself  to  the  «. 
has  also  the  Me. 
i<  -••  in  the  same  v 
.  i..      'r^imoe  he 


"•It, 


,ii.  recniv,--d 


\[n  (general  acknowledges  the  im- 


A-? 


m  Commodore  Patterson  as 
thft   zealous  oo<operation  of 


bisd'^-partaiKiVi '1'.umg  I"-  "hole  ^oursfl  ^f  the  campaign.  Cap- 
itt.  ■  '"y  .Ml  t?t>ar'i  ^^•'^  c';^iyl'Uo^  arid  .v^<?rwarde  in  directing 
the  erectiJ.     '  '  ^  ^  .*r  :x  at    je  H  i>  oi.  -ind  on  the  right 

bank  of  the  river,  .  gret   n^^y  '-  ♦>««  ar.     •     Lieut.  Alexia 

of  the  army,  stationed  in  the  vavr  m^u^.  i  mdefatigablc  fot 
exertions  to  forward  to  the  arm^  ry  thio^  that  could  facilitate 
its  operations ;  his  z^al  and  activit>  -  .  the  notice  of  the  gov- 
eminent.  Major  Nicks,  who,  by  an  cidental  wound  was  de- 
prived  of  the  pleasure  6f  commanding  the  7th  regiment  during  the 
campaign,  was  continually  employed  in  the  fort,  and  furnflihed 
the  ammunition  and  irtiUery  that  were  wanted,  with  the  great- 
est  activity  and  promptitude.  . 

To  the  volunteers  of  the  Mississippi  Territory,  and  to  the  militaa 
of  the  remoter  part  of  this  state,  who  have  arrived  since  the  deci- 
sive actidtt  of  the  8th,  the  general  tenders  his  thanks,  and  is  con- 
vinced that  nothing  but  opportunity  was' wanting  to  entitle  them 
to  the  praise  that  have  been  merited  by  the  rest  of  the  army.  Cap- 
tain Ogden»s  troop  of  horse  was  peculiarly  useful  by  their  local 
knowledge  of  the  ground  on  which  they  acted,  and  the  small  de- 
tachment of  Attakapas  dragoons,  stationed  near  head-quarters, 
were  indefatigable  in  performing  all  the  duties  which  devolved 
on  theoK 


I 


I   ■ 


476 


SKETCHES  OF 


The  general  would  uot  do  justice  to  his  staff  if  he  did  not  bestow 
deserved  praise  on  the  adjutant  general^  Colonel  Butler,  and  his 
assistant  Major  Cbotard,  for  the  zeal  and  activity  in  the  important 
department  of  service  coniiDed  on  them,  and  for  the  bravery  which 
led  them  wherever  danger  or  duty  rM)uired  their  presence.  The 
vigilance,  courage  and  attention  to  duty  exhibited  during  the 
campaign  by  Colonel  Hayues,  and  his  two  assistants.  Majors  Da- 
vis and  Hampton  have  been  appreciated  as  they  deserve  to  be  by 
the  general. 

The  general's   aids-de-camp,  Thomas  D.  Butler  and  Captain 
:.';  John  Reed,  as  well  as  his  volunteer  aids,  Messrs.  Livingston,  Dun- 
can, Grymcs,  Duplessis  and  Major  Davezac  de  Castera,  the  judge 
advocate,  have  merited  the  thanks  of  the  general  by  the  calm  and 
deliberate  courage  they  h&ve  displayed  on  every  occasion,  andu 
';  in  every  situation  that  called  it  forth.     The  topographical   'vngi- 
neer,  Maj.  Tatum,  exhibited  all  the  ardour  of  youth  in  tine  hour  of 
peril,  united  to  the  experience  acquired  by  his  long;  service.    The 
chief  engineer.  Major  Lacarriere   de  la^  Tour,  b<as  been  useful  to 
the  army  by  his  talents  and  bravery.     The  same-  praises  are  due  to 
his  assistants.  Captain  Lewis  Liv  ingston  andi  Mr.  Latrobe.    The 
medical  staff  has  merited  well  of  the  c6u)iitry,  and  the  general 
would  not  do  justice  to  his  own  feelings  v^ere  he  to  withhold  from 
Doctor  Kerr,  hospital  surgeon,  who  volunteered  his  services,  and 
Doctor  Flood,  the  just  tribute  of  afplause  deserved  by   them  ior 
their  medical  skill  and  personal  b*avery.     The  quarter   iuaster's 
department  tho»  deprived  of  the  personal  exertioi:&  of  Col.  Piatt, 
who  was  wounded  in  the  night  action  of  the  23d,  performed  well 
all  their  duties.     Major  Geneva'  Vlllefe  and   Brigadier  General 
*    Morgan  have  merited  the  apr^ohation  of  the  general  by  their  un- 
wearied attention  since  they  took  the  field. 

Tlie  large  mortar  was  ably  directed  by  Captain  Lefebvre  and 
by  Mr.  Gilbert.  Captain  Plauchard  was  very  useful  as  an  en- 
gineer, and  merits  the  general's  praise  for  the  celerity  and  skill 
with  vvhich  he  erected  the  battery  whifih  now  commands  the 
river,  on  the  right  of  the  camp.  Mr.  Bosquet  and  Mr.  Decoiu, 
of  Major  St.  Geme's  company  displayed  great  knowledge  and  dex- 
terity as  artillerists.  To  the  whole  army  the  general  presents  the 
assurance  of  his  official  approbation,  and  of  his  individual  regard. 
This  splendid  campaign  will  be  consi|iered  as  entitling  every  man 
.who  has  served  in  it  to  the  salutation  of  his  brother  in  artes. 

By  command.    ROB£RT  «UTL£R, 
Adjutant  General. 

jidjittant  General's  office,  Neworleanig  Jan.  31,  1815. 
The  major  general  in  justice  to  his  own  feelings,  and  as  a  tri- 
bute to  merit,  takes  this  opportunity  of  meutioniog  a  few  officerij 
omitted  in  the  general  order. 


»t  bcitow 
,  and  hit 
importftDt 
>ry  v;hich 
ice.  The 
uriDg  the 
BJdrs  Da- 
j  to  be  by 

d  Captain 
8ton,  Dun- 
the  judge 
;  calm  and 
asioHt  andu 
aical   tngi- 
titie  hour  of 
rvice.    The 
ten  useful  to 
•8  are  due  to 
trobe.    The 
the  general 
thhold  from 
ervices,  and 
by   themior 
er   iuaster's 
Col.  Piatt, 
formed  well 
ier  General 
by  their  un- 

jefebvre  and 

il  as   an  en- 

ty  and  skill 

mmands  the 

Sir.  DecoiDj 

ge  and  dex- 
presents  the 
[dual  regard. 

every,  man 

arttis* 
lUTLER, 

reneral. 

SI,  1815. 
and  as  a  tri- 
few  ofiiceri) 


THE  WAR. 


471 


Captains  M*Mahan  and  Pace,  and  Lieutenant  Cromford,  of 
General  Coffee's  brigade,  in  the  action  of  the  23d  December, 
fell  like  freemen,  worthy  the  name,  nobly  contending  with  the 
enemy.  Colonel  Anderson  of  Major  General  Carroll's  division, 
fell  in  a  sortie  on  the  i29th  at  the  head  of  iiia  command.  The  army 
were  witnesses  to,  and  admirers  of  his  bravery. 

Lieutenant  Leach  of  the  7th  U.  S.  infantry,  was  severely  woun- 
ded in  the  side  on  the  23d,  and  refused  to  leave  the  ground  until 
compelled  the  nfcxt  day  from  extreme  pain ;  but  returned  in  time 
to  perform  his  duty  in  the  subse^^uent  engagements. 

Captain  Smith  and  his  brave  troops  from  bayou  Sarah,  were 
believed  to  be  part  of  the  Mississippi  dragoons,  and  were  included 
as  such  in  the  mention  made  of  that  corps.  The  major  general 
tenders  to  him  and  his  brave  troops,  an  expression  of  entire  appro- 
bation of  their  conduct.  Captain  Griffia,  and  that  part  of  his  com- 
pany of  mounted  gunmen  with  him  in  the  action  of  the  23d,  did 
their  duty. 

Midshipman  Erasmus  Watkins  of  the  U.  S.  navy,  from  mistake 
is  given  as  Mr.  W.  Martin  in  the  general  orders  ;  to  him  therefore 
is  meritedly  due  the  mention  made  of  said  Martin. 

Judge  Lewis,  who  disdained  to  shield  himself  under  his  judicial 
cloak,,  volunteered  his  services  in  Captain  Beal's  rifle  company, 
and  performed  his  duty  in  a  manner  highly  honourable  to  him- 
self.  By  command, 

R.  BUTLER,  Adj»t.  Gen. 

General  Jackson  afterwards  addressed  letters  to  Commodore 
Patterson  and  other  officers  of  the  navy,  as  well  as  to  the  mayor 
and  citizens  of  Neworleans,  in  which  he  acknowledged  their  val- 
our and  bravery  in  greatly  assisting  towards  the  defence  ofj^tbe 
city. 

Jpostolic  Mandate,  ^c....On  the  18th  of  December,  the  Rev. 
William  Dubourg,  apostolicftl  administrator  of  the  diocese  of  Lou- 
isiana, issued  a  mandate  to  tht;  clergy,  &c.  of  Neworleans,  order- 
ing prayers  to  be  said  in  the  churches  of  that  city,  on  the  19tb, 
20th,  and  21st  of  that  month,  together  with  the  administration  of 
the  blessed  sacrament  and  the  psalm  Misrere,  to  implore  divine 
protection  on  the  arms  of  their  brave  defenders.  This  instrument 
was  submitted  to  General  Jackson,  received  his  warmest  approba- 
tion, and  was  printed  andcirculated'at  his  request:  thus  showing 
that  he  was  not  insensible  of  a  proper  reli&nce  on  Providence  for 
the  success  of  his  undertakings. 

After  the  retreat  of  the  enemy,  a  day  of  thanksgiving  and  praise 
to  Almighty  Gipd  was  observed  at  Neworleans.  During  the  solem- 
lyty  of  the  ceremonies,  the  Rev.  William  Dubourg  delivered  thf 


i 


478 


SKETCHES  or 


Si 


follow'*^^  tilegant  and  highly  finished  address  to  Major  General 
Jackson^  accompaDied  with  a  wreath  of  laurel : 

"General While  the  state  of  Louisiana,  in  the  joyful  trans> 

ports  of  her  gratitude,  hails  you  as  her  deliverer,  and  the  asserter 
of  her  menaced  liberties;  while  grateful  America,  as  lately  wrapt 
up  in  anxious  suspense,  on  the  fate  of  this  important  city,  the  em* 
porium  of  Che  «vealth  of  one  half  of  her  territory,  and  the  tru« 
bulwark  of  its  independence,  is  now  re-echoing  from  shore  to 
shore  your  splendid  achievements,  and  preparing  to  inscribe  your 
name  on  her  immortal  rolls  among  those  of  her  Washingtons  ; 
while  history,  poetry,  and  the  monumental  arts  will  vie  in  con- 
signing to  the  admiration  of  the  latest  posterity,  a  triumph  perhaps 
unparalleled  in  their. records  ;  while  thus  raised  by  universal  ac- 
clamation to  the  very  pinnacle  of  fame,  and  ascending  clouds  of 
incense,  how  easy  it  had  been  for  you.  Genera],  to  forget  the  prime 
mover  of  your  wonderful  successes,  and  to  assume  to  yourself  a 
praise  which  must  essentially  return  to  that  exalted  source  whence 
every  sort  of  merit  is  derived  !....But,  better  acquainted  with  the 
nature  of  true  glory,  and  justly  placing  the  summit  of  youir  ambi- 
tion in  proving  yourself  the  wprthy  instrument  of  Heaven's  mer- 
ciful designs,  the  first  impulse  of  your  religious  heart  was  to  ac- 
knowledge the  signal  interposition  of  Providence;  your  first  step 
is  a  solemn  display  of  your  humble  sense  of  his  favours.  Still  agi- 
tated at  the  remembrance  of  these  dreadful  agonies  from -which 
we  have  been  so  miraculously  rescued,  it  is  our  pride  also  to  ac- 
knowledge that  the  Almighty  has  only  had  the  principal  hand  in 
our  deliverance,  and  to  follow  you,  general,  in  attributing  to  his 
iiifinite  goodness  the  homage  of  our  unfeigned  gratitude.  Let  the 
infatuated  votary  of  a  blind  chance  deride  our  credulous  simplicity; 
let  the  cold-heaited  Atheist  look-up  for  your  explanation  of  such 
important  events  to  the  mere  concatenation  of  human  causes;  to 
us,  the  whole  universe  is  loud  in  proclaiming  a  Supreme  Ruler, 
who,  as  he  holds  the  hearts  of  men  'in  his  hands,  holds  also  the 
thread  of  all  contingent  occurences. 

"  Whatever  be  his  intermediate  agent  (says  an  illustrious  pre- 
late) still  on  the  secret  orders  of  his  all-ruling  providence  depend 
the  rise  and  prosperity,  as  well  as  the  decline  and  downfall  of 
empires.  From  his  lofty  throne  above,  he  moves  every  stene  be- 
low, now  curbing,  now  letting  loose  the  passions  of  men:  now 
infusing  his  own  wisdom  into  the  leaders  of  nations,  now^bnfoun- 
ding  their  boasted  prudence  and  spreading  upon  their  touncils  a 
spirit  of  intoxication,  and  thus  executing  his  uncontroulable  judg- 
ments on  the  sons  of  men,  according  to  the  dictates  of  his  own  un- 
erring justice. 

"  To  him,  therefore,  our  most  fervent  thanks  are  due  for  our 


THE  WAR. 


479 


General 


ful  trans- 
•  asserter 
ly  wrapt 
,  the  em* 
the  true 

shore  to 
ribe  your 
lingtons  ; 
e  in  con- 
h  perhaps 
ersal  ac- 

clouds  of 
the  prime 
ourself  a 
e  whence 

with  the 
ouir  ambi* 
en*s  mer- 
as  to  ac> 

irst  step 

Still  agt- 
m  ■  which 
[so  to  ac- 

1  hand  in 

ig  to  his 
Let  the 

jinplicity; 
of  such 

[uses ;  10 
le  Ruler, 
also  the 

|-iou8  pre- 
depend 
rnfall  of 
jtene  be- 
|n:  now 
Uonfoun- 
j)uncils  a 
|le  judg- 
lown  UQ- 

for  our 


late  unexpected  rescue ;  and  it  is  him  we  chiefly  intend  to  praise, 
when,  considering  you,  general,  as  the  man  of  his  right  hand, 
whom  he  has  taken  pains  to  fit  out  for  the  important  commission 
of  our  defence,  we  extol  that  fecundity  of  genius,  by  which,  in 
an  instant  of  the   most  discouraging  distress,  you  created  unfore- 
seen resource8....raised,  as  it  were,  from  the  ground,  hosts  of  intre- 
pid warriors,  and   provided  every  vulnerable  point  with  ample 
means  of  defence.    To  him  we  trace  that  instinctive  superiority 
of  your  mind,  which  at  once  raUied  around  you   universal  confi- 
dence, impressed  one  irresistible  movement  to  all  the  jarring  ele- 
ments of  which  this  political  machine  is  composed,  aroused  their 
slumbering  spirits,  and  diffused  through  every  rank  that  noble  ar- 
dour which  glowed  in  your  own  bosom.     To  him,  in  fine,  we  ad- 
dress our  acknov/ledgments  for  that  consummate  prudence  which 
defeated  all  the  combinations  of  a  sagacious  enemy,  entangled 
him  in  the  very  snares  which  he  had   spread  before  us,  and  suc- 
ceeded in  effecting  bis  utter  destruction,  without  once  exposing  the 
lives  of  citizens.     Immortal  thanks  be  to  his  Supreme  Majesty,  for 
sending  us  such  an  instrument  of  his  bountiful  designs !     A  gift  of 
that  value  is  the  best  token  of  the  continuance  of  his  protection.... 
the  most  solid  encouragement  to  us  to  sue  for  new  favours.     The 
first  which  it  emboldens  us  humbly  to  supplicate,  as  it  is  the  near- 
er to  our  throbbing  hearts,  is,  that  you  may  long  enjoy,  general,- 
the  honours  of  your  grateful  country,  of  which  you  will  permit  us 
to  present  you  a  pledge  in  this  wreath  of  laurel,  the  prize  of  vic- 
tory, the  symbol  of  immortality.     The  next  is  a  speedy  and  hon- 
ourable termination  of  the  bloody  contest  in  which  we  are  engag- 
ed.   No  one  has  so  efficaciously  laboured  as  you,  general,  for  the 
acceleration  of  that  blissful  period ;  may  we  soon  reap  that  sweet- 
est fruit  of  your  splendid  and  uninterrupted  victories." 

GENERAL  JACKSON'S  ANSWER. 
*f  Reverend  Sir, 

'*  I  receive  with  gratitude  and  pleasure  the  symbolical  crbwn 
which  piety  has  prepared.  I  receive  it  in  the  name  of  the  brave 
men  who  have  so  effectually  seconded  my  exertions  for  the  pre- 
servation of  their  country....they  well  deserve  the  laurels  which 
their  country  will  bestow. 

''For  myself,  to  have  been  instrumental  in  the  deliverance  of 
such  a  ^country,  is  the  greatest  blessing  that  Heaven  could  confer. 
That  it  has  been  effected  with  so  little  loss....that  so  few  tears 
should  cloud  the  smiles  of  our  triumpK,  and  not  a  cypress  leaf  be 
interwoven  in  the  wreath  \iliich  you  present,  is  a  source  of  the 
most  exquisite  enjoyment.    ^ 

*'  I  thank  you,revercnd  sir,  most  sincerely,  for  the  prayers  which 
you  offer  up  for  my  happiness.  May  those  your  patriotism  dictates 


I  . 


I 


ir 


I 


**(^r  I 


480 


SKETCHES  Of 


for  our  beloved  country  be  first  heard.  And  may  mine  for 
^our  individual  prosperity,  as  well  as  that  of  the  congregations 
committed  to  your  care,  be  favourably  received  ;  the  prosperity^ 
the  wealth,  the  happiness  of  this  city  will  then  be  commensurate 
with  the  courage  and  other  great  qualities  of  its  inhabitants.** 

Notwithstanding  the  departure  of  the  enemy  from  the  island  of 

Orleans,  General  Jackson,  having  in  view  the  possibility  of  their 

again  appearing  to  invade  the  city,  particularly   it   its  defences 

were  left  unguarded,  still  continued  martial  law,  and  enjoined  a 

'   strict  military  discipline  upon  the  troops. 

Capture  effort  Boxvyer Chagrined  and  disappointed  at  their 

1  repulse  at  Orleans,  the  enemy  seemed  determined  not  to  leave  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico  until  they  had  accomplished  something.  They 
accordingly  sailed  for  Mobile  Point,  150  miles  east  ol  Neworleans, 
and  on  the  6th  of  February  arrived  oiT  that  place  in  great  force. 
On  the  7th  they  commenced  landing  their  troops  between  the 
Point  and  the  river  Perdido,  as  also  on  Dauphine  island,  opposite 
the  point,  and  distant  3  miles.  On  the  8tb,  the  enemy  commen- 
ced bombarding  the  fort,  both  by  land  and  water,  which  they 
continued  without  much  intermission  until  the  12th,  when  Lt.  Col. 
(formerly  Major)  Lawrence,  commander  of  the  fort,  finding  him- 
self suriounded  by  thousands,  and  nearly  reduced  of  provisions, 
was  compelled  to  capitulate.  General  Winchester,  who  was  sta- 
tioned at  Mobile,  had  ordered  a  detachment  over  the  bay,  with  a 

;  view  to  divert  the   enemy  from  his  object;  but  it  arrived  about 

,  24  hours  too  late,  though  in  time  to  capture  one  of  the  enemy's 

,  barges  with  17  seamen. 

t  The  enemy  took  immediate  possession  of  the  fort  and  garrison, 
which  consisted  of  366  men,  including  officers,  but  these  were 
soon  afterwards  exchanged.  The  British  loss  during  the  bom- 
bardment was  between  30  and  40  killed  and  wounded.....The 
Americans  had  2  or  3  wounded. 

On  the  18th  of  February,  General  M'lntosh  arrived  at  Mobile, 
at  the  head  of  a  considerable  body  of  Georgia  troops,  and  wat 
momently  expecting  an  attack  from  the  enemy  until  the  morning 
of  the  22d,  when  a  flag  boat  was  sent  from  the  British  fleet 
to  get  some  prisoners  exchanged,  which  brought  a  copy  of  a  letter 
from  Lord  fiathurst  to  the  lord  mayor  of  London,  informing  him 
of  a  treaty  of  peace  having  been  sent  to  the  United  States  from 
our  ministers  at  Ghent  for  laafication.  The  major  (Todd)  char- 
ged with  the  flag,  also  brought  a  v*Mrbal  communication  to  Gen. 
M'Intosh  from  Gen.  Lambert,  con||aanding  the  British  army  on 
that  station,  saymg  that  all  offensive  operations  on  their  part 
should  cease  until  the  pleasure  of  their  government  should  be 
known. 


nioe  for 
egations 
osperity^ 
lensurate 

It8.»' 

island  of 

of  their 

defences 

njoined  a 

id  at  their 
leave  the 
g.  They 
iworleans> 
eat  force, 
ween  the 
1,  opposite 
y  coinmen- 
which  they 
en  Lt.  Colt 
nding  him- 
provisionSy 
10  was  sta* 
)ay,  with  a 
ived  about 
le  enemy's 

garrison, 
these  were 

the  bom- 
ided.....The 

at  Mobile, 
f,  and  was 
[le  morning 

Jritish  fleet 

of  a  letter 
Lrming  him 
Etates  from 
Vodd)  char- 
lion  to  Gen. 

«h  army  on 
their  part 
should  be 


TH£  WAa. 


4^1 


It  •  was  not  until  the  15(b  of  March  that  Qeneral  Jackson  re- 
ceived official  information  at  Neworleans  of  the  ratification  of  the 
treaty  by  our  government  ;  when  he  immediately  revoked  the 
order  proclaiming  martial  law,  having  deemed  it  essential  to  the 
safety  of  the  city  to  continue  it  in  force  until  that  time.  He  then 
discharged  tbe  volunteers  and  militia  remaining  on  duty. 

Biographical  sketch  q/  Gen,  Jackson,».After  the  recent  succes- 
sion of  great  events,  now  seen  by  all  to  have  been  externally  con- 
troled  by  the  mighty  powers  of  one  man,  our  solicitude  is  impatient 
to  know  the  materials  of  which  this  extraordinary  character  is 
composed....  who  and  what  were  his  parents  to  produce  such  an  off- 
spring ?  What  incidents  of  his  boyish  years  foretold  the  brilliancy 
and  tbe  energy  of  a  mind,  now  perfected  for  the  most  daring  ex- 
ploits and  creative  for  his  wants  even  when  all  around  was  a  cha- 
os without  form  and  void  ?  Had  the  subject  of  our  enquiries  beea 
the  vain,  and  blustering  herald  of  himself,  we  should  have  wanted 
inducements  to  explore  a  dark  mine  wheie  no  precious  material, 
where  no  diamond  blazed  in  the  dust.  He  is  not  his  own  bio. 
gi^apher  to  tell  us  what  ''  our  GENERAL  "  has  done,  nor  has  he 
threatened  to  "  look  down  opposition."  He  has  trusted  his  fame 
to  his  own  exploits.  We  know  little  more  of  this  luminary  than 
by  what  we  can  behold  while  dazzled  with  its  effulgence  pouring 
from  its  excentric  orbit.  The  familiar  friends  of  §en.  Jackson 
permit  us  to  know  but  little  of  his  early  life  and  by  no  means  have 
we  enough  to  pourtray  the  nuin.  We  have  however  gleaned 
something.  The  little  which  we  posses  is,  that  Gen.  Jackson  was 
born  in  Lancaster  ia  South-Carolina,  in  what  is  there  denominated 
the  Waxhaw  settlement.  Having,  at  an  early  age,  lost  his  pa- 
rents, he  was  brought  up  by  Messrs.  Thomas  and  James  Crawford, 
his  uncles,  iq  the  same  settlement.  He  was,  for  some  time,  a  stu- 
dent in  an  academy,  in  what  is  now  called  York  district,  then 
within  the  Waxhaw.  Mr.  Humphrey's  deserves  the  honor  of 
being  named  as  the  then,  preceptor  of  this  academy.  Young  Jack- 
son afterwards  studied  the  profession  of  law.... was  admitted  to  the 
bar,  and  three  or  four  years  after  the  war  of  the  revolution,  he 
emigrated  to  the  now  state  of  Tennessee,  where  he  commenced 
the  practice  and  soon  became  emiaent  in  his  profession.  His 
speeches  at  the  bar  were  always  considered  to  be  nervous  and  he 
was  admired  for  the  perspicuity  of  his  styk.  He  was,  says  a  wri- 
ter, pointed  out  to  me  in  Knoxville  (Tennessee)  as  an  elegant  scol- 
ar.  la  early  life  he  was  poor  ;  his  industry  soon  made  him  rich. 
Generous  and  briive  in  his  disposition,  he  was  esteemed  by  all, 
who  knew  him.  IQs  influence  soon  became  extensive.  He  was 
elected  a  member  of  the  Tennessee  convention,  and  had  a  large 
share  in  the  formation  of  the  constitution  of  that  state.  After  the 
admission  of  tbe  state  of  Tennessee  into  the  union,  he  was  elected 

3  P 


I 


■ 


|5i    ' 


I 


482 


SKKTGHKS  OV 


to  the  houac  of  repreientativet  from  which  he  wai  trantfeif  cd  by 

the  Tennessee  legislature  to  the  senate  of  the  United  States.    This 

Last  station  he  occupied  with  known  celeBrity  till  he  was  appointed 

a  judge  of  the  supreme  court  of  law  and  equity  of  Tennessee. 

Having  held  tiiis  office,  for  several  years,  with  honor  to  him- 

'  self  and  with  the  reputation   of  impartial  justice  to  the  state,  he 

surrendered  the  scales  of  justice  and  soon  accepted  the  sword  of 

a  major  general  in  the  state  militia.    The  (desolate  villages  of  the 

formerly  haughty  and  powerAil  Creeks^  evince  at  once  the  discern* 

'  ment  of  his  state  and  the  extraordinary  talents  and  bravery  ofthrs 

chieftain. 

We  hazard  the  opinion,  that  it  is  not  only  necessary  that  a  mil- 
itary commander  have  a  mind  prepared  for  any  event,  learned  in 
arm's  ami  prophetic  of  the  future,  but  that  he  have  an  external  ap- 
pearance suited  to  the  toils  of  the  field,  inspring  confidence  and 
overawing  insubordination. 

Of  Gen.  Jackson  after  his  destruction  of  the  Cre'eks,  and  before 
phis  defence  of  Neworleans,  a  writer  of  no  common  merit  ob<> 
serves,  **  He  is  tall,  thin  and  spare ;  but  muscular  and  hardy,  with 
an  eye  quick  and  penetrating.     I  have  frequently  seen  him,  and 
ruch  was  the  impression  his  appearance  made  on  my  mind,  that  I 
have  said  to  myself  he  is  a  man  of  iron.    Adversity  can  make  no 
impression  on  a  bosom  braced  by  such  decision  and  firmness  as 
are  visible  in  his  face  and  manners.     Let  not  the  reader  conclude 
from  this,  that  he  is  haughty,  distant  and  imperioU8,...he  is  quite 
the  contrary.      True,  he  sports  not  with  thfe  feelings  of  others^ 
and  no  one  is  permitted  to  wound  his  with  impunity.     He  is  gay, 
communicative  and  liberal.     The  more  you  know  him,  the  more 
you  admire,  and  indeed  love  him.    To  be  a  patriot,  a  soldier  and 
a  gentleman,  is  sufficient  to  secure  the  inviolable  friendship  of  this 
^distinguished  citizen.    To  the  poor  he  is  liberal;  to  the  unfortu- 
nate, charitable.    To  the  humblest  private  he  is  mild  and  tender : 
to  the  base  and  disaffected  to  his  country  he  is  stem  and  unbend- 
ing, and  yet  just.     He  is  above  fifty-five  years  of  age  ;  but  he  has 
a  juvenility  of  appearance,  which  would  make  him  ten  years 
younger.    He  is  married;  but  has  no  children.    If  in  the  field, 
and  at  the  head  of  armies  in  battle,  we  admire  the  dauntless  sol- 
dier ;  we  love  the  man,  who  at  home  and  in  retirement  is  hospi- 
table and  friendly.     In  this  particular  the  general  is  pre-eminent' 
ly  conspicuous.*' 

Thus  far  only  is  pourtrayed  to  us  the  very  distinguished  person^ 
who  jseems  to  have  been  divinely  commissioned  successfully  to 
protect  our  country,  as  well  against  the  best  disciplined  armiesj 
and  the  most  scientific  and  experienced  generals  of  Europe,  as 
against  the  most  formidable  nation  of  savages  which  have  ever 
incumbered  our  soil.  Called  to  Neworleans  for  its  defence  by  the 
imperious  occasion,  and  by  the  command  of  his  government,  he 


THft  WAR. 


483 


tranifeitcd  by 
State*.  This 
ivas  appointed 
rennessee. 
honor  to  him- 
» the  state,  he 
the  sword  of 
illages  of  the 
:e  thedisoern* 
bravery  ofthh 

iry  that  a  mil- 
nt,  learned  in 
n  external  ap- 
mftdence  and 

k»,  and  before 
non  merit  ob<- 
id  hardy,  with 
leen  him,  and 
f  mind,  that  I 
can  make  no 
>d  firmness  as 
ader  conclude 
t....he  is  quite 
ngs  of  others^ 
",  -He  is  gay, 
titn,  the  more 

a  soldier  and 
indship  of  this 
»  the  unfortu- 
d  and  tender : 
B  and  unbend- 
[ ;  but  he  has 
lim  ten  years 
'  in  the  field, 

dauntless  sol- 
nent  is  hospi- 
I  pre-eminent* 

uished  person, 
uccessfully  to 
lined  armies^ 
of  Europe,  as 
ich  have  ever 
lefence  by  the 
vernment,  he 


iJiere  had  scope  for  all  the  veisatility  of  his  talents,  and  for  all  th6 
promptitude  and  decision  of  his  mind.  A  city  without  any  ade- 
quate fortifications,  upon  an  island,  approachable  in  a  hundred  av- 
enues, peopled  from  all  nations,  a  Babel  with  a  confusion  of  lan- 
guages, recently  admitted  to,  and  little  understanding  the  mild  in- 
stitutibns  of  our  government,  was  supposed  to  contain  materials 
fitted  for  treason  and  to  be  readily  induced  to  submit  to  a  formida- 
ble invading  enemy. 

Soon  after  the  arrival  at  T^worleans  of  General  Jackson,  a 
oonsultatioo  for  the  safety  of  the  city  wks  had,  at  which  his  Ex- 
<^llency  Governor  Claiborne  and  the  honourable  the  Judges  of  tlie 
Sbpreme  Court  attended  as  advisory  to  General  Jackson.  In  this 
council  it  was  thought  to  be  necessary,  and  the  opinion  was  not 
oppose^,  that  martial  law  should  be  proclaimed.  The  safety  of 
.  the  people  was  considered  as  the  supreme  law  of  the  land.  The 
emergency  did  not  permit  the  delay  necessary  for  the  act  of  other 
legitimate  and  higher  authorities.  There  was  a  spirit  which  dar> 
ed  to  execute,  and  General  Jackson  proclaimed  martial  law.  tjp> 
on  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  a  portion  of  the  fickle  and  vibra- 
ting French  population,  obtained  from  the  resident  French  consul^ 
certifica^s  of  French  citizenship. ,  The  general  allowed  their  va- 
lidity ;  but  sent  these  alien  exempts  from  military  duty,  under  a 
military  guard,  120  miles  from  his  camp  and  besieged  city,  to  Ba- 
ton Rouge,  in  the  interior. 

A  printer  had  misrepresented  that  General  Jacksoh'f  order  of 
removal  applied  indiscriminately  to  the  whole  French  population. 
The  French  consul  a  second  time  resisted  the  martial  law  by  claim- 
ipg  for  his  king  individuals  of  the  city  militia.  He  even  erected  a 
standard,  and  under  pretext  of  the  violations  of  the  liberty  of  the 
French  citizens,  invited  them  to  revolt.  General  Jack«on  consid- 
ering further  forbearance  as  criminally  endangering  the  live!  of 
even  these  mongrel  citizens,  and  as  calculated  to  betray  the  city 
to  the  enemy,  arrested  this  consul;  and  a  Judge  (Hall)  of  the  su-. 
preme  eourt  issued  a  writ  of  habeas  corpus  to  compel  the  enlarge* 
ment  of  the  prisoner.  The  general  still  determined  to  maintain 
his  martial  law,  and  thereby  bind  together  this  heterogenous  popu* 
lation  to  the  defence  of  the  city,  ordered  the  judge  into  confine- 
ment, and  to  be  removed  without  the  lines  of  defence.  Boldly 
indeed,  and  with  an  unyiekling  spirit,  the  general  conopelled  and 
eontrouled  the  public  safety. 

After  the  peace  was  officially  known  at  Nevyorleans  to  have 
been  ratified,  and  when  the  martial^  law  had  ceased  to  operate. 
General  Jackson  was  cited  to  answer  before  the  judge,  whom  hf 
had  arrested,  to  show  cause  why  an  attachment  sbecdd  not  issuf 
against  the  general  for  a  contempt  of  the  court  in  sundry  particur 
lars  relating  to  the  writ  of  habeas  corpus.  The  general  disdaior 
ing  to  evade  a  requisition  tff  the  .  law,  stibmitted   h.tnlsetf  to  tht 


ij' 


r 


'194 


SKETCHES  OF 


conrt,  and  by  bis  council,  offered  to  present  to  it  hi»  defence  ia 
writing,  but  which  wat  contumelioutiy  rejected  without  being 
read.    This  trial  which  precluded  also  a  jury,  was  continued  from 
day  to  day  for  several  days,  when  on  the  last  day.  General  Jaclf> 
son  walked  into  the  court  hoase  with  admirable  composure,  and 
exemplary  respect  for  the  high  authority  which  called  him  thither. 
He  approached  the  judf[e  with  a  paper  in  bis  hand>  having  dispen- 
aed  with  the  friendly  offices  of  the  professional  gentleman  who  had 
managed  his  case  before.    The  jtldge  informed  the  general  that 
there  were  interrogatories  to  be  pronounced  to  him,  to  which  he 
was  desired  to  respond :  the  general  replied  he  wouM  not  answer 
them,  saying,  *'  sir,  my  defence  in  this  accusation  has  been  offer- 
ed, and  you  have  denied  its  admission,  you  have  refused  me  an 
opportunity  of  explaining  my  motives,  and  the  necessity  for  the 
adoption  of  the  martial  law  in  repelling  an  invading  foe,**  pointing 
out  at  the  same   moment  his  objections  tp  that  mode  of  proceed* 
ing  under  which  the  enquiry  was  had,  ta  know  whether  or  not 
the  attachment  should  issue.    '*  f  was  then  with  these  brave  fel- 
lotvs  in  arms,"  (alluding  to  the  surroujftding  crowd.)    "  You  were 
not,  sir."*    The  judge  went  on  to  read  his  opinion^    The  gene • 
ral  interrupted  hira  with  much  apparent  deliberation,  saying,  ••  sir, 
state  facts,  and  confine  yourself  to  them.    Since  my  defence  is, 
and  has  been  precluded,  let  not  censure  constitute  a  part  of  this 
sought  for  punishment."    To  which  the  jud^  replied.../*  It  is 
with  delicacy,  general,  that  I  speak  of  your  name  or  character.... 
I  consider  you  the  saviour  of  the  country  ;  but  fbt  your  contempt 
of  authority,  or  that  elTect,  you  will  pay  a  ilne  of  1600  dollars." 
Here  the  general  interrupted'  by  filling  s  check  for  that  sum,  on  the- 
b^nk,  and  presenting  it  to  the  marshal,  which  was  received  in  dis- 
charge.   The  general  then  retired,  observing,  on  his  passage  to 
the  door, «« it  will  be  my  turn  next."     ^*'»w  ^ 

At  the  door  he  was  received  amid  the  afcblamations  of  the  ex- 
elaiming  populace,  with  which  the  streetr  and  avenues  were  fill* 
ed,  of  all  nations  and  eotours.  A  coach  awaited  him  ai  the  door 
of  the  court-house,  into  which  he  was  carried  and  seated^  the 
shafts  and  handles  of  which  were  eagerly  seized  by  the  peopIe...„ 
In  this  way  he  was  precipitated  through  the  streeit  to  the  French 
cofTee-house,  amid  the  shouts  of  vive  le  General  Jkekisdn,  and  de- 
nouncing his  prosecutors,  thence  to  the  American  cofl^-hotise, 
where  the  general  addressed  the  crowd  as  fbAoWs: 

Felto!W-Citizens  and  Soldfers».»BehoM  your  geaera};^  under 
^homf  but  a  flew  days  ago,  you  occupied  the  tented  field,  braving 
att  the  privations  and  dangers  in  repellio|  and  defeating  your 

! '  ^  Let  it  be  mnenibered.  ihat  oh  tlie  S4^  ot  Uecember  Judjsje  H«U  taiiSvtgt  **•*  oblaiTC4  scHMt 
n}  ferqa'uv'MiM  to  nm  thM  suards  to  and  fro,  and  let  out  on  foot, jMMrd  the  upper gnara  above  idnt'.* 
"iff, au8  went  tow  inteiivr,  whence  they  dU not NtucDuatU^afiwUievictoiv. 


'l|i»/WAll. 


4a» 


nee  m 
t  being 
id  from 
tl  Jack- 
re,  and 
thither. 
>  diapen- 
who  had 
>ral  that 
vhtch  he 
t  answer 
en  offisr- 
d  me  an 
y  for  the 
'  pointing 
procieed* 
er  or  not 
brave  fel- 
iFou  were 
?he  gene- 
mg,«*»ir, 
lefence  is, 
iFt  of  this 
(d...;««ltis 
araeter.... 
contempt 
)  dollars.*' 
im>  on  tibe- 
^ed  in  dis- 
lassitge  to 

>f  the  ex- 
fere  fill" 
the  door 
*ated^  the 
Ipeople...** 
\e  French 
I,  and  de* 
•house^. 


il,  under 
braving 
your 


Kinc4  grmt 

)  Above  tbe"- 


6ouAtry*s  exterior  enemies^  uuder  the  rules  and  disciplioe  of  tht 
camp,  so  indispensable  to  the  hope  of  victory  ;  rules  which  were 
predicated  upon  necessity,  and  which  met  the  approbation  of  every 
patriot.     Behold  him  now,  bending  under  a  specious  pretext  of  re* 
drening  your  country's  civil  authority,  which,  though  wrought  ' 
through  prejudice,  he  scorns  to  deny  or  oppose,  but  cheerfully  sub* 
mits  to-  what  is  influenced  upon  him,  now  that  the  difficulties  nn-  - 
der  which  we  groaned  are  removed,  and  the  discipline  of  the  camp 
summons  you  no  more  to  arms.    It  is  the  highest  duty  and  pride 
of  all  good  men  to  pay  their  tribute  of  respeet  to  the  gumrdian  of 
our  civil  liberties.     Remember  this  last  charge,  as  in-  a  few  days  I 
expect  to  leave  you :  it  may  serve  as  a  lesson  to  yourselves  and 
posterity.*' 

Mr.  Davezac  gave  the  substance  of  the  preceding  remarks  from 
the  general  in  French  ;  after  which  the  general  was  conducted  to  < 
the  coach,  and  drawn  to  his  quarters  in  Fauxbourg  Marigny,  fol-  ' 
lowed  by  the  multitude,  eolioing,  vive  le  General  Jaekson. 

The  fine  was  afterwards  paid  by  a  voluntary  subscription  of  one 
dollar  each,  by  1000  citizens. 

In  addition  to  the  addresses  to  General  Jackson^  published  in 
preceding  pages  of  this  work,  numeioua  other  addresses,  which 
seem  necessarily  to  comprise  the  mass  of  the  eHy  population  of 
Neworleans,  were  also  presented  to  the  general,  not  only  approv- 
ing, but  extdling,  in  the  most  grateful  language^  hir  military  con- 
duct. Congress  has  also  passed,  unanimously,  resolutions  of  thank» 
to  the  general,  for  the  defence  which  he  made,  and  an  emblema- 
tical gold  medal,  with  devices  of  his  splendid  achievements,  has 
been  ordered  to  be  presented  to  him.  Addresses  and  resolutione 
of  thanks  fVom  other  and  miner  bodies  from  various  parts  of  the 
Union,  also  evince  the  gi;9*tt;^de  of  this  numerous  people  to  the 
general,  for  his  almost  unequalled  victories. 

The  stars  of  our  country  have  splendidly  shone;  and  may  they^ 
long  shine  over  the  head  of  our  Jackson.  Our  late  enemies  have 
Mi  ftom  his  hand  our  arrows.  The  oUve  now  sm'rounde  his 
brows.  "In  peace,  he  is  the  gentle  brealh  of  spring;  in  war, 
the  mountftia  storm."  He  has  appeared,  and  yet  appears,  cover- 
ed with  g^ory.  The  laurels  with  which  he  has  decked  his  coun- 
try's standard,  will  bloom  for  ages. 

GeograpkicaL„;Tbe  island  of  Otieans  is  a  tract  of  land  lying;, 
between  the  Mississippi  on  the  S.  W.  and  the  Ibberville  and  lakes 
Maurepas  and  Ponchartrain  on  the  N^  E.  The  Ibberville  is  a  ba- 
ytni,  or  arm  of  the  Mississippi>  which  leaves  it  on  the  east  208 
miles  from  its  mouth,  acoording^  to  the  course  of  the  river,  aud 
flows  through  lakes  Maurepas  and  Ponehartrain,  to  the  Gulph  of 
Mexreo.    The  island  stretches  from  E.  S.  B.  to  W.  N.  W.  in  a 


W 


J 


*«. 


409 


SKETCHK6  0» 


Straight  line,  about   160  miles.    Its  breadth  varies  from  o  lo  HB 
miles. 

Neworlrans  city  is  the  only  town  of  any  considerable  conie- 
quenee  in  tae  whole  of  Louisiana.  It  was  founded  in  1717,  and 
Hands  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Mississippi,  87  miles  from  its  mouth, 
1308  below  that  of  the  Missouri,  and  1115  below  that  of  the 
Ohio.  It  is  on  the  S.  W.  side  of  the  Island  of  Orleans,  and  9 
miles  west  of  lake  Ponchartrain,  with  which  it  is  connected  by 
the  canal  Carondolet,  2  miles  in  lengthy  leading  to  the  bayou  St. 
Jean,  which  empties  into  the  lake.  The  town  is  regularly  laid 
out,  the  streets  cross  each  other  at  right  angles,  and  9re  generally 
about  40  feet  broad.  The  houses  of  the  principal  streets  near  the 
river  are  built  of  brick,  and  are  covered  with  slate  tiles.  Those 
in  the  back  part  of  the  town  are  chiefly  of  wood.  The  length  of 
the  town  along  the  river  is  upwards  of  a  mile,  and  its  breadth 
more  than  half  a  mile.  In  the  centre  of  the  town  stands  the  ca- 
thedral and  town-house,  and  in  front«  of  them  an  open  square  co- 
vered with  grass.  The  Levee  is  an  embankment  of  earth,  about 
0  feet  high,  commencing  at  fort  St.  Philip,  or  Plaquemine,  43 
miles  below,  and  reaching  the  Ibberville  at  the  head  of  the  island, 

121  miles  above  the  city,  according  to  the  course  of  the  river 

This  artificial  embankment  is  i^ecessary  in  fr.eshes  to  prevent  the 
waters  of  the  Mississippi  from  inundating  the  whole  island.  .  It 
makes  an  exoelleDt  road,  about  20  feet  wide,  which  is  dry  at  all 
seasons  of  the  year,  and  passes  directly  in  front  of  the  town  along 
the  margin  of  the  river,  afibrding  a  very  pleasant  evening  w41k. 
In  the  evening,  after  sunset  it  is  crowded  with  company.  All  the 
markets  are  on  the  Levee.  At  the  S.  K.  end  of, the  town  stands 
a  building  lately  occupied  as  a  convent  by  a  numbfsr  of  Urseiine. 
nuns.  The  city^  suburbs  and  preeints  of  Neworleans  contained, 
at  the  last  census,  24,552  inhabitants,  of  whom  13,728  were 
whites,  and  10,824  slaves.  There  area  number  of  Indians  in 
'  the  city,  and  itore  than  one  half  of  the  whites  are  French.  The 
different  grades  have  each  thev  different  amusements. 

Lak«  Ponchartrain  is  variously  stated  to  be  from  .40  to  ,60  miles 
in  length,  and  from  24  to  30  miles  widci  apd  has  a  channel  course 
through  it  about  18  feet  deep^  The  bayou  St.  Jean,  vyhich  leads 
from  the  lake  to  the  canal  Carondolet,  is  navigable  for  small  craft 
only,  having  from  4  to  5  leet  water  in  depth.  At  the  moiitb  of 
the  bayou  is  fort  St.  Jean.  Lake  Ponchartrain  communicates  with 
tlie  Gulph  of  Mexico  by  a  passage  called  the  Rigblets..  This  pas- 
sage is  10  mi/es  long,  between  3  and  400  yards  wide,  with  6  or 
7  feet  of  water  in  depth.  By  tfan  passage  from  the  6ulp|i,  is  ad- 
mitted throQ^jb  lakes  Ponchartrain  and  Maurepas,  a  ^d^of  from 
1  to  6  feet,  varied  accordipg  to  .the,  course  of  ^h^  vyinds.  .  As 
these  waters  pass  through  the.  Rigolets,  they  mingle  with  the  wa- 
ters of  Pearl  river,  and  togethM-flow  in|t|)^,^iUph.  .  Oa^.tbe, 


tac 

nio 

car 

effc 

the 


to 


i6 


■>«:  -rt  '*  »?■'?"■'■ 


,f.r 


THE  WAR. 


4tr 


conie- 

l7,  an* 
mouth, 

of  the 
I,  and  9 
cted  by 
tyou  St. 
irly  laid 
enerally 
near  the 

Thoie 
ength  of 
breadth 
i  the  ca* 
]ttare  co- 
th,  about 
mine,  43 
lie  island^ 

river 

event  the 
ind.  It 
dry  at  all 
wn  along 
ing  walk. 
*  Ail  the 
wn  stands 

Urseline. 
lontain^d, 
f28  were 
[tidians  ior 

ich.    The 

,60  miles 

Inel  course 

Ihich  leads 

linall  craft 

mouth  of 

jates  with 

Thi3  pas- 

withOor 

[iph,  is  ad- 
je.  of  frov 
/iiids.    As 

tb  the  wa- 
VQo.lbe 


#outh  side  of  the  Rigolets,  and  near  to  th«  cntrince  from  the 
Gulph,  there  is  a  large  passage  into  lake  Bourgne  (or  Blind  Lake.) 
There  is  also  a  passage  0  or  7  feet  deep  between  lakes  Bourgne 
and  Pnnchartrain,  called  the  bayou  Chef  Menteur.  Near  the  en- 
trance into  Ponchartrain,  at  the  east  end  of  the  Rigolets,  tod  on 
the  north  side,  are  the  principal  mouths  of  Pearl  river.  Upon  the 
foiith  side  of  the  Rigolets,  and  commanding  them,  as  well  as  some 
of  the  mouths  of  Pearl  river,  is  the  fort  Petit  Coquilles. 

Lake  Bourgne  lies  eastwardly  of  Neworleans  about  20  miles. 
From  the  head  of  this  lake,  6  miles  from  the  Mississippi,  is  a  Cy- 
press swamp,  whieh  extends  4  mites  from  the  lake,  and  within  1 
mile  of  the  Mississippi.  This  distance  of  one  mile  from  the  rivet 
toward  the  lake  is  firm  ground ;  which  extent  of  fit  m  ground, 
skirted  with  the  swamp,  reaches  above  the  city.  Hence  General 
Jackson,  by  erecting  a  breast-work  of  one  mile  in  length,  eflTectu- 
ally  fortified  all  the  ground  between  him  and  the  city  upon  whioli 
the  eneihy  could  march.  C 

Prom  the  head  qf  lake  Bourgne,  the  bayou,  or  creek,  Bienve* 
nue  extends  to  within  4  miles  of  the  Mississippi ;  which  bayou, 
with  the  addition  of  a  canal,  continued  a  water  communication 
for  small  craft  to  the  Levee.  Hence,  by  opening  a  passage  a  few 
feet  through  the  Levee,  and  deepening  the  canal,  the  enemy  was 
enabled,  in  boats,  to  send  a  force  across  the  Mississippi,  to  Mor- 
gan's entrenched  camp,  and  to  Patterson's  batteries.  A  small 
distance  below  this  canal,  is  the  Detow  Anglois,  or  English  Turn^ 
in  the  Mississippi.  Upon  this  Turn,  and  on  each  side  of  the  river, 
is  a  battery  vvhibh  commands  the  approach  to  Neworleans.  No 
wind  which  caq  bring  a  vessel  from  the  mouth  of  the  river  to  this 
Turn,  can  carry  her  by  it,  without  coming  in  stays;,  and  eve- 
ry ship  at  this  place  must  be  as  a  raft,  an  object  of  deliberate  fire 
batteries.  t 


from 


A 


IU--   .y^'\' 


m 


tts^ 


CHAPTER  XXXIX. 


i 

i 


Point'Petre  and  St,  Miiry''s».»Loss  of  the  U.  S,  frigate  Presi- 
dent„»*Captttre  of  the  Cyane  and  Levant*.».List  of  British 
vessels  edpturedin  1814-15...*.C/ose  ofthewar,  and  treaty 

'    (if  Peace,  "  ■ 

Otf  the  13th  of  January,  l&ld^  about  IfiOO  of  the  enemy  at- 
tacked by  land  and  water,  a  small  fort  at  Point-Petre,  at  the 
niouth  of  St.  Mary's  rlver^  in  Georgia,  which  they  succeeded  in 
carrying  ;  the  garrison  (consilting  of  S6  men)  having  previously 
effected  its  retreat  after  a  few*  fires.  During  the  movements  of 
the  land  troops  of  the  enemy  against  the  Point,  they  were  severe- 
ly harrassed  by  a  small  but  brave  corps,  consisting  of  60  riflemen 


4^ 


^Am'CHKS  0« 


and  iufaolrya  under  oommaod  of  CapC.  Mttiiaf  or  the  lit  U.  h, 
rl0e  coipt.  The  eneny's  low  wm  ooniiderAble,  while  oure  wm 
bur  trMing. 

Tb«  «netny  aftcrwardi  entered  the  town  of  St.  M^ry%  about 
6  SNlea  up  the  river,  where  they  coromHted  nany  aeti  of  plunder. 
AAer  continuing  there  for  8  or  10  days,  they  retired  to  Cumber- 
land Island,  having  burnt  the  barracks  and  blown  ip  the  fort  at 
Point-Petre. 

On  the  84th  of  February,  lix  of  the  enemyl  bargee,  containing 
250  men,  attempted  to  ascend  the  St.  Mary '(.fiver,  with  the 
Tiew,  as  was  supposed,  of  burning  mills  lying  on  the  river.  Th«y 
were  attacked  by  a  party  of  20  men  under  Capt.  Miokler,  akied 
by  SO  of  the  Patriots  of  Florida  under  Cok  Dill,  and  were  compel- 
led to  retire  with  great  loss,  being  so  completely  out  up  as  not  to 
be  able  to  work  their  barges  with  the  usual  complement  of  oart...,. 
Their  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  wae  stated  to  have  be«n  from 
100  to  160.  Our  loss  was  only  1  man  severely  wounded,  our 
men  having  been  aided  by  a  cover  of  woods,  which  aoreened 
them  from  the  sight  of  the  enemy. 

« 

Loss  of  the  frigate  Pre8idene.....0a  the  14th  of  January  the 
United  States  frigate  President,  Com.  Decatur,  sailed  from  New- 
York  on  a  cruise  ;  and  on  the  day  following  was  captured,  after 
a  tevere  engagement,  by  a  squadron  of  British  vessels,  as  given 
is  the  following  oflScial  letter : 

H.  B.  M.  ship  Endymion,  at  sea,  Jan.  16, 1815. 
Sir-- The  painful  duty  of  detailing  to  you  the  particular  causes 
which  preceded  and  led  to  the  capture  of  the  late  U.  S.  frigate 
Ptesident,  by  a  squadron  of  bis  Britannic  majesty's  ships,  (as  per 
margin)  has  devolved  upon  me.  In  my  communicatk>n  of  the 
14tb,  I  made  known  to  you  my  intention  of  proceeding  to  sea 
on  that  evening.  Owing  to  mistake  of  the  pilots,  the' ship,  in  go- 
ing out,  grounded  on  the  bar,  where  she  continued  to  strike  heav- 
ily for  an  hour  and  a  half.  Although  she  had  broken  several  of 
her  rudder  braces,  and  received  such  other  material  injury  as  to 
render  her  return  into  port  desirable,  I  wis  unable  to  do  so  from 
the  strong  westerly  wind  which  was  then  blowing.  It  being  noW 
high  water,  it  became  necessary  to  force  her  over  the  bar  before 
the  tide  fell;  in  this  we  succeeded  by  10  o'clock,  when  we  shaped 
our  course  along  the  shore  of  Long  Island  for  SO  miles,  and  then 
steered  S.  £.  by  E.  At  3  o'clock  three  ships  were  discovered 
ahead  ;  We  immediately  hauled  up  the  ship  and  passed  two  milea 
fo  the  northward  of  them.  At  day-light  we  discovered  four  ships 
in  chase,  one  on  each  quarter  and  two  astern,  the  leading  ship  of 
the  enemy  a  razee.....8he  commenced  a  fire  upon  us,  but  without 
effect.  At  meridian,  the  wind  became  light  and  baffling ;  we  had, 


THE  WAR. 


46t> 


ngnow 
before 
thaped 
id  then 
iorered 
Ofnile« 
r  ships 
ship  of 
vithout 
wehad^ 


ificreued  our  distance  from  the  razee,  but  the  next  ship  astern/ 
which  was  also  a  Iftrge  ship,  had  gained  and  continued  to  gaia 
upon  us  consid'Tably.  We  immediately  occupied  all  hands  to 
lighten  ship,  by  starting  water,  cutting  away  the  anchors,  throw- 
ing overboard  provUions,  cables,  spare  spars,  boats,  and  every  ar« 
tide  that  could  bi'  got  at,  keeping  the  sails  wet  from  the  royals 
down.  At  3  we  had  the  wind  quite  light ;  the  enemy,  who  had 
now  been  joined  by  a  brig,  had  a  strong  breeze  and  were  coming 
up  with  us  rapidly.  The  Endymlon  (mounting  50  guns,  24  poun* 
ders  on  the  m^in  deck)  had  now  approached  us  within  gunshot, 
and  had  comm<mced  a  fire  with  her  bow  guns,  which  we  return- 
ed (rom  our  ste^.  At  5  o'clock  she  had  obtained  a  position  on 
our  starboard  quarter,  within  half  point  blank  shot,  on  which  nei* 
ther  our  stern  nor  quarter  guns  would  bear.  We  were  now  steer- 
ing E.  by  N.  the  wind  N.  W.  I  remained  with  her  in  this  posi- 
tion for  half  an  hour,  in  the  hope  that  she  would  close  with  us  on 
our  broadside,  in  which  case  I  had  prepared  my  crew  to  board  ; 
but  from  his  continuing  to  yaw  his  ship,  to  maintain  his  position, 
it  became  evident  that  to  close  was  not  his  intention.  Every  lire 
now  cut  some  of  our  sails  and  rigging.  To  have  continued  our 
course  under  these  circumstances,  would  have  been  placing  it  in 
bis  power  to  cripple  us,  without  being  subject  to  injury  himself; 
and  to  have  hauled  up  more  to  the  northward  to  bring  our  stern 
guns  to  bear,  would  have  exposed  us  to  his  raking  fire.  It  was 
now  dusk,  when  I  determined  to  alter  my  course  south,  for  the 
purpose  of  bringing  the  enemy  abeam ;  and  although  their  ships 
astern  were  drawing  up  fast,  I  felt  satisfied  I  should  be  enabled  to 
throw  him  out  of  the  combat  before  they  could  come  up,  and  was 
not  without  hopes,  if  the  night  proved  dark,  (of  which  there  was 
every  appearance,)  that  I  might  still  be  enabled  to  effect  my  es> 
cape.  Our  opponent  kept  on  at  the  same  instant  we  did,  and  our 
fire  commenced  at  the  same  time.  We  continued  engaged,  steer- 
ing south  with  steering  sails  set,  two  hours  and  a  half,  when  we 
completely  succeeded  in  dismantling  her.  Previous  to  her  drop* 
ing  entirely  out  of  the  action,  there  were  intervals  of  minutes, 
when  the  ships  were  broadside,  in  which  she  did  not  fire  a  gun. 
At  this  period,  (half  past  8  o'clock)  although  dark,  the  other  ships 
of  the  squadron  were  in  sight,  and  almost  within  gun-shot.  We 
were  of  coivse  compelled  to  abandon  her.  In  resuming  our  for- 
mer course  for  thje  purpose  of  avoiding  the  squadron,  we  were 
compelled  to  present  our  stern  to  our  antagonist ;  but  such  was 
his  state,  though  we  were  thus  exposed,  and  within  range  of  hit 
guns  for  half  an  hour,  that  he  did,  not  avail  himself  of  this  oppor- 
tunity of  raking  us.  We  continued  this  course!  until  1 1  o'clock, 
when  two  fresh  ships  of  the  enemy  (the  Pomone  and  Tenedos) 
hftd  com?  up.    The  Pomone  had  opened  her  fire  on  the  larboard 


0 


vl 


'  --^  T-'     c-  «-  * 


♦  ■'■^la**" 


4»0 


iJKGTCHES  OF 


bo\v,  within  musket  shot;  the  other«  about  two  cables  lengtt^ 
astern,  taking  a  raking  position  on  our  quarter  ;  and  the  rest,  with 
the  exeeption  of  the'End^fmron,  within  gun-shot.  Thus  situated, 
with  about  one-fifth  of  my  crew  killed  and  wounded,  my  ship 
crippled,  and  a  more  than  fourfold  force  opposed  to  me^  without 
^  chance  of  escape  left,  I  deemed  it  my  duty  to  surrender. 

It  is  with  emotions  of  pride  I  bear  testimony  to  the  gaUantry 
and  steadiness  of  every  officer  and  man  I  had  the  honour  to  com- 
mand on  this  occasion ;  and  I  feel  satisfied  that  the  fact  of  their 
having  beaten  a  force  equal  to  themselves,  in  the  presence  and 
almost  under  the  guns  of  so  vastly  siiperior  a  for^e,  when,  too,  it 
was  almost  selfevident,  that  whatever  their  exertions  might  be,i 
they  must  ultimately  be  captured,  will  be  taken  as  evidence  of 
what  they  would  have  performed,  had  the  force  opposed  to  thjem 
been  in  any  degree  equal. 

It  is  with  extreme  pain  I  have  to  inform  you  that  Lieutenants 
Babbit,  Hamilton  and  Howell  fell  in  the  action.  They  have  left 
|io  officers  of  5uperior  merit  behind  them. 

If,  sir,  the  issue  of  this  affair  had  been  fortunate,  I  should  hav^ 
felt  it  my  duty  to  have  recommended  to  your  attention  Lieutenants 
Sbubricl^  and  Gallagher.  They  maintained,  throughout  the  day, 
the  reputation  they  had  acquired  in  former  actions. 

Lieutenant  Twiggs,  of  the  marines,  displayed  great  zeal ;  his 
men  were  well  supplied,  and  their  fire  incomparable  so  long  as 
the  enemy  continued  within  musket  range. 

Midshipman  Randolph,  who  had  charge  of  the  forecastle  divi- 
sion, managed  it  to  my  entire  satisfaction. 

From  Mr,  Robinson  who  was  serving  as  a  volunteer,  I  received 
essential  aid,  particularly  after  I  was  deprived  of  the  services  of 
the  master,  and  the  severe  loss  1  had  sustained  in  nby  officers  on 
my  quarter-deck. 

Of  our  loss  in  killed  and  wounded,  I  am  unable  at  present  to  give 
you  a  correct  statement ;  the  attention  of  the  surgeon  being  so  en- 
tirely occupied  with  the  wounded,  that  he  vyas  unable  to  make  out  a 
correct  return  when  I  left  the  President,  nor  shall  I  be  able  to  make 
it  until  our  arrival  in  port,  we  having  parted  company  with  the 
squadron  yesterday.  The  enclosed  list,  with  the  exception,  I  fear^ 
of  its  being  short  of  the  number,  will  be  found  correct. 

For  24  hours  after  the  action,  it  was  nearly  calm,  and  the 
squadron  were  occupied  in  repairing  the  crippled  ships.  Such  of 
the  crew  of  the  President  as  were  not  badly  wounded,  were  put 
on  board  the  different  ships ;  myself  an^  a  part  of  my  crew  were 
put  on  board  this  ship.  On  the  17th  Ave  had  a  gale  from  the 
eastward,  when  this  ship  lost  her  bowsprit,  fore  and  main-masts, 
^nd  mizen  top-mast,  all  of  which  were  badly  wounded,  and  was, 
in  consequence  of  her  disabled  condition,  obliged  ^to  throw  over- 
Iroaid  all  ber  upper-deck  guns;  her  loss  in  ^led  and  wou^d^4 


nnes. 


THE  WAR. 


491 


lengtu 
t,  with 
tuati;d^ 
ay  ship 
without 

!i\lantry 
to  com- 
of  their 
nee  and 
I,  too,  it 
lighl  be„ 
len««  of 
to  thjem 

>utenants 
have  left 

)uld  havf 

eutenants 

the  day, 

zeal;  his 
o  long  as 

astle  divi- 

receivcd 
[ervices  of 
pfficers  on 

Int  to  give 
)ing  80  en- 
lake  out  a 
lie  to  make 
with  the 
Ion,  I  fear, 

I,  and  the 
Such  of 
were  put 
Irew  were 
from  the 
Iain-masts, 
and  was, 
Irow  over- 
wounde^ 


must  have  been  very  great.  I  have  not  been  able  to  ascertain 
the  extent.  Ten  were  buried  after  I  came  on  board  (26  hours  af- 
ter the  action ;)  the  badly  wounded,  such  as  were  obliged  to  keep 
their  cots,  occupy  the  starboard  side  of  the  gun-deck,  from  the 
cabin  bulk-head  to  the  main-mast.  From  the  crippled  state  of  the 
President's  spars,  I  feel  satisfied  she  could  not  have  saved  her 
masts,  and  I  feel  serious  apprehensions  for  the  safety  of  our  wouii> 
ded  left  on  board. 

It  is  due  to  Captain  Hope  to  state,  that  every  attention  has  been 
paid  by  him  to  myself  and  officers  that  have  been  placed  on  board 
his  ship,  that  delicacy  and  humanity  could  dictate.  I  have  the 
honour  to  be,  &c.  STEPHEN  DECATUR. 

The  British  vessels  referred  to  in  the  dbove  letter^  were  the  Ma- 
jestic, Endyipion,  Pomouie,  Tenedos,  and  Dispatch ;  and  the  loss 
on  board  of  the  President,  was  24  killed  and  55  wouMed. 

In  the  gale,  mentioned  by  Commodore  Decatur,  in  which  the 
Endymion  was  so  much  injured,  the  President  also  suffered  se- 
verely. She  afterwards,  however,  arrived  at  Bermuda,  where 
she  found  the  Pomone  and  Endymion.  Commodore  Dpcatiir,  af- 
ter remaining  on  the  island  for  a  few  days,  was  paroled  aud  sail- 
ed for  the  United  States  in  the  British  frigate  Narcissus. 

In  a  letter  to  the  secretary  of  the  navy,  under  date  of  the  6th 
of  March,  Commodore  Decatur  mentions,  that  "  a  considerable 
number  of  his  killed  aind  wounded  was  from  the  fire  of  the  Po- 
mone, and  that  the  Endymion  had  on  board,  in  addition  to  her 
own  crew,  1  lieuteMant,  1  master's  mate  and  50  seamen,  belong- 
ing to  the  Saturn ;  and  when  the  action  ceased,  was  left  motion- 
less and  unmanageable,  until  she  bent  new  sails,  rove  new  rig- 
ging, and  fished  her  spars;  nor  did  she  join  the  squadron  until  6 
hours  after  the  action,  and  3  hours  after  the  surrender  of  the  Pre- 
sident." 

Capture  of  the  Cyarie  and  Levant...».On  the  evening  of  the 
20th  February,  Captain  Stewart,  of  the  U.  S.  frigate  Constitution, 
off  the  island  of  Madeira,  fell  in  with  his  Britannic  majesty's  ship^ 

of  war  Cyane  and  Levant,  when  a  spirited  action  commenced 

In  40  minutes  the  Cyane  struck  her  coleurs,  being  much  cut  up, 
and  the  Levant  endeavoured  to  escape.  The  Constitution,  after 
manning  the  prize,  pursued  the  Levant ;  and  in  half  an  hour 
Came  up  with  her,  when  she  soon  surrendered. 

The  Levant  mounted  21  guns,  18  of 'which  were  32  pound  car- 
ronades,  and  her  crew  consisted  of  160  officers,  seamen  and  ma- 
rines, commandied  b}'  Captain  Douglass.  Her  loss  in  killed  was 
23,  and  wounded  16. 

The  Cyane  mounted  34  guns,  (22  thirty-two  pound  carronades, 
10  eighteen  pound  do.  and  2  long  nine  pounders,)  and  her  crew 
iipnsisted  of  168  officers,  seamen  and  marines,  commanded  by 
Captain  Falcon.    Her  loss  in  killed  was  12,  and  wounded  '2Q. 


I'!: 


492 


tfKfcTCU£S  OV 


The  Constitution  received  but  little  injury ;  her  loss  in  killed 
was  3,  and  wounded  12. 

On  the  9th  of  March  the  Constitution  with  her  two  prizes  an- 
chored off  the  Isle  of  May,  (one  of  the  Cape-de-Verd  islands.)***** 
On  the  10th  she  got  under  way,  and  made  sail  for  St.  JagOj 
where  she  anbhored.  On  the  12th,  Captain  Stewart  discovered 
3  British  frigates  standing  for  Port  Praya ;  and  considering  the 
little  respect  heretofore  paid  by  British  vessels  to  neutral  waters, 
he  deemed  it  expedient  to  get  under  way.  Signals  were  accord- 
ingly made  for  this  purpose,  when  the  Portuguese  opened  a  fire 
upon  Captain  Stewart  from  several  of  their  batteries,  and  the  Bri- 
tish frigates  discovering  the  movements  of  our  vessels,  gave  im* 
mediate  chase.  After  continuing  the  chase  for  3  or  4  hours,  they 
succeeded  in  separating  the  Levant  from  the  other  vessels,  when 
she  tacked  dnd  stbod  for  the  harbour,  her  commanding  officer. 
Lieutenant  Ballard,  hoping  the  neutrality  of  the  port  might  pro- 
tect him :  but  in  this  he  was  disappointed.  For  after  anchoring 
in  4  fathom  water,  and  within  150  yards  of  the.  shore,  he  was 
wantonly  attacked  by  th^  British  frigates,  (which  had  chased  him 
in)  when,  finding  all  further  resistance  vaiuy  he  was  compelled  to 
strike  his  colours. 

On  the  8th  of  April,  the  Cyane,  commanded  by  Lieutenant 
Hoffman,  arrived  in  safety  at  Newyork;  and  on  the  15th  of  May 
Captain  Stewart  arrived  at  the  same  place  in  the  Constitu- 
tion, aiter  a  cruise  of  about  5  month8.**.faaving  heard  of  the  ra- 
tification of  a  treaty  of  peace  between  Great  Britain  and  America 
about  a  fortnight  previous  to  bis  arrivaL 

List  of  BritUhvetstU  cdjriiiredin  1814  and  UlB—extractedfrom  tfilft'  ivieekly  BegMer. 


Two  brig*  and  •  ichooner  by  the  O.  Tuik. 

Schooner  Abury  by  the  Surprize. 

A  transport  iloop  laden  with  naval  itore*  and 
impleraentt  of  war,, sunk  by  the  eiiemy  and  af> 
tcrwards  raised  by  Coinmqdore  JM'Dbnoaehi 

Schooner  Bird  witli  fish,  by  .the  Grand  Tinfc. 

Ship  Ocean,  wiih  a  targo  of  mast*,  Sec  for 
Bien  of  war,  by  the  General  Putmait. 

Schooner  Georgiana,  with  rum  and  sugar,  by 
the  Grand  Turk. 

.Sdwoner  — —  by  the  Scorpian.     , 

Schooner  —  by  do  aiid  bilged. 

Schooners  Su^eue  and  Stinger  bjr  the  Midat 
—divested  and  destroyed, 

Sehooner  Betsey  i|nd  Jane,  with  dry  good^  va- 
lued at  150,000  dollars,  by  the  Cadet  of  Salem. 
Brig——  with  fish  by  the  JOiiquillfr 

Ship  Amelia,  mounting  4  long  guns  and  8 
twelve  pound  carronades,  irichly  ladeu  with  dry 
HOods,  altera  close  engagement,  by  the  Saucy 

Four  scliooners  and  three  sloops  by  do. 

Brig  Louisa  by  the  Macedonian,  burnt. 

Brig  Britannia  by  do  do 

Ship  Sir  Kdwanl  Pellew,  907  tons,  t  guns  and 
1 9  men,  by  do— suuIm 

Sehooner  Mariner  by  do— made  a  cartel. 

Schooner  —  with  fish,  by  Ihe  Resolution. 

Btig  S.  U  2  Runs  12  men.  by  the  Kemp. 
I      Ship  KusbU'IIh,  iO  guns,  it  men.   an  elegant 
vessel  ui  351  tons  burthtn  and  coppered,  with 
a  full  cargo  af  sugar,  captured  by  the  Kemp.— 


The  Rosabella,  in  going  intaCharieston,  Ub  for 
tunately  gnmnded  on  the  barand  waaloat.— 
This  vessel  was  ahMtothe  Britisli  of  ikon  S  to 
300,000  doUan. 

Brig  i'ortsea,  8  guqa,  SS  met,  ne«vily  laden 
witb  sugar,  by  the  same. 

Ship  frincess  »  Rnn%  14  men,  widia  neat 
cargo  of  suguar.  by  do 

Schooner  -—  with  sal^  by  the  Toong  Was  p. 
'  Sehooner  HaMicd,  with&;vidaable  cargo,  by 
the  Surprise— divested  and  biunt. 

Two  small  vessels  by  ditto-one  given  up,  die 
other  biiHit. 

Brig  Courtney,  with  a  cargo  worth  36o,000 
dolhin,  by  the  lankeb  ^^t 

Schooner  Folly  with  fish,  by  the  Dash.^ 

SchouierSwittbjrtheExpeditiui.         ^ 

sbip^  X>'Ainiable,  with  augar,  by  the  Roger. 

Sehooner  — with  a  vduable  cargo,  by  the 
Hero. 

Ship  —laden  with provinoDa  and  stotu  fbr 
theauiird  forces  in  FUrida,  entetipg  Mobile  in 
mistake  fur  Fensacohi  bay,  and  there  capiuitd 
by  our  troops. 

Schuoiier  Mary,  with  a  valuahk  cargo  of  dry 
goods,  by  the  Cadet. 

Scbooiivr  St.  John  by  the  Jonquil. 

^honniT  —  bv  the  «ame.  made  a  cartel. 

Kiig  Qyn  Maitland,  with  rum,  by  the  Da^. 

Sloop  Marv  by  ditto— divested  of  goodi  ■id' 
made  a  cartel. 

Schooner  — —  by  the  Fame. 


'PHE  WAR. 


■iy'6 


in  killed 

Drizes  an- 
ands.)..*.. 
St.  JagO;i 
iscovered 
ering  the 
il  waters, 
re  accord- 
ned  a  fire 
the  Bri- 
t  gave  im- 
oursj  they 
els,  when 
ig'  officer, 
night  pro> 
anchoriog 
re,  he  was 
ihased  him 
npelled  to 

Lieutenant 

Ith  of  May 

Constitu- 

of  the  ra- 

i  America 


y  BegUter, 

iarleitaD,OBror 
and  wathMt.— 
iih  of  flron  t  to 

Bilieiivily  laden 

1,  wi^  a  ipnat 

eToangWatp. 

liable  aago,  by 

at. 

K  given  ap,  the 

0  wortli  360,000 

the  Dath. 

itiMi. 

ly  the  Roger. 

le  caigo,  Dythe 

Dsand  (tore*  fbr 
iteriog  Blobile  in 
d  there  capluttil 

able  cargo  ofdtf 

jquil. 

made  a  cartel. 
jn,  by  the  Da^|. 
!d  of  goodf  Mid' 


r<fa  tchosnen  and  a  tloop  by  the  Caroline. 

lirig  Stephen  of  («  Runt  and  io  men.  with  a 
rich  carip  oF  dry  floods,  by  the  sanne  aflur  a 
short  action— diveited  ol  her  eargu  and  given  up 
to  thi:  pritonert. 

Sloop  I'rinidad.  with  eoflee.  bide^  and  log- 
tntoA,  by  the  Jonquil—diveited  and  burnt. 

Brig  >{quity.  with  a  valuable  cargo,  by  the 
Orbmlo 

Brig  Loid  Wellington,  valuable,  by  the  letter 
of  marque  Dlanumr 

Brig  Margitret  with  a  full  cargo  of  wine,  by 
the  Young  Waip 

Ship  Hera  of  410  tons.  M  guns  and  t7  men, 
ladenwithfiih,8ce.  valued  at  iOOflOOl  iterling, 
capMrtd  by  the  ino. 

Four  brigs  and  athooner.rich,  by  the  Amelia. 

Schooner  Neptune  of  8  goni,  it  men  and  450 
ton*  burthen,  wit*!  a  valuaUf!  carga  by  ditto. 

Ketch  Caroline,  under  Danish  colours,  over- 
hauled by  the  'Amelia  and  divested  of  '  pack- 
ages of  dry  goods.  a>  British  property. 

Schooner  Mary,  formerly  the  Climax  of  Ralti- 
m'«re.  of  4  guns  and  u  men  by  do 

Rtig  Pallas  of  <•  goni  and  xo  men,  after  an  ac- 
tion ot  iO  minutes  by  do  S7  fhe  Amelia 
mounted  only  0  fpint. 

Eait  India  ship  Oeneral  Wellesley,  A  guns.  8$ 
men.  500  torn,  with  a  valuable  cargo,  by  the 
Yankee,  alter  a  running  fight.  The  General 
Welleiley  was  afterwards  lost  on  Charleston  bar, 
and  7  of  her  cn^w  only  saved. 

Brig  — —  valuable,  by  the  Paul  Jones. 

The  Lawrence,  during  a  short  cruise,  took  13 
prizes,  some  of  them  very  valuable. 

Brig  LM  Wellington  by  the  Expedition,  burnt. 

Ketch  Kxpedition  by  the  —  cast  away- 

Schooner  Ooldfiuder  by  the  Young  Wasp. 

A  transport,  with  SiO  troops,  chased  ashore  by 
three  privateers  and  lost  near  Castine.  The 
UWops,  however,  escaped. 

Sloop  Governor  Hodgdon  by  the  Dash,  divest- 
ed of  her  carg^  and  given  up. 

Brig  Only  Son  by  ditto  and  ditto. 

Schooner  .— ,  tender  to  the  British  frigate 
Heihus.  I  gun.  30  men,  captured  near  Charles- 
ton by  the  U  S.  barges  under  Lt.  Kearney 

Brig  —— ,  laden  with  provisions  for  the  army 
of  Neworleans,  where  he  had  grounded  and  was 
burnt 

Three  ships,  two  brigs  snd  a  schooner,  by  the 
Kar^v. 

Bng  Courtney,  valuable,  by  the  Yankee. 

Ship  St.  Andrew  of  8  guns,  by  do 

Brig  Speculator  by  do  matle  a  cartel. 

Brig  Patriot  by  the  Brutus 

Brig  Dantzic  by  the  Paul  Jones. 

A  tender  to  the  British  ship  Dauntles,  with  1 9 
armed  men,comniaiided  by  a  lieoteuaniof  the  na- 
vy, captured  by  a  small  party  of  militia  near 
St.  James'  Ishind,  in  the  Chesapeake  bay 

Transport  Inrig  Cyrus  4  guns  with  provisions 
and  clothing,  captured  on  Lake  Bourgue.  burnt. 

Transport  brig  — —  captured  un  do.  and  do. 

Brig  Peter,  valuable,  by  the  Lawrence. 

Btjg  John  by  the  Perry  or  Baltimore 

Brig  Mancybv  ihe  same— made  a  cartel. 

Three  n^itea  schooner  —  by  tlie  Warrior 
of  Newyork— lost 

9iip  wilKam  by  the  Charles  Stewart. 

A  brig  and  a  schooner  by  the  Harrison. 

Ship  Mary,  6  guns,  valuable  by  the  Little 
GeorKe  of  Boston. 

Schooner  Bnnt,  tender  to  the  Severn  frigate, 
captured  by  a  few  boats  of  Com.  Dent's  flotilla, 
•rCharieston. 

Brig  —— •  by  the  Kemp. 
.,  A  vessel  by  the  Avon,  ransomed. 


Ship  —— ,  captiin  d  by  the  Jacob  Jones. 

His  majesty's  sloaps  of  war  Cyane  and  Le- 
vant, by  the  U  ^.  trigate  Consiitutiou.  IHet 
page  4W1 1 

Brig  Baltle  by  the  Grand  Turk— lost. 

A  schooner  and  two  sloops  by  the  America. 

Packet  ship  Elizabeth,  in  ballast,  8  guns  and 
3  i  men.  captured  by  the  same,  alter  a  short  bat- 
tle. The  Elizabeth  had  *  killed  and  13  wound- 
ed, and  was  litterally  torn  to  pieces  she  was 
divested  of  her  armament  and  given  to  the  pris  - 
oners.    The  America  suflfered  no  injury. 

A  ship  and  a  brig,l7  the  Young  VVasp. 

Two  brigs  by  the  Morgiana. 

A  schooner,  sloop  and  ship  (the  latter  with  a 
rich  cargo)  by  tlie  Kemp. 

Brig  —  of  18  guns  and  42  men,  by  the  same 
after  a  smart  action  of  40  minutes,  but  after- 
wards abandoned,  the  prize  crew  being  witli- 
drawn  and  some  articles  taken  out,  on  account 
of  the  near  approach  of  British  vessels  of  war. 

Brig  Alexander  by  the  Leo— lost. 

Brig  Elagle  by  the  Lawrence— recaptured 

Two  brigs  by  the  U.  S  frigate  Coiutitution. 

A  ship  and  a  brig  by  the  Rambler. 

A  valiuble  ship,  threo  brigs,  one  schooner,  and 
three  sloops,  by  the  Xebec  Ultor  of  Baltimore. 

Shooner  Arrow  by  the  America- 
Ship  Adventure  by  the  Chasseur— afterwards 
reeaptured. 

Two  schooners  and  a  sloop  by  the  America. 

Ship  Emulation  by  the  Syren. 

Schooner  — —  by  the  Macuonough— burnt. 

I'wo  schooners,  a  sloop  and  a  brig,  by  tbj 
Reindeer 

Four  brigs  by  the  Portsmouth— one  valued  at 
300,080  lioflars. 

Brig  Adeona,  valuable,  by  the  America. 

Schooner  Sultan  by  the  Morgiana. 

Brig  Sarah  by  the  W^arrior- 

Brig  Legal  Tender,  by  the  David  Porter. 

Brig sunk  by  ilie  Prince  of  Neufchatel. 

Ship  Antigua,  vei7  valuable,  by  the  Kox. 

A  ship  and  a  brig,  valuable,  by  the  Morgianu. 

Two  brigs,  a  schooner  and  a  sloop,  by  the; 
Whig. 

Six  schooners  and  one  brig,  captured ,  by  the 
Surprize— hve  destroyed  and  one  made  a  cartel. 

East  India  ship  Surnf  8  guns  and  3«  meu, 
with  a  cargo  worth  300,000  dollars,  captured  bv 
the  Surprize,  after  a  severe  engagement. 

Two  vessels  by  the  Ranger,  burnt. 

Ship  ——.  a  collier,  by  the  Ranger. 

Brig  Athill,  U  guns,  by  the  Lawrence. 

Schooner  Cieorge  by  the  David  Porter,  f^'"^ 

Brig  William  by  the  Lawrence. 

Brig— —  bythe  Cbamplain. 

Brig  Susanna,  valuable,  by  the  Sine-qua-noa. 

Brig  Flying  Fish,  valuable,  by  the  D.  Porter 

Ship  Corona  of  8  g^ns  and  a  valuable  care  \ 
by  the  Chatseur. 

Packet  (brig)  Lady  Mary  Pelham  of  10  guns  , 
by  the  K^-mp. 
Brig  Sarah  by  the  Warrior,  sunk. 

Brig  Lady  I'roubridge  of  8  guas,  by  the  Ino, 
burnt 

Ship  Mary  and  Susan,  470  tons,  with  an  im- 
mense Uklg^.  by  the  Ctws;eur. 

His  nuyesty's  shooner  St.  Lawrence  of  lour- 
teen  1  <lb  carroiuMlts,  one  long  gun  and  75  men, 
besides  a  nimiber  of  soldiers  and  passengers, 
captured  by  the  Chasseur  of  Baltimoiv,  Captain 
BoyletaftL-r  a  very  severe  action  of  iS  minutes. 
ThelAwrencchaJ  40  men  killed  and  wounded  ; 
the  Chasseur  5  killed  and  8  wounded,  rhe  lat- 
ter mounted  six  .31b.  carronnades,  and  eight 
short  wlb  earronades. 


The  number  of  British  vessels  captured  during  the  war,  as  pub- 
iished  in  this  work,  is  1551. 


*•» 


■  Ife.; 


4011 


SKETCHES  Oi 


TREATY  OF  PEACE.- 


JAMES  MADISON,  / 

PUE^SIDENT  OF  THE  U^flTEO  STATES  OF  AMEUICA, 

To  all  and  singular  to  whom  these  pi  esents  shall  com«,— GREETING  :  „j '    , 

\VHI''.IIEAS  n  treaty  of  pence  and  amiiy  between  the  United  States  of  America,  and  hit  Brltaft'  •' 
tiic  majesty  was  sigiici)  at  Glieiit,  vn  the  tweiity-fourth  ilay  of  December,  one  tbousand  eight  hmiv 
(!i-i.-d  aiid  fourteen,  by  the  v'*^"il'***^^"ti<*<^it''*  >'e«pectivcly  appoittted  for  that  purpose ;  and  the  said 
ux'nty  having;  been,  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  senate  of  the  United  States,  duly  ac- 
repted,  raiiiled.  and  contirmed.  ou  tlie  seventeeuih  day  of  Kel)ruary.one  thousaml  eight  hundred  and 
tiitccn ;  and  ratified  copii'S  thereof  having  been  exchanged  agreeably  to  the  tenor  of  tliesaid  treaty 
«  hich  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

Trea'ij  of/ieace  and  amity  between  hit  Si'itannic  majcsly  ami  ilie  Vnltcd  Stales  of  America. 

His  Uritannie  majesiy  and  the  United  Stales  of  America,  detiroiis  of  terminating  the  war  which 
iias  »nhnpiiy  subsisted  between  the  two  countries,  and  of  resioi-iiig.  u|ion  principles  of  perteet  feci-. 
iirocity,  peace,  friendship  und  i;ood  understanding  between  <hein,  have.  Sir  that  purpose,  appointeaT 
their  respective  plenipotentiaries,  that  is  to  say '  his  Oritanuic  majesty,  on  bis  part,  has  appointed  the 
night  Honourable  James  lurd  Gambler,  late  admiral  ut  the  white,  now  admiral  of  the  Kd  squadron 
of  his  majesty's  fleet,  Henry  Guuldburn,  esquire,  a  member  of  the  imperial  parliament  and  tutder 
secretary  of  state,  and  \\  illiara  Adanis.  esquire,  doctor  uf  civii  laws :  And  the  president  of  the  Uni- 
ted States,  by  and  with  the  advice  and  c  disent  of  the  senate  thereof,  has  appointed  John  Quincey  Ail  •' 
itms.  James  A.  Oayard,  Henry  Clay,  Jo  lathan  Riissel  and  Albert  Gallatin,  citizens  of  the  United 
States,  who.  after  a  reciprocal  communication  of  their  retpeclive  full  powers,  have  agreed  upon  the 
iiillowing  articles ; 

AR'l'ICLE  1  —There  shall  be  a  finn  and  unirersal  peace  between  his  Britannie  majeaty  and  the 
Vnited  Statcs.and  between  their  respective  cuuiitries,  territories,  cities,  towns  and  people,  ^  every 
degree,  without  exception  of  places  or  jtersons  All  hostilities,  both  by  tea  and  land  uull  cease  as 
fmn  as  this  treaty  shall  havebeeit  ratified  by  both  parties,  as  hereinaftte  mentioned.  All  territory. 
places  and  possessions  whatsoever,  taken  from  either  party  by  the  other,  during  the  war,  or  which' 
may  be  taken  after  the  signing  of  this  treaty,  excepting  only  Ute  islands  heieinaiter  mentioned,  thaU 
be  restored  without  delay,  and  without  caushig  any  destruction,  or  carrying  away  any  of  the  artil 
lery  or  other  public  property  uriginallv  captured  in  the  said  fortt  or  places,  and  which  shall  remaiij 
I  herein  upon  the  escnange  of  the  ratiAcationt  of  this  treaty,  or  any  slaves  or  other  private  property. 
/Vnd  all  archives,  records,  dt:eds  and  papers.eitherof  a  public  nature,  or  btjlonging  to  private  per- 
tons,  which  in  the  course  of  the  war  mav  have  iallen  into  tlie  hands  of  the  ofliccn  of  either  pkrty. 
shall  be,  as  far  at  may  be  practicablt*.  torthwith  restored  and  delivered  to  the  proper  authorities  ain  - 
persons  to  whom  they  respectively  belong.  Such  of  the  islands  in  the  bay  of  Passamoquoddy  as  are  ^ 
v'laimed  bv  both  pavties,  shall  remain  in  the  jmssesaiun  of  the  party  in  whose  occupatian  they  may 
he  at  the  time  of  tlie  exohaiigu  of  the  ratifications  of  this  treaty,  until  the  decision  respecting  the  ti- 
•  te  to  the  said  islands  shall  h.ivo  been  made  in  conformity  with  the  f()U[th  uriiele  of  this  treaty.  No 
disposition  made  by  this  treaty,  as  to  such  possession  of  the  islands  and  teiTiixrics  claimed  by  both 
nariies.  shall,  in  any  manner  whatever,  he  construed  to  aifect  tiie  right  ot'  eitber- 

ARTICLR  IL— Immediately  sifter  the  ratifications  of  tliis  treaty  by  both  parties,  as  hereinafter 
mentioned,  orders  shall  be  sent  to  the  armies,  squadrons,  officers,  subjects  and  citizens,of  the  two' 
powers,  to  cease  from  all  hostilities  And  to  prevent  all  lauset  of  complaint  which  might  arise 
on  account  of  the  prizes  which  may  be  taken  at  sea  after  the  said  ratifications  of  this  treaty,  it  is  re- 
oiprocally  ai!;reed,  that  all  vessels  and  effects  whivh  inav  be  taken  after  tlie  space  f>f  it  days  fton^ 
tin:  said  ratifications,  upon  all  parts  or  the  coast  of  Noith  America,  from  the  latittule  of  33  decreet 
nurlh,  to  tlie  latitude  ot  50  degrees  north,  and  as  far  castwaril  in  tlw  Atlantic  ocean  as  the  30th  de- 
>rit;e  uf  west  longitude  t'rom  the  meridian  of  Greenwich,  shall  be  reiton.'d  to  i>ach  side  :  That  the 
lime  shall  be  30  days  in  all  other  parts  of  the  Atlantic  ocean,  north  of  the  equinoctial  line  or  equa- 
tor, and  the  same  time  tor  the  British  and  Irish  channels,  for  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  and  allparuof 
the  West  Indies ;  40  days  tor  the  Noillt  seas,  fur  the  Baltic,  and  for  all  parts  of  the  Meditetnuiean  ; 
fSO  days  for  the  Atlantic  ocean  south  or'  the  equator,  as  far  as  the  latitude  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  : 
QO  days  tur  every  part  of  the  world  south  of  the  equator ;  and  liO  days  for  all  other  patti  of  the 
world  without  eJtCeptioii. 

ARTICLE  III.— All  prisoners  of  war  taken  on  ^ther  side,  as  well  by  land  as  \ty  sea,  shall  be  re- 
stored as  so«n  as  practicable  after  the  ratification  of  this  treaty,  a»  liereuiafter  meiiiioned,  on  their 
paying  the  debts  which  they  niay  have  contracted  during  their  captivity  The  two  contracting 
parties  respectively  engage  to  discbarge  in  specie,  the  advances  which  may  liaVe  btec  made  by  th« 
uthei'  for  the  sustenance  and  maintenance  of  such  piisuiicrs. 

AH  I'ICLE  IV.— Whereus  it  was  stipulated  by  the  second  article  in  the  treaty  of  peace  of  178$  , 
between  liis  Uhtanntc  majesty  and  the  United  States  of  America,  that  the  boundary  of  the  United' 
States  should  comprehend  all  islands  within  20  leagues  of  any  part  of  the  khoret  of  the  U-  States, 
and  lying  between  lines  tu  be  drawn  due  east  from  the  points  where  tli*  atbrtsaid  boundaries  bt^ 
(ween  Nova-Scotia  on  the  uiu-  part,  and  East  Tlorida  on  tlie  other  shall  rcspixtively  touch  the  bai 
of  Kundy  and  the  Atlantic  ocean,  excepting  such  islands  at  now  are  or  heretotuir  have  been,  withtt 
the  limits  ot' Xova-bi'otia  ;  and  whereas  tlK:  ieveral  islands  in  the  bay  of    assaiiiaqvuddy.  which  it. 
Bart  of  the  Imy  of  Finid^,  and  the  island  of  Grand  Meiian  in  tbt  said  bay  of  Fundy.  an:  cla.ined  1^  [ 
tae  X/iiited  -fates  as  being cumpreliended  within  their  albre'^aid boundaries,  which   sail  island*  aije 
i-laimid  as  belonging  to  his  lliitannic  nujesty.  as  having'  b:«n  at  the  time  «t',  and  previous  to,  tiw 
•'o.i^aH  tP'Vty  of  i7l.l,  within  the  limiu  of  the  province  of  Mova-Scotia:  fa  order,  tantfoFC  finallf 


IS  hereinafter 

ii,ot°thetwo 

1  might  arise 

teaty.  it  it  re- 

I*  days  fVoni 

of  33  degrees 

the  30tii  de- 

:    That  the 

line  or  eqaa- 

id  all  parts  or 

xlitemmean 

Qood  Hope  : 

parttofthe 


»eace  of  178S  ^ 
Bf  the  United' 
ite  V.  SUtet, 
oundaries  bD- 
ouch  the  (m|: 
been.  witIA 
My.  which  is . 
H:  claimed  b]r, 
li'i  Ulaiidi  Uf! ' 
evious  «>,  tiler 
!T«fore  finallr 


I 


I'Hli 


-"     "'/lit.         /v-^ 


mfi 


SlUiTCUK^  lie. 


«rthff  Uro  putlet  the  «e*cti 
tiM  mM  booadanr,  da  leti 
powe  ofono  thonnBd  wW 
r«,  u  icavin  it,  tu  be  rar* 


. J  their  hands 

thui  refened  to  them,  wid 
^the  Lake  of  the  Wood^ 
bodi  pank*  agree  to « 
of  tiw  uiA  tw»  eoaunii 
fiw  tofct  luAnpoct*. 
sonrewmteetoatr 
thefiwnhartideiic 

ARTICLBVUI.^- 
ihall  icepeetiT^r  have 

dcoimiMv  aMd  ollheir 
Um  agents  ot*  his  BiHai 

The  saweaytfwlwecs  shajl 
twoeontractMiCpwiies.  sueh 
•catiMi«rd^|Naty.    .And 
equally  hf  the  rm  partiei. 
.the  piMe  of  every  s«eh  eomi 
■mmillitoiiiir  was  ae  first  — 
iiaa,aBddadieian»datl 
aay  of  the  idaads  meatieiied  ia 
the  parties  prierto.the 
thedMWonoraByord 
tot  a«  in  thefimr  MS*  pieeediac 
events  cl*  land  made  Mwkm  to 
Son.  shall  he a«  TaHAM  (TmicIi  ' 
he  within  the  don^nlons 
ARTICLB  IX-The 
flntien  oTthe  presenttteaty 
way  be  at  war  atthewae  of 

.«esMetinly>aU  m 

«,{none  dMNWand  __, 

.soeh  tribe*  w  natiaqs,  shall  i«ree  to 
jiheir  eiUfMwil^  eiweets, 

:)ligai«f  Indians  «W^  whooa  he  may 
etore  to  sueh  tribes  or  Mtioas 
We  ei^M^d  or  hMn^p«M 

iIWuigl5l«|y.#irf 
,  to  sMh  «tihM.«r  aatiMi,  fii, 

AUTIOUB  X^WheiCM  the  t 
jutiee,aadwli3wMjitti.Maj 
to  piNMioi^  iu  entfan  aMim>it 
jheft  eiMlearonnto  aewwpBfli  m 
;VAIinCt3n^Thla«eMx,when    . 

iWhMMONi' 

untoaftMdotir 
^DiHW,  iiii|i4|di;Me,  at  iUe^t,  the  tweal 


ind*  If !ng  in  the  lakes,  water  communications,  and  rivers  ttumiuK 
- ..  sly  belong,  in  cou'ormity  with  the  true  intent  of  the  saM  treaty  oT 
hoMKd  and  eighty-three ;  and  to  cause  sueh  parts  oT  the  sfcid  bound»- 
~    id  marlied.    rhe  said  commissioners  shall,  by  a  report  or  deelam- 
designato  the  bonndary  afinesaid.  state  their  decision  on  the  points 
ilarize  the  fanitede  and  longitude  of  the  most  nonh-westem  point 
other  part  of  the  said  lioaiidarf  as  they  may  deem  proper      And 
designation  and  decision  Anal  and  eonelutive     And  in  the  evci.t. 


:,  or  both  or  either  o>'  th  .-m  retVising.  declining,  or  wilfully  ondt- 

or  ttotements.  shall  be  made  by  them,  or  eiuer  of  them,  ahd 

qr  state,  shall  be  autle  in  all  respeeu,  as  in  the  latter  part  of 

as  fall  a  nunner  as  if  the  same  was  herein  repeated' 

boards  oT  two  eommlssioners  mentioned  in  the  preceding  articles 

appoint  a  secretary,  and  to  employ  sueh  surveyors  or  other  penons 

iipheate*  of  all  their  respective  rejMnts,  declaraiiMW,  siatemmts  and 

Its  and  of  the  .journal  oftbeir  proceedings  shall  be  delivered  by  tliem  to 

and  to  the  agents  of  the  UniMi  States,  who  may  be  respect- 

ige  the  business  on  behalf  oi°  their  respttetire  govemmenti. 

Bveiy  paid  in  sueh  manner  as  shall  be  agreed  between  the 

It  betag  to  be  settled  at  the  timeoi  the  exchange  of  the  rati- 

eipenses  attending  the  said  commissioiiers  iliall  be  defrayed 

the  e«se  ofd^th,  slekaess.  resignation,  or  necenary  absence, 

i  respectively  shall  be  supplied  in  the  tame  manner  a«  such 

and  the  new  eomminioner  shili  uke  the  same  oath  or  afflrma- 

her  agreed  betifeen  the  two  contractihr  parties,  that  in  case 

the  preeedinig  artieles  which  were  in  ta«  ppsscMion  of  one  of 

tofthepresinu  war  between  the  two  countries,  should  by. 

'  mere  aforesaid,  or  of  the  sovereign  or  stato  so  (Nlfcrrea 

itainad,wll  within  the  dominions  of  titeothrr  party,  all 

eeauDtorutn  war  by  the  party  having  had  such  ncMses- 

islands,hadbysi>ehd«cHionordedtions,been  adjudged  to 

iiig  had  such  postessiqn> 

Ameiiea  ei%aire  to  pi|t  an  en^  immediately  i|fter  the  rati- 

with  all  tjto  tnbee  or  uatkms  of  Indians,  with  whom  they 

,ai|il  ^ffthwitii  to  restore  to  s«eh  ttibes  or  itafions , 

wb^  ihw  nay  have  enjoyed  or  been  entitled 

MIS  lb  s«oh  Kosdlities  :    frnUkd  almayt.  that 

,.  hos0itses  amintt  the  United  S^te*  qf  America, 

«  die  present  treaty  lieing  notifled  \o  shch  tribes  or 


Aadhii 


oiljeet. 


shaU  have  been  catified  on 
die  ntiiieatiens  mntually 


'whlii^tBd  at  WiMhington,indiiqii^^ibtirlnbiiittN 

efltdiiiei  have  signet' ttdt  ticafyi  hi4lMfisMieR 

day  of  Oee^nlM:.    «!Qe  tl^lMPd  dght  hud' 


AMBIEA. 

raraovtsuRv, 
Ml  40AI0.  ' 


Is 


ADAMS,' 


'SsjS^c^sSl^.!^'^'''^ 


..w  Mtannie  Majesty  engages,  on  his  part,  to  put  an 

ptcsemtreaty  tolMMtd'tfb  with  all  the  tribes  or  na- 

te  time  of  sim|i  ranflcation,  an^  forthwith  }o  re- 

possessions,  lighuand  privilege*,, whieh  they  may 

,,  eight handredaiid  eleveii.  previoqi  to  sttbii^hos- 

natmniAaU'agtee  to  desist  fiaomUIhaafiiitiee  anmit 

'    ratpeation  of  tl^  present  tKtt^.]g||i|  -^tifled 

is  jraeaneilaMeiriili  4e  pri^M^esoiltimlanity  and 
'-'ted.SMlto  w*  desirous  of  flpndigniiict^  ""^ 


ith  the  eqntiaeting  par^  shad  use  their 
sides!  without  tUter- 


aad  «mity^ip^be^  observed  w^A  j^ojljjltll 


(SEAL) 


,.  he  mtide  m^ .  a^d  X  dph^riin  ^ria^llpOTM^ 
»iMep,«Mlair9ter ei^ti»eM  wr  hiiMs^^keqBf^  ifiihin the lifne.  &idin%  to obtme 

^(SUUtliefWttea^ande^jiy^^  ^^  ^' 

rawAV.t    .mtONuiohtirikataif.IhaveclHi^ 

^liiheats.  M<  shM  tk  same  n^^binylkand. 
»(  die  City  at  tf^Uagtan,  this  tighteenth  day  of  FdwiHiy,  in  die  year  of  onr 
Hd,  oi»  do^mnd  ePt  hnadned  and  fiOvu;  «  4  «^  a*  soveieigaty  and  iBdepca' 
4««earthe«Mtc4^totoithetfcktyidi|U  *— w— 

BythePrerthmt,  MMBSM^BO^. 

.tAMSS  MOKRQE,  Acting  Seerttmy  tf  State, 


/^lA'IA. 


f 


the  laMtwatyoT 
'  the  tkid  bounds, 
cport  or  deelan- 
lioa  on  the  point* 
nh-weitem  point 
m  proper  And 
Ana  in  the  ereti  '■"*i/  < 
'.orwIiniUjromit-  "» 
her  ot  Umiq,  aM 
the  latter  part  of 
^ted. 

Hieceding;  articlet 
lor  dtberpenont 
■>  ■latemrnt*  and 
veicd  liy  tlKm  to 
)  Aajr  be  rctpect- 
lire  gDvemnwnti. 
»4  betWMii  th« 
nge  of  the  mi- 
iliall  be  deftsayeil 
iceuary  absence, 
■nanner  a*  such 
oath  or  afflrma- 
iet,  thatintiaie 
MeMionofoneof 
ciet,  thonid  by. 
•tate  «D  r^fcrred 
oth^r  party,  all 
lad  sttcb  poue*- 
«>>  aiyttdgtd  to 

y  a(ler  tbe  nil. 
'ith  whom  they 
ribe*  or  nations, 
tr  been  entitled 
'id  atwayt,  that 
icey  vf  AUMflca, 
9ntlf  tribe*  or 
part,  to  put  an 
e  tribe*  or  na> 
bithwith  lore- 
fbieh  they  may 

^S% 

L'^wdanlty  and 
irttJj^  effort* 
naniuetteir 

without  aVeeiv 

^ibiur  ttMiraw- 

ind  tiglif  liud- 


llfylnobitrve 

fflkcdtotheie 

» year  of  onr 
aiid|adfipea< 


